CH-12A <br />September 20, 2013 <br />Dear Hearings Official: <br />I've had the opportunity to do a bit of research on the proposed Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing project. <br />I've looked at preliminary plans, visited their website and facebook pages, along with visiting the site <br />itself and meeting several members of this aspiring cohousing community. <br />First I'd like to say that I support the concept of cohousing in general, and this cohousing development in <br />particular. I believe that the developers and architects ofOakleigh Meadow have done an exceptional <br />job of integrating these new dwellings on the site, in a waythat will not negatively impact the <br />surrounding neighborhood. As I understand it, the architects have worked on many cohousing <br />communities throughout the country. This past experience will ensure that our first cohousing <br />community will benefit from all the previous lessons learned by the architects. <br />Oakleigh Meadow fits with the concepts of sustainable development that Eugene embraces. It brings <br />density within the urban growth boundary. It is situated in an area where residents can access <br />alternative modes of transportation including the bus system and bike paths. I also believe the residents <br />of this neighborhood will be good stewards of the land in and around the site. <br />From meeting the potential community members I get the sense that they do not want to close off their <br />community from their surrounding neighbors. I believe they,will be good, courteous and friendly <br />neighbors, and will enhance the surrounding neighborhood. <br />I think that Oakleigh Meadow Cohousing will be a positive addition to Eugene, and I believe this will be a <br />model community that others will want to emulate. It fosters community, which is something we all <br />need. <br />Sincerely, <br />Jodi Sommers <br />1239 <br />