Coming from the Boomer Generation...

had a thought but thought better of it thanks

These are a few pieces of a thread from a while ago on this subject. It's easy to get off track, so I thought I could start again. This time keeping seperate categories for those that wish to think aloud here, and another category for the architecture, or the physical requirements.

"Planned Community in Nicaragua" 2hours from Miami, and short car ride to Costa Rica! Join a group discussion exploring options of a coop venture. (planning, buying, designing, building, living in and aging in place) About a dozen semi attached dwellings sharing central courtyard gardens, a swimming pool, and large pavillion to bar-b-que and congregate. Sharing the cost of gardner, night-watchman, a car and driver, doctor and nurse on call, and whatever small scale philanthropy we vote to be involved in. For semi retired members seeking an affordable alternative life style (think of the commune you dreamed of when you were younger, now with a realistic purpose and order.) Total investment of U$50K per unit, or less, with an association fee of U$100. per month. No speculators, as the association must buy back each unit and resell at the same original price, or a fixed rate of appreciation.

Just dreamin'...thinkin outside the box. How could I take care of my 84yo mother, and my wife in a wheelchair? Offering an enjoyable home base in the midst of a local community/center? Others must be facing the same situations. Certainly more will be in the future. Why not plan our own retirement community instead of joining someone else's model? Buy a whole city block outside Granada, or inside Masaya or Esteli or Carazo area. Shoot me if I'm crazy, but there must be others out there who could muster up the courage to trust in one another. es posible, no?

After the holidays I am planning an open meeting at the local library, to be advertised in the local paper along the lines of what I wrote above. Over the course of several meetings I expect we will form a committee to keep minutes, log discussions or concerns, and develop a simple site to retain the info, links, and resources that are out there. So as not to repeat work already done, I have spoken to and learned much from members in cooperative communities in Amherst, Mass and the surrounding area. I expect all parties will be reading and learning from this wonderful website as well.

Many people are thinking along these lines already. A Geezer Ranch in theory is not too terribly different from a Geek Ranch idea. A group community of affordable houses in Jinotega as proposed by Tony, has a similar purpose but through a different execution. Money is always a problem. Concerns of up front capitol, assurances of completing various promises, the ever-present temptation of greed, and the run away effect such a project has on the local economy, both in terms of construction and inflated housing/land costs afterwards. Just think of San Juan del Sur.

The only way I can think to short circuit this cycle is to share ownership, cap the value, and agree that casitas are to be used, and not purchased for investment or resale. It's time to stop thinking about growing more money, and think about what you could do with that money for your life... the life of others just like you, and the life of the local community you'll be living in. If people must be absent for months at a time, then just a portion of the dividable floor plan can be used to rent to other travelers, to promote the model to more people who are looking for options. That way your personal effects are safe, but the front guest room is used, and the place is alive. (But maybe owners wouldn't like that idea, and would vote not to do it. Okay, it's your space and you own it.)

This is the basic principle that I believe could be repeated for Geezer Ranches, Surfing Shacks, or Organic Farm Communities. Everyone pays in for the land purchase. Next phase is to pay in for the concrete shell of the wrap around buildings. Next installment of funds finishes the infrastructure and shared amenities. Next installment pays for basic interiors. Move in day is announced and everyone can help one another with the painting and furniture buying. Many, many options. Si? Que no?

As a "community" people could identify similarities and differences ahead of time and learn how to get along in mutually beneficial ways. If we hope to get along in a new culture and respect their ways, is it too Pollyana to hope that we could get along with each other first? Naturally the first project will face a harder time in terms of surprises that can only be, well…expected. But other groups could follow, and anticipate problems from our model, as they plan their own cooperative community somewhere else. And after you drop by a few years from now and see what could be done, wouldn’t you be interested in putting your name on a waiting list for the next opening at a low, somewhat sane or fixed price?

Such an arrangement could be a form of support that could far outweigh realty greed. One car bought with group funds could be driven by one driver for outings, and tours, but also reserved for airport pickups or scheduled shopping trips to the big city. One swimming pool could be used by all, and a garden pavilion enjoyed by everyone. A covered patio in front of your unit for sitting alone, and a central barbeque area for socializing.

Consider the jobs for the locals. One full time driver/manager/translator/on site helper who is really sharp, one night watchman, one daytime cleaner. Part timers would find income from the group as a whole....a decent handyman (I know that is a wish,) an outside cook who caters a group-meal once a week, someone who teaches Spanish to the group, maybe on the same day that we invite children in to teach them English.

Maybe buy a square block on the fringe of town, and build a single or two story arrangement that faces the central garden. Some open decks above to catch a breeze. Keeping the Latin feel of the architecture with stucco arches, and covered patios.

Lets say someone needs to travel. They could lock their valuables away in a concrete vault on the premises, knowing that they'll be there when they return. One locked freezer chest could safely store large purchases for everyone. And one generator could assure there would always be one or two outlets working when really needed. One solar collector would keep a bank of batteries going for central lighting, and maybe at least fans for sleeping. One well designed rainwater collection system with large storage and raised cistern. One solution to decent internet connection could be shared by all. Put your heads together and share your talents.

Firstly, is there a shared desire that makes sense? Yes, I believe there are many divergent ones. Secondly, can all the tough questions be answered? Yes, I’ve seen it done elsewhere. Thirdly, can people prioritize their interests between making a big profit and making a safer, easier transition to a simpler lifestyle? That’s up to the individual. Can a group meet and find common ground, and not let their individual concerns overshadow how much they are receiving together? I’ll have to let you know on that one.