Frequently Asked Questions
END-OF-YEAR 2023 PROJECT MANAGER REPORT: Read it here
PROGRESS IN 2022!
Our first workshop was the “Getting It Built” Workshop, where we explored everything from marketing to group process, financial to physical design. The date for this was March 5th. We then met with the public to introduce how we were going to be a sustainable site using the US Green Building Council’s SITES initiative guidelines, and that was done June 4th.
We met with our architects and land planner on June 25th to lay out our site. On July 16th, we met to agree on a rough design for our Common House. In subsequent meetings, we have adjusted the site and the Common House designs, and are now ready to take the next steps with our other professionals.
On Sept 24th, we met to start finalizing the designs of our five home types. We hope to have approvals by winter, 2023, start construction spring of 2024 and be able to move in fall of 2024.
Meanwhile, however, we hold monthly Socials and orientations in conjunction with Site Tours. Check the Events tab or contact us for more information.
What is the Timeline and the Development Process?
The market is in flux and interest rates are high. We are hoping the prices of the homes come down soon!
Our latest estimates show low $600’s price point for the town homes, and the low $400’s or so for a single floor of the duplexes. The end unit is coming in around $700K. This is comparable to other homes available in the Kimberton area (what with inflation!) but it includes two major components that differ:
a) the cost of the home includes a share in the common facilities (based on a percentage of total square footage of built space),
b) the energy bills will be very low, because we are planning to build tight building envelopes, utilize centralized mechanical and electrical systems, and because we work together to keep the costs low. The shared spaces allow residents to downsize comfortably.
There will be a monthly "maintenance" fee, again very low, because residents choose which services they want to do themselves. A portion of the fee will go to capitalize future projects the community wants to add. We will start developing the HOA documents and fees in fall, 2023.
At this time, we are unable to give an idea of the property taxes.
We are in discussion with various foundations who incorporate ”sustainable housing" in their mission and are hoping to partner with them to provide funding for our project.
There are many ways members save money by living in community. Read our blog “Saving Money Living Together in Community.”
Come meet Altair members and help us keep up our momentum!
What is the Cost?
We're not there yet! Residents meet to write a whole range of documents laying out how we want to live together. Some examples of the work we need to accomplish:
Gardening practices, accounting, visitors, renters, work share, collecting the monthly association fee, facilitator training, meeting schedule, pets, common meals, kitchen use, community TV, maintenance, community internet, communications among residents, circles (committees), uses of the Common House, working with neighbors, resolving issues, eldercare, teens, nursing support, car sharing, environmental sensitivity, monitoring energy use…
The list goes on and on! Come join us and help determine how we want to live! We are discussing our Values, reconfirming our mission, and adding members.