On Remembrance Day and I found myself with the gift of a free afternoon – a rare window of time during the day when I wasn’t working or with our daughter.
Despite a low-level trepidation, I folded the plans under my arm, donned my boots, scarf and mittens and thrust myself into the bright chilly November afternoon.
I started at the south end of the 100m radius on our block. A neighbhour several doors down was out raking leaves. I introduced myself, told her we were planning a project and asked if she wanted to hear a bit more. As I got into some of the goals of the project, she became increasingly engaged. She knew about Passive House; recognized that we had a huge lot that was likely to be developed by someone if not us, and said she would like to see our project happen. What a great (and relieving!) first conversation!
I talked with 5 more neighbhours that afternoon, including three who share a property line with us. 5 of the 6 people I talked with were either neutral or supportive. The 6th thought that the new lot and house seemed very narrow, but he also commended our ambitious plan.
So far so good!
I’ve now spent five afternoons door knocking and have had conversations with over 20 different neighbours. Each time, I have started with uncertainty and finished feeling buoyed by the largely positive response.
Here is a summary of the generally positive and constructive comments I have heard so far:
- Most are either neutral or supportive of the project proposal
- Many were supportive of adding modest density to the area
- Most are either neutral or supportive of adding the suite to the existing house, citing the need to increase density and the diversity of housing options in the area
- Neighbours sharing back yard boundaries want to ensure that their privacy is considered in the house and landscape design
- One architect neighbour with a long history in the area suggested we move the parking back to the front of the property (see early design post). No other houses on the block with adjoining back yards on Chamberlain and Clare Streets have parking in the rear, which results in a large ‘park’ space that many of the residents value highly. There are even gates connecting many of the backyards.
- Many expressed interest in and support for the energy efficiency/low energy approach to the design
Well, well, CL, you certainly are stretching yourself into some fantastic realms, including approaching your neighbours and becoming a blogger! Well done, My Friend
Looking good with this site, and the story you’re weaving here for yourself to remember the process and for others to enjoy and learn from as you go along with your housing and writing project dreams.
And you are building yourself a great team of technical and community support while at it – enjoy the journey!!
Congrats on taking the “neighbourhood engagement” plunge! I can imagine how difficult it would be to have these plans and not be able to go through with them. Sounds like you’ve got some great neighbours.
Thanks for the encouragement, Adrian! Yes, we have some great neighbhours, although we are not taking anything for granted at this stage!
Sorry, we’re your neighbour and you’ve never talked to us. we’re very supportive of the concept but fear that neighbourhood opposition is mounting partly because many people on the street feel left out. further, the dynamic of talking to many people on Clare street instead of people on Chamberlain is intensifying a perception that you are more developer than neighbour. Please get brave about talking to al of us who live on the street.
Thanks!
john
John – Thank you very much for commenting and expressing your interest in being involved. Your comment suddenly makes it obvious to me that writing a letter to everyone on Chamberlain would have been a smarter first step than knocking on doors and missing people who simply weren’t home. We have met and talked with a lot of our neighbours, but have clearly missed some key ones. I appreciate the lesson and we will take the time it takes to properly engage everyone who wants to be involved.