They are colonists and homesteaders, with technological support. Twenty-first century ecovillagers echo the early-American Dream: They want a home, a sense of community, and a better way of life. But there won’t be any barn-raisings at the brand-new Three Groves Ecovillage. Instead, “members” will live in LEED-certified townhouses with onsite solar-generated and geothermal power; energy efficient appliances; and Web access.
Located in West Grove, Pennsylvania, Three Groves Ecovillage is a 7.5-acre co-housing community of 37 individually-owned homes, scheduled to be ready for occupation during 2012.
More than 200 ecovillages have been developed in the United States over the past 25 years and there are many more worldwide. As defined by future Three Groves residents, “Eco-villages are communities of people who strive to live a sustainable lifestyle in harmony with each other, other living beings, and the Earth.”
They are quick to assure the uninitiated that “co-housing” does not mean living under one roof. Instead, it combines the advantages of private homes with the benefits of more sustainable living—including shared common facilities, shared meals (not required); and ongoing connections with a diverse, intergenerational cohort of neighbors.
Plans for Three Groves have been underway since May 2009, when local residents seeking to build a net-zero energy ecovillage signed an agreement of sale with Edna Lamborn, for her property on the corner of Prospect Avenue and West State Street. The parcel is located one-half mile from downtown—an easy walk from and to the library, schools, the post office, restaurants, the SCCOOT bus stop, and across the street from 125-acre Goddard Community Park. They called it Three Groves Ecovillage, in honor of its location in London Grove Township, bordering West Grove Borough, and within Avon-Grove School District.
Sandy Wiggins, former chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council and a principal of the developer, Perkiomenville, PA –based Aye Partners, explained, “Choosing pedestrian-oriented smart locations in close proximity to community assets is a key factor for long-term sustainability. One of our country’s greatest challenges is changing our past patterns of development that make inefficient use of land and infrastructure and that are entirely dependent on the automobile.”
Janet Pelletier, a future resident commented, “I have this vision of walking with my kids down to the library or to school, of strolling to a restaurant with friends, and of early-morning bird-watching in the park. I can't wait to move our family there. All the hard work to find a perfect spot for our ecovillage has really paid off."The ultra-energy-efficient, environmentally-sensitive houses—designed by Philadelphia-based Re:Vision Architecture to preserve the land's natural beauty— will be constructed in three “groves” or clusters of about 12 homes each. The homes will be durably built with recycled and/or low/no-VOC (volatile organic compound) materials. Each one- to four-bedroom unit will be situated close to a Common House with gardens, play areas, guest rooms, and a large kitchen/dining area. Units will be designed with “Aging in Place” in mind. There will be a bedroom and a full bath on the first floor of every unit, so that the community can attract all types of families, with members ranging in age from 5 to 81.
The eco-features in the homes will make them national models. The homes will be heated with solar electricity and are designed to use the same amount of energy that they create. Costs will be zero, and some homeowners may receiver rebates as they sell the green energy they create to the regional utility, PECO. What’s more, members will enjoy lower water bills, due to water- efficient appliances and other water technologies.
“With no utility bills and very low maintenance costs, these homes will demonstrate the superior long-term economy and marketability of green design,” said Margot Mohr Teetor, the project’s green realtor with Re/Max Town and Country.
The price will be in the $200,000 range for a one-bedroom unit and $400,000 or more for a four bedroom home. “If you are in the market to buy a new home, you can make it work,” said Anthony Aufdenkampe, a future resident. Monthly charges will be about $1,750, including mortgage, taxes, and energy costs.Nine households have been sold to date. “I think people who want to live in a greener way will be attracted to this,” purchasing member Sharon Sweitzer said
0 comentarios:
Publicar un comentario