Member of Brooklyn Cohousing here..

For our account of current financing options, see http://www.brooklyncohousing.org/financing.shtml

Unlike what the article says, our troubles have nothing to do with the type of building we're creating. The fact that we have 16 committed qualified buyers for a building not yet under construction in this market is very attractive to lenders. But the traditional banking rules now say 100% is required. So we just have to grow fast enough to make the traditional model work, or we have to choose one of the many alternative financing options available to us (at higher cost). Either way, we have options.

--K.

Posted by: kb at July 29, 2009 5:51 PM in response to More Trouble for CoHousing Group

"Will you be doing a info session in Greenwood Hts. as well? Might be helpful. I'm sure Community Board 7 would be a good facilitator."

Great idea. We have been holding our regular info sessions in Boerum Hill because it is convenient to so many subway lines (for people coming from work in Manhattan), but I think adding some near the site is a great idea.

Note also that the local zoned elementary school for this site is PS 10 (5 min. walk to South Slope/Windsor Terrace) - we are thrilled to be sending our kids to that excellent local school.

kb.

Posted by: kb at May 4, 2009 2:03 PM in response to Brooklyn Co-Housing Lands in Greenwood Heights

There is an info session TONIGHT: 7pm at Belarusan Church, corner of Atlantic and Bond Street in Boerum Hill. For those who want greater community life in their building, while still being very much connected to the community at large and owning one's own fully equipped private apartment.

--kb & family, members of Brooklyn Cohousing

Posted by: kb at May 4, 2009 12:07 PM in response to Brooklyn Co-Housing Lands in Greenwood Heights

Changing market conditions and recent publicity have opened up new sites and possibilities for realizing our vision in a more cost-effective way. Much as we love the former St. Michaels church property, and the prospect of being part of the wider Fort Greene community, it doesn't make sense to develop at that site under current conditions. It is a buyer's market now, and we're discovering just how attractive a buyer we are to developers who are motivated to sell.

--member of Brooklyn Cohousing

Posted by: kb at December 18, 2008 1:50 PM in response to Fort Greene Co-Housing Deal Falls Apart

Brooklyn Cohousing is having an Orientation TONIGHT for prospective members of our community. Come learn what we're really about and how cohousing offers a quality of life not otherwise available in Brooklyn (privacy in your own home plus community life available outside your door when you want it).

ORIENTATION TONIGHT:
6pm at the Belarusan Church, 401 Atlantic Avenue at Bond Street. Kids welcome. Orientations are educational sessions where you can get more information about us and our site, and have a chance to ask all your questions. Everyone welcome.

-KB, a member of Brooklyn Cohousing. www.brooklyncohousing.org

Posted by: kb at October 27, 2008 11:25 AM in response to Brooklyn Cohousing Selects a Site