On the common house lawn
Life in cohousing provides many new experiences, some of them challenging - but there are also many benefits.
What does living in cohousing mean, in practical terms? What does it mean at Wasatch Commons?
The layout of the community is designed to foster casual encounters and spontaneous interaction among residents. The homes are clustered together. Parking is on the perimeter, to allow a pedestrian-friendly walkway between the homes. Porches and common patios encourage people to linger outside. Kitchens are at the front of the homes. Large windows face towards the common house.
Much of community life centers around the common house, where residents pick up mail, do laundry, share some meals, party, and meet to make decisions about community affairs.
In addition to meals and formal meetings, casual encounters on the path or in the common house and a community listserv keep residents in touch with each other.
Major decisions, particularly on community policies, are made by the community as a whole, using consensus. The combined skills of the community are a great resource, and the consensus process allows all community members to have their voices heard.
Routine decisions are delegated to committees; for instance, the landscape committee would decide whether the lawn needs to be aerated this year. Each adult resident is expected to serve on at least one committee.
Members may choose either to perform community work every month or pay a maintenance fee. .
Wasatch Commons residents cooperate in many ways outside the formal community management structure.
Celebrating together is an important part of community life.
Residents from different backgrounds share their traditions with others.
Five affordable units built through a federally assisted program broaden the community's range in income.