What does Odonata mean?
Odonata (Ō-dŏ-nă’-tă): The order of insects encompassing dragonflies. Dragonflies have existed in harmony with nature for over 300 million years – quite a model of sustainability!
- What is an Ecovillage?
- How many homes will be built at Odonata?
- What will the houses look like?
- Who are some of the professionals helping Odonata?
- How much will the houses cost?
- What will Odonata be like for families with children?
- Where will the community be located?
- When will homes be available?
- How can a house site be reserved?
- What is Odonata doing now?
- What are the types of membership?
What is an Ecovillage?
A community of people, who create a “green neighborhood” with sustainably designed homes, organic garden areas, reduced carbon footprint, renewable energy systems, regular community meals and events in the Community Center, and consensus decision-making. Residents of an ecovillage strive to create alternatives which minimize their resource demands but maximize human welfare and happiness.
How many homes will be built at Odonata?
We will build between 24-32 households – some of these will be single family homes, some will be shared duplex and triplexes.
What will the houses look like?
The houses will be designed with sensitivity to the local vernacular and Odonata residents will have input into the design process.
Who are some of the professionals helping Odonata?
R. Carter Scott of Transformations Inc. is Odonata’s green developer. Carter has recently been featured in Solar Today magazine as a leading contender in the Massachusetts Zero Energy Challenge. A net zero energy home produces as much energy as it uses, so the owner purchases no energy on an annual basis. Learn More…
Blunden Studio is a full service architecture firm that specializes in sustainable design. Architect Giles Blunden has been focused on refining the design of solar homes and green building for more than 35 years. Learn More…
Sarah Holden, LEED AP, has a Bachelor of Architecture, a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies and an MBA. She has twenty seven years of experience managing construction projects in corporate, commercial and non-profit environments.
Jonathan Klein worked as our attorney to set up Odonata Village LLC, the corporation through which land purchase will be made.
How much will the houses cost?
The sustainably designed homes at Odonata will be “market rate”, ranging from the $200’s – $400’s. Some affordable units will be available to qualified buyers. Home owners at Odonata will also enjoy the use of the common land and common house, a community center featuring a large kitchen and dining room, meeting rooms, laundry and other amenities – in other words, a lot of value, beyond your own home, for the investment.
What will Odonata be like for families with children?
We think that a “green neighborhood” is a great place to raise a family. Other ecovillages have created wonderful community playgrounds, childcare facilities in the Common House, cooperative day-care businesses, built-in support networks and playmates you don’t have to drive to! Children get to live with adults who care about the environment and about learning to live in cooperation with others. And, of course, children contribute in countless ways to a healthy, dynamic community.
Where will the community be located?
We are looking for land in the greater Newburyport area. We are in early negotiations on a local 22 acre property in West Newbury Our Location
When will homes be available?
Members who have already made down payments have first priority on their home site and are involved in architectual and other design decisions. Once land negotiations are finalized, home construction will be completed in approximately 2 years following land purchase. This allows for the permitting and construction times required for a cluster development.
How can a house site be reserved?
To reserve a house site, you must become an equity member. Equity members pay $15,000 and site selection is based on seniority. Most people first become “exploring members”, attend a couple of meetings and find out more about the community vision and policies etc. Exploring members pay a $100 initial fee and monthly dues.
What is Odonata doing now?
We have already begun the process of becoming a community.
- We have regular monthly meetings. (Odonata Public Events Calendar)
- Special committees (Partnerships) working on land search, house design, finances, overall planning, etc…
- We are learning to use consensus, non-violent communication and to share meeting facilitation.
- We also have wonderful dinner parties, concerts, workshops and have gone on retreat together where we shared our “spiritual biographies”, a talent show, circle dancing and deepening friendships.
To set up a time to meet with some Odonata members and discuss next steps: e-mail Voice@OdonataVillage.org ; call Lyra Engel at (978) 465-3935.
What are the types of membership?
There are two types of membership in Odonata.
- Exploring members are those who are not fully committed financially, but would like to investigate the project further and spend time getting to know the other community members. Exploring members have the opportunity to participate in meetings and the consensus process and other workings of the community. When such an investigation leads to a sense of readiness to commit, then an exploring member moves on to the fully invested commitment of equity membership.
- Equity members make the final decisions about village design, involvement in the selection of the professional team responsible for land and residential development and participation in financial planning and decisions related to ongoing development.
- All Rights Reserved