Aspiring Community

Notes from meeting June 16, 2009

Sixteen of us met in ‘paradise’— the screened gazebo in the Raap’s garden with a view of Shelburne Bay. Present were: Lynette and Will, Nell and Chris, Martha, Nicandra, Joe and Melendy, Larry and JoAnne, Meredith, Katherine and Howie, Jill, Pam and Ted. We received regrets from: Christine and Sandy, Don Jamison, Alan Plumb, Connie Helms, and Julie Frame.

After a rousing rendition of Jubilate Deo, the Core Group (Nell, Lynette and Jill) presented the Guiding Principles—available on this blog. All are encouraged to post response, additions, subtractions to this living document.

We talked a bit about South Village. Will has been in conversation with David Scheuer, developer at SV. Will noted that in working with SV, we could be ‘a directing force’. A lot of the challenges of development have been addressed there, much of the effort done. We can use our guiding principles to lead the way in creating the community we envision.

A possible scenario with SV: 30 units planned over 10 years, start building in 4 years, build 5 units a year. ‘build out’ in 10 years.

There are many unanswered questions, eg. What will the houses look like? How do we accommodate members commiting and building at different times? When should we bring in new members? (One suggestion is to hold an open house in the fall, once we have more solid picture.)

We had a round where each individual spoke to three questions: do we see ourselves living at AC? What is our time frame? Do we support building at South Village?

The majority of those present are enthusiastic about the community aspect of AC. Many felt 3-5 years would be possible, some 5-10 years. There was general support for building at SV, particularly because so much of the work of developing is done. There are concerns about road noise, wind, vitality and fertility of the land, and the South Burlington water. Many appreciate the proximity to Burlington and possibility of public transport.

Our next meeting is planned for Thursday, July 9, 7:00 pm at the Raaps. Desserts are welcome.  Joanne Dennee and Larry Sommers will present research on the water/chloramine situation.

RSVP on this blog!!

Submitted respectfully by Jill ---additions/corrections/comments are welcome