Incorporating Permaculture Principles

Question: How is permaculture being applied in the community's design and development?

Answer: The project integrates permaculture principles by focusing on sustainable living, self-sufficiency, and community involvement. Kelsey, who is a permaculture expert, has designed the gardens and landscaping to promote biodiversity and resilience, using native plants and sustainable water management techniques.

Stormwater Management System

Question: What sustainable water management strategies are being used?

Answer: We are working with permaculture expert stormwater engineers to develop a stormwater management system that avoids traditional high-tech underground infrastructure. Instead, we're incorporating rain gardens, swales, bio-retention ponds, and wetlands to naturally manage water and reduce runoff—celebrating water.

HOA and Community Space Management

Question: What is the role of the HOA in maintaining community spaces?

Answer: The Home Owners Association (HOA, which is managed by all residents, will be responsible for the upkeep of common areas, including the water features. HOA fees will cover maintenance costs, and the community will collectively decide on any changes to the management of these spaces, ensuring resident input is valued.

Pricing and HOA Fees

Question: What are the costs of the housing units and associated HOA fees?

Answer: Pricing for the units will vary depending on their size and location. We anticipate that HOA fees will be structured to cover essential services like maintenance, insurance, and community management. The exact amounts will be finalized closer to the completion of the first phase.

Resident Involvement in Governance

Question: How will residents contribute to the creation of community bylaws and protocols?

Answer: Residents will play a crucial role in shaping the community's governance. Once the first houses are sold, the new homeowners will be involved in updating the community bylaws and protocols through a collaborative process, ensuring that the community reflects the values and needs of its members.

Sustainable Landscaping and Gardening

Question: What are the plans for landscaping and gardening, and how will sustainability be ensured?

Answer: The landscaping will focus on native plants and sustainable gardening practices, such as composting and water conservation. Kelsey and other residents’ expertise in permaculture guides these efforts, ensuring that the community’s green spaces are both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

Timeline for Housing Units

Question: When are the housing units and duplexes expected to be completed?

Answer: The first two houses are nearing completion and should be ready within the next two months (October 2024). The duplexes are in the planning stage, with construction expected to be completed in mid 2025.

Cultural and Political Climate

Question: Are there any cultural or political challenges the community might encounter?

Answer: North Carolina has a mix of conservative and progressive areas. While Asheville is known for its progressive values, the broader region can be more conservative. We aim to create a community that respects diverse perspectives while focusing on shared goals like sustainability and community involvement. Noteworthy: the Southern Appalachian (pronounced “App-uh-LACH-an”) region has a strong history of civil and rural rights organizing and we are proud of that heritage.

Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Question: What is the community’s strategy for dealing with climate change and natural disasters?

Answer: We are mindful of climate change risks, such as wildfires and extreme weather events. Our sustainable building practices, stormwater management systems, and reliance on renewable resources help mitigate these risks. We are also exploring contingency plans to ensure the community’s resilience in the face of natural disasters. We have a focus on food security and the area is surrounded by local organic farms and will be growing our own food on the property.

This area is not prone to direct hurricanes, though we may have heavy rains when a strong storm comes inland. Tornadoes have been known historically, but are very uncommon. Wildfires in the surrounding mountains are rare, but have happened in recent history. Earthquakes are also very rare, and no large earthquakes have happened since a 5.2 in 1916

Options for Potential Buyers

Question: What options do you offer for those interested in the community but not ready to purchase?

Answer: We understand that some may not be ready to commit immediately. We offer pre-sales contracts for those interested in reserving a unit.