Vision Statement for Cornerstone Village

Purpose ~ We have come together to plan for and live in a cohousing community because we believe that people who have connections to others in a community context live richer and happier lives. We value the cooperative process of planning, designing and maintaining our own community. In today's world, with its fragmented and often isolating lifestyles, many neighborhoods do not serve the supportive function that they did in previous generations. An intentional, collaborative community can contribute to an individual's personal sense of belonging, and ability to contribute to the well being of others and society as a whole.

Physical Description ~ The community is located in a diverse neighborhood in North Cambridge with easy access to public transportation, stores and open spaces such as the adjacent Linear Park, which is open for both pedestrian and biking use. The community is composed of 32 residential units of various sizes. Housing is designed to allow as much shared open space as possible, such as gardens and play space for children. There is a central common house for shared dinners and other community activities. Each household occupies a complete home with a full kitchen, and may opt for privacy or sociability as desired. There will continue to be an emphasis on excellent, innovative design, both architectural and landscape, with a focus on creative, aesthetic use of small spaces.

Accessibility and Visitability ~ We endeavor to create a community that is not only accessible to disabled persons, but is also a model of visitability. We want a community that is friendly to both members and visitors with temporary or long term physical, visual, hearing or cognitive disabilities. They will be able to visit all individual households and the common spaces. We have included features in the common house to enable everyone to share in community work and activities.

Community ~ The physical design of the community encourages spontaneous interaction. Members share some evening meals in the common house, using a rotation of cooking and cleaning assignments. We emphasize creating community through shared activities, work, play and joy. Learning and teaching of skills between members, especially across generations, is encouraged. Interdependence and mutual assistance are promoted as an integral part of daily life. Many of us are involved in the neighborhood as well as the wider community. We are committed to the consensus process as our mode of decision-making.

Diversity ~ The community promotes cultural, racial and economic diversity through a broad outreach, the inclusion of affordable units and a welcoming attitude. We welcome families with children, singles, married couples, empty nesters and same-sex households.

Environmental Responsibility ~ One of the more appealing aspects of cohousing is the opportunity for a lighter, less consumer-oriented lifestyle. Economies of scale abound, including sharing the lawn mower, tools, child care, and guest rooms. We recycle, compost, conserve water and try to be as environmentally responsible as we can.

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