Sunday, September 22, 2013 <br />to: Hearings Official <br />from: Don Kahle <br />re: Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing <br />Governor Kitzhaber and others have famously remarked that there are only two things <br />Oregonians will-not abide: density and sprawl. I've seen the OMC plan and I believe they <br />have found the sweet spot between those two. <br />Yes, there will be concerns about the number of units, although the number is fewer <br />than what zoning would allow. What's remarkable about their plan is the amount of <br />open space that is preserved. This is accomplished with several design innovations that <br />rise f rom the mutual trust OMC's members have built between themselves. <br />• 16uildings can be clustered because residents aren't seeking as much distance as <br />possible from their neighbors. <br />• Units are smaller than they might otherwise be, because all residents will share <br />some common facilities. <br />• Open space is likewise to be shared, promoting neighborliness in the most natural <br />way possible. <br />I've gotten to know many of the OMC members and have watched them develop their <br />processes to build that trust and open communication. I've known Will and Lynn Dixon <br />for manyyears. <br />I applaud the group's vision and determination. I believe once the project is a reality, <br />there will be no detractors because there's nothing to detract. What they want to build <br />sounds new until you think about it, and then you realize it's very, very old. It's a true <br />neighborhood, where people will more naturally look out for one another and share <br />what they have. <br />When and how did it become difficult to knock on a neighbor's door to ask for a cup of <br />sugar? These folks want to return to that lifestyle. Their willingness to risk may point a <br />way forward for many of us that doesn't require too much density or any sprawl. <br />Thank you for your consideration <br />Don Kahle, 400 E. 32ndAve, Eugene, OR 97405 541-424-2424 <br />page 1/1 <br />1233 <br />