Welcome to our Newsletters!
Welcome to the first issue of Mosaic Commons' new newsletter, designed to let those interested in the community know what's going on with us. For more up-to-date information, check out our newly redesigned website at www.mosaic-commons.org, or attend one of our site walks, intro meetings or social events.
On March 13, the Zoning Board of Appeals for Berlin held the first meeting to consider our comprehensive permit application. Over 40 people turned out. Sawyer Hill’s project managers and other professionals were on hand to present details about our community and answer questions from the ZBA and Berlin residents. Jen Wiley-Cordone also attended, and reports that the overall tone of the meeting was positive. The Boston Globe reported on the ZBA hearing here.
The hope is that the ZBA hearings will close by July.
The closing of the purchase of the Zwicker parcel took place on February 22. Sawyer Hill is now the owner of this parcel and it has been added to the existing parcel. The total area owned is now 64.9 acres. Adding this parcel will significantly reduce septic construction costs and complications for the project compared with the septic options and costs previously available on the original Bigelow parcel.
Water testing at the wells has been completed. Water quality samples have shown no dangerous chemicals like lead or arsenic.
The Cooperative Fund of New England has agreed to loan Sawyer Hill $350,000.
Project schedule still anticipates complete approval of the 40B approvals process in the summer of 2006. If this works out to be true, some site construction work can be undertaken before the weather changes this winter. If not, construction will not start until spring or summer of 2007.
We were invited to speak to a sociology class at Holy Cross on "The Good Society". The students raised questions from logistics of creating a cohousing community to how involvement in the group has changed individuals personally. This opportunity allowed us to share the passion as well as the reality behind building the community.
Mosaic Commons Newsletter
February, 2007
PERMIT APPROVED!!
We are very excited to announce that, together with our partner Camelot
Cohousing, we've been granted our permit to build in Berlin, MA. On January
10, the Berlin zoning board voted to approve our permit. Then we waited
anxiously to see if any of our neighbors would appeal the decision; on
February 6 the appeal period ended, and we are now officially approved
to build on Sawyer Hill in Berlin!
THE PATH FORWARD
Now that we are approved, we are kicking into high gear.
Our current estimated timeline:
Now: completing the Design Development phase
April-June: final Construction Documents
June-July: bidding for construction
Summer 07: site construction begins
Fall 07: home and Common House construction begins
Fall 08: MOVE-IN!!
SEVENTH ANNIVERSARY
This month we celebrated Mosaic Commons' 7th Anniversary with our
traditional pot-luck party and Yankee Swap! New View Cohousing
in Acton kindly hosted the event in their Common House.
Fun was had by young and not-so-young alike. Pictures of
the event can be seen at our website:
http://photos.mosaic-commons.org/7anniv
UPCOMING EVENTS
Site Walks: March 4, April 1 (1:00 PM)
Intro Meetings: March 18, April 16 (1:00 PM)
General Meetings: March 4, March 18, April 1, April 16 (3:30-6:30)
(NOTE: The March 4 General Meeting will start at 3:00PM instead of the
usual 3:30)
JOIN US!
It isn't too late to join Mosaic Commons, and now that we have received
our comprehensive permit, the major risks have passed.
We still have the following unit types available:
1 bedroom flats (2)
2 bedroom townhouses (4)
3 bedroom townhouses (2)
4 bedroom townhouses (1)
But these are sure to go fast; we are targeting
summer to have all available units pre-sold. If you'd like to
learn more, come to an Intro Meeting on the third Sunday of the
month or a site walk on the first Sunday of the month. If you've
already been to an Intro Meeting but have been waiting to get involved,
now's the time. Come to our General Meetings, held on the
first and third Sundays every month in Marlboro.
SUPPORT US!
This winter and spring, we will be needing a lot of capital as
we approach construction. You can help support us AND make
a sound investment through our Friends and Family Loan Program.
The program offers terrific interest rates on loans of any size.
Contact finance@mosaic-commons.org or call Diana Carroll at
(978) 263-3206 for more information.
CONTACT US!
For more information, visit our web site: www.mosaic-commons.org,
send us email at info@mosaic-commons.org or give Steph Doss a call at
(508) 453-0446.