The LLC worked with the Township to develop a Low-Impact Overlay Ordinance for the rural center known as Kimberton Village. This will allow us to build an energy-efficient Cohousing model for 29 town houses and duplexes with a 55+ age restriction subject to Fair Housing Act (20% below 55). We are seeking a Silver Rating for the US Green Building Council's SITES Sustainable Initiative and also Passive House certification. We plan to develop a microgrid and have a robust ride-sharing program.
In 2022, we proceeded with community workshops to work on the site design, Common House design, and Home Designs with future residents. We are now applying for the Subdivision and Land Development approval and building permits. Our next steps to do Passive House Modeling. We will also be working on our HOA documents, the ride-sharing program, and review the costs in this crazy market of what our Members have indicated they want. We have a Contract Developer (who intends to live in the community) and a Construction Manager, along with our Project Manager for the Members. We have interns helping with marketing and the US Green Building Council's SITES Initiative.
We currently have ten member families, several of whom have invested over $750K, the others contributing to escrow accounts. The housing market is unpredictable, but we are currently looking at the low $400K's for single floors in the duplexes around $600K+ for 2-BR and 3-BR townhouses and end units. We'll see! You are welcome to contact us for more details.
In the meantime, our non-profit entity, Kimberton EcoVillage, INC has the following:
Mission: “To promote and develop the Kimberton EcoVillage and other ecovillages, and to educate members and the public in sustainable methods and practices of developing and governing ecovillages.” To that end, we are working with Mid-Atlantic Cohousing, and communities in Delaware, New Jersey, and elsewhere in Pennsylvania.
Tasks:
Member marketing
Member governance through Task Circles (Land & Buildings, Governance, Community Life)
Organize and hold educational workshops for the Members and the public
Focus on sustainability as it applies to a model community and SITES
Train in group process - sociocracy, facilitation, non-violent communication
Pursue grants for the microgrid, sustainable landscaping, and other programs
Act as stewards of the Kimberton site and use best permaculture practices
Broaden the mission through attending conferences and connecting with other ecovillages
Model a work fair-share program
Develop a 10-year maintenance program
Sponsor an intern program for students to explore and research aspects of ecovillages
The Site Plan image represented here has been modified - see our website for the latest!