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Cohousing consultant outlines models to stretch Shorewood affordable-housing funds
Summary
A cohousing consultant described ownership models, municipal tools and a village-backed common house as ways to lower purchase prices and monthly costs for homebuyers in Shorewood. The presentation prompted questions about zoning, financing and whether village-owned land or TIF dollars could be used to support a cohousing project.
A cohousing consultant and attorney presented cohousing design and financing options to the Shorewood Community Development Authority and Plan Commission at a recent workshop, proposing land trusts, deed-restricted resale rules and municipal support for a shared common house as ways to make homeownership more affordable in the built-out village.
The consultant, described in the meeting as the presenter (cohousing consultant and attorney), said cohousing combines small private homes with a larger shared building — a “common house” — and intentional community governance to reduce residents’ monthly costs and foster social ties. “It takes a village,” the presenter said, summarizing the approach to shared services and amenities.
Shorewood officials said the village already has tools and money that could be used. “We voted as a village to appropriate $2,200,000 of a TIF district. We extended it to pay for affordable housing,” one participant said during the discussion. Village staff said the plan commission is reviewing zoning tools this year, including accessory dwelling units, to identify barriers and…
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