hart’s mill an ecovillage in efland, nc november 2012
TRANSCRIPT
Hart’s Millan Ecovillage in Efland, NC
November 2012
The Vision
Land Stewardship
"A human-scale, full-featured settlement in which human activities are harmlessly integrated into the natural world in a way that is supportive of healthy human development, with multiple centers of initiative, and (which) can successfully be continued into the indefinite future.“
- Robert Gilman
Eco-Village Definition
The Vision
Built Environment
Pedestrian-oriented site plan
Clustered homes with a shared common house
Green building
Energy efficiency & renewables
Waste-water recycling and rain water catchment
The Vision
Lifestyle
Agrarian lifestyle with urban proximity
Bulk of community’s food produced, processed and stored sustainably onsite
Range of housing options and affordability
Separate finances (not shared income) Multi-generational
The Vision
Context
Pilot innovative sustainable living initiatives
Provide outreach & training programs for the public
Affiliate with educational institutions and projects
Explore local currency and barter systems
The Journey
NOV 2008: Formed Triangle Intentional Community Meetup group (TICMG) JAN 2009: spun off group to create an intentional community in the Triangle area Met weekly over a period of 2 years to address both physical & social aspects of the envisioned community
The Journey
MAY 2010: formed Carolina Common Well, LLC (CCW) to serve as development agency Also have the Center for Community Alternatives, (formerly called EcoAccess) a 501(c)3 non-profit organization AUGUST 2010: Alana Ennis approached CCW with offer to make her inherited 115-acre farm in Efland available as a site for the community
SEPTEMBER 2010: Began actively recruiting new members incl. tabling at conferences & festivals APRIL 2012: CCW co-sponsored with the Fellowship for Intentional Community ‘The Future of Community - Intentional, Cooperative, Sustainable!’ event in Durham MAY 2012: Permaculture site survey completed as basis for site planning
The Journey
JULY 2012: Approached School of Living regarding joining their community land trust SEPTEMBER 2012: First meeting with Orange County Planning Department and first community workday on land
The Journey
The Land
Location
The Land
Aerial View
The Land
Landscape
The Land
Characteristics
• Excellent soils for agriculture and septic• Large area of gentle south-facing slopes• Bounded on two sides by perennial streams• Pond (approx. 4 acres)• Ample ground water for well• Zoned R-1
Planning
Sketch Plan
Planning
Site Planning
Conducted permaculture site analysis
Researching planning & zoning regulations; meeting with Orange County planners
Exploring sustainable site development materials, techniques and approaches
Developing estimated infrastructure costs
Planning
Legal/Financial
Seeking optimum model for purchase, ownership and development that will ensure perpetual adherence to sustainable principles & affordability
Working with local attorney with expertise in farmland preservation and conservation easements
Need to ensure that housing discrimination laws are not violated by membership vetting process
Planning
Site Development Process
Submit conceptual site plan to County for review
Make revisions and submit final plan for approval
Build basic site infrastructure – roads, utilities
Close on sale or lease of individual building sites
Build common house and area walkways, lighting, foodscaping, etc.
Community
Membership
Founders envisioned more engagement than merely sharing a common house and garden
Separate finances and home ownership (equity)
Residents of the community will be vetted through a staged membership process with increasing bilateral commitment and responsibility
Community
Membership Levels
Exploratory: getting to know one other & exploring the alignment of our visions
Associate: participating in our community formation work with a minimum of commitment
Engaged: certain you want to join our community and feel ready to fully commit yourself to the work
Full: enjoy all rights, privileges & responsibilities
Community
Membership Timelines
Exploratory: open-ended until transitioning to Associate (self-declaring)
Associate: minimum 3 months until transitioning to Engaged
Engaged: 6 to 12 months until transitioning to Full
Full: perpetual until exit
Visit our website for information on membership:
http://hartsmill.net