Auburn CoHousing Committee to host presentation July 13

This story was updated at 5 p.m. Thursday, July 8, 2021. The Auburn CoHousing Committee will host a presentation July 13 about a possible senior cohousing project in North Auburn. The meeting is scheduled to start at 6 p.m. at the Auburn State Theatre. Charles Durrett, a cohousing architect, said neighborhoods are custom-built communities where residents assist in the design, and this project is "a great opportunity for Auburn and the residents of Auburn." "I'm a huge believer in community and high-functioning neighborhoods," said Durrett, who has designed roughly 55 cohousing neighborhoods across the country. "I'm a huge believer in high-functioning towns, and I believe high-functioning towns are built with high-functioning neighborhoods." According to Durrett, the presentation will provide information to the public about what cohousing is, how feasible the project - located on 4 acres off Atwood Road - will be and to gauge interest in the project. Durrett said a typical litmus test projects if more than 50 people show an interest in living in the neighborhood, the project can move forward. "These neighborhoods don't get built without future residents," he said. Auburn CoHousing Committee member and future resident Merrill Kagan-Weston said residents will be involved in the decision-making process. Auburn CoHousing Committee member Mike Holmes said this will allow residents to add amenities they want, such as a swimming pool or small lending library. "There's no developer that says, 'Here's what we're going to do.' We make those decisions. Getting in on the ground level definitely gives you a choice," Kagan-Weston said. Auburn CoHousing Committee member and future resident Karen Reitz said this neighborhood is "the answer" for retirees and described cohousing as "co-sharing, co-helping, co-living." "Retirees being alone and living alone, we need that kind of social interaction, and you don't get that in just a neighborhood," Reitz said. Kagan-Weston said cohousing neighborhoods allow for a minimal lifestyle due to residents sharing with each other and cuts down on community costs such as ambulances because "everyone watches out and cares for each other." Kagan-Weston shared that within existing cohousing neighborhoods during the pandemic, older residents assisted with child care so parents could continue working. "It's a way of life that's different than what we're all used to, and it is a positive atmosphere for all ages," Kagan-Weston said. Holmes said the project could also assist with housing goals and is an opportunity to have a range of houses and apartments in the city, as cohousing is "relatively inexpensive" compared to current available housing. Holmes and Kagan-Weston said if the project is successful, they hope to build a second cohousing neighborhood within the city limits of Auburn. Reitz said anyone is welcome to attend the presentation, even if they are not a candidate for the project. Holmes said they hope 100 people attend, and he is also interested in seeing younger people attend who may want to buy a smaller place to build equity over time. "We want them to come because the thing is even if they're not candidates, they can spread it to other people," Reitz said. "We want them to be knowledgeable." Reitz said the committee's current goal is to inform the public and build the committee with individuals who want to proceed to the next step, with the hope of being able to "turn key in three years." For more information about cohousing or the presentation, call 530-885-7320, email cohoauburn@gmail.com, or visit auburncohousing.com. Durrett also recommends residents read his books "The Senior Cohousing Handbook: a Community Approach to Independent Living" and "Creating Cohousing: Building Sustainable Communities" before the presentation to learn more about cohousing. Durrett's books can be found in local libraries and bookstores and on Amazon.