~ t-Z8 <br />Date: September 18, 2013 <br />To: Hearings Official <br />From: Susan Hyne <br />Resident, CoHo Ecovillage, Corvallis <br />1975 SE Crystal Lake Drive, Unit 111 <br />Corvallis, OR 97333 <br />541-753-4453 <br />susanhyne gmail.com <br />Attention: OMC <br />I am writing in support of Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing. I'm a resident of CoHo <br />Ecovillage in the southtown neighborhood of Corvallis. <br />Our site had to be annexed to the city through a vote before our project could be <br />built. The overwhelming support we received from Corvallis residents was <br />wonderful. In sharing our dream and talking about the annexation, we emphasized <br />our strong commitment to being good neighbors. Cohousers invest lots of time <br />and energy to live in a close-knit neighborhood and that takes open communication <br />and the willingness to work together. <br />We now enjoy collaborating with our southtown neighbors on community projects, <br />plus sharing garden space and other resources. CoHo's common house has been a <br />meeting space for neighborhood gatherings. Our annual family-friendly <br />Halloween celebration down our central path attracts lots of folks from the <br />neighborhood. <br />We have an active Friends of CoHo program and Associate Member program. <br />These families take part in our weekly meal program and some serve on CoHo <br />teams and help out at work parties. <br />Based on our experience in southtown Corvallis, I believe that a cohousing <br />community can be a positive addition to a neighborhood. <br />Susan Hype <br />1247 <br />