Upper Langley

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Upper Langley

Located in Langley, Washington, United States

Mission Statement
Upper Langley is an intentional neighborhood that celebrates community, nature, ecological sustainability, and simplicity while providing perpetually affordable housing in the city limits of Langley, Washington. In the spirit of service, we benefit in the sharing of ideas, time, skills, tools, and responsibilities. We enjoy communal time while respecting individual and family needs. We honor our connection to the earth, to our neighbors both on the shared land as well as our wonderful town of Langley, and the world community.

Community Description
16 families have joined to share and care for 10 acres of forest and meadow at the edge of Langley town on South Whidbey Island, walkable to Salish Sea shore (Puget Sound) and one hour north of downtown Seattle (including fifteen minute ferry ride). Each family income qualifies at medium or low income level to own a 2000 sq. ft. lot (plus their equal share of the remaining 10 acres) on which to design/build their own home, under 975 sq.ft. There are 6 homes built and inhabited, 3 more homes in building phase and the Common house currently being designed to be built in 2018. Homes and lots will remain perpetually affordable.

About

We are an intentional community located in Langley, Washington on south Whidbey Island. (MAP)

The Upper Langley community is located on a rise, south of town. Roughly 1/3 of the 10-acre parcel was set aside for the community to build homes (on their individually owned lots), paths, a community house and shared garden. The rest of the land is co-owned by community members and remains protected as undeveloped forest land and meadow.

We are a community of support and respect for people and the planet that benefits not only ourselves, but also the larger community. We share in the care and responsibility of the community amenities, including the commons house and common land (green space, vegetable gardens, trails, and landscaping). We partake in simple living, work parties, a large organic garden, potlucks, and the many other good things and creative activities that our residents bring to this new intentional neighborhood!

Our intentional community, Upper Langley, is the first demonstration program under the City of Langley’s ordinance: “Demonstration Program for Innovative, Permanently Affordable Housing Projects.” (LMC CHAPTER 18.04).

As residents of Langley, we have developed 10 acres on the southwest end of Al Anderson Ave, across from the Langley Woodmen Cemetery. All 16 houses are/will be no more than 975 square feet. Each lot includes a 1/16 share in the remaining land (10 acres minus 16 lots) via membership in a Homeowners Association which holds the deed to the common land and buildings (which includes a commons house, misc storage sheds, shared property such as tools and golf carts, and possibly intern/retreat cabins).

The homes are placed with the the utmost care to preserve the character of the land, which consists of beautiful meadow and seven acres of mature second growth forest. The community is pedestrian-based, though emergency road access is available to all homes. Six homes will have parking nearby. There is a large community garden, forest paths, and the land will be maintained organically.

We are a mix of ages, low and middle income households, and special needs adults.

Human impact on the earth is increasing, and it is important to reduce this impact, both on the land, our resources, and our atmosphere (global warming). Therefore our neighborhood is a model for low-impact, green development, and embraces a lifestyle that is low carbon and using recycling and renewable resources wherever possible. Our community will strive toward sustainability and resiliency.

One of the ways to best conserve resources is to share, therefore, a core value of Upper Langley will be shared resources.  In addition to sharing open space and forest, residents of the community share the commons house, a parking lot, a garden, laundry facilities, meadow, and participate in  community meetings, organizational management, and in the financial responsibility of the community-owned lands and properties.

We are a place where individuals, couples, and families seeking to simplify their living situation, and whose lifestyle embraces sharing and community living, can build a small home for themselves.

About us:

Live in community and respect privacy.
Honor differences and respect each other and selves.
Act, speak, and listen to others with integrity, compassion, and good will.
Actively participate in and co-manage the community (meetings, some meals, celebrations, work parties, etc.).
Use the consensus process.
Live lightly on the land (use organic landscaping and gardening practices, build and maintain their homes with sustainable practices).

Housing
Status: We have land we have developed on
Area: 10 acres
Current Residence Types: Lots to build on
Current Number of Residences: 6
Planned number of residences: 16
Planned Residence Types: Lots to build on
Land owned by: Individual community member(s)
Additional Comments:
Over half of land in mature second/growth forest with beautiful meadow

Membership
Adult Members: 25
Child Members: 4
Non-member Residents: 0
Percent Women: 51-60%
Percent Men: 31-40%
Percent Transgender: 0%
Visitors accepted: Yes
Visitor Process:
Make arrangements through email: upperlangley@gmail.com
Open to new Members: Yes
Membership Process:
Read website thoroughly: upperlangley.wordpress.com
Call or email to initiate contact

Economics
Join Fee: $75000
Dues, Fees, or Shared Expenses: Yes
Regular Fee per Month: $75
Shared Income: None
Required Labor Contribution: Encouraged or suggested
Open to members with existing debt: Yes (some debt)
Additional Comments:
There are monthly “dues” for development and maintenance of shared land (forest and garden) and building maintenance, improvements and utilities (Commons house, various out buildings).

Sustainability Practices
Energy Infrastructure: We use both systems.
Current renewable energy generation: Up to 25%
Energy sources: Solar, Biofuel
Planned renewable energy generation: 26-49%
Current food produced: Up to 25%
Planned food produced: Between 26-49%
Food produced locally: From 50-75%

Lifestyle
Common Facilities: Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Hot tub or hot springs, Recreational vehicles, Gym or sports area
Internet Available: Yes, both the community and individuals provide it
Internet Fast?: Yes, it’s fine.
Cell Phone Service: Good for most people.
Shared meals: About once a week
Dietary Practice: Omnivorous (plants and animals), Paleo (no grains, dairy, processed foods, or legumes), Local (food sourced within 150 miles), Organic (no pesticides or synthetic fertilizers), GMO Free (only non-genetically modified organisms), Vegetarian Only (no animal meat; dairy and eggs okay) – Please check this only if you are 100% Vegetarian, Mostly Vegetarian, Opportunivore (dumpster diving, nature harvesting, etc.), Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
Dietary Choice or Restrictions: No – people may eat however they wish.
Special Diets OK: Yes
Alcohol Use: Yes, used occasionally.
Tobacco Use: No, this community does not permit tobacco use.
Additional Diet Comments:
Individuals will determine their dietary preferences and frequency of shared meals are determined by all residents and are presently at least twice monthly. Individual dietary preferences are respected.
Common Spiritual Practice(s): Ecumenical (accepts all religions or spiritual practices), Buddhist, Wiccan, Protestant, Quaker, Unitarian Universalist, Agnostic, Humanist
Education Style(s): Home Schooling, Private School off the property, Public Schooling, Up to each family or individual
Healthcare Options: Up to each family or individual

Source: https://www.ic.org/directory/upper-langley/
            https://upperlangley.wordpress.com/