Home Sweet Home Part 2: (More) Dwelling Possibilities

This is the second in a quarterly series of workshops we are calling Home, Sweet Home.

Our demographics are changing, and our world is changing, and with them a growing demand for a greater variety of choices in home type, design and location.

Millennials (those born, roughly, in the 1980’s and 2000’s) and Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) alike want to live in smaller, affordable homes in neighborhoods where they can walk safely and easily to where they need to go. But often what is wanted or needed is not available – often because of zoning and other regulations in the community, whether intentional or not.

Most recognize that economic development, community stability, and supporting an aging population all include the critical component of an availability of options for places to live. Affordability is a common theme, accessibility is a common need.

From the series, attendees will come away with

An understanding of the diverse and changing needs of our communities’ populations and what that means for home demand
The ability to inform citizens and policy-makers of the depth and breadth of and benefits of, more diverse housing and more affordable housing in their communities
An awareness that the traditional single-family, three-bedroom detached home can no longer be considered the norm for new homes – and why; as well as an awareness that who is “allowed” to live in current homes could be re-thought
A basic knowledge of different types (including design, location, more) of places to live – the needs they address and the pros and cons of each
An understanding of policy and regulatory tools that can be used to address some of the issues on a community and regional basis

Part Two: (More) Dwelling Possibilities

Presenters and their topics:

Robin Comstock, Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast: Why we need to think about this
Tim McGinnin, The Moore Center: Co-living
Newton Kershaw III, Elm Grove Companies: Micro-apartments
Michael Claflin, AHEAD: Manufactured homes
Rob Dunn, Green Mountain graduate and energy consultant: Tiny houses

Attendees will come away with:

An understanding of the need for different housing choices
An understanding of each option presented - what need(s) it addresses, pros and cons
An understanding of challenges each option might face in a community
An awareness that traditional approaches to addressing housing challenges may no longer work.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at The Audubon Center, Concord.

Doors open at 8:00 AM for registration and breakfast, program starts promptly at 8:30.

Please register no later than June 10. Space is limited.

Program:

8:30 Welcome

8:40 - 10:20: Presentations (each 10 minutes, followed by 10 minutes Q&A)

10:20 - 10:30: Wrap up.

Northern New England Chapter of the American Planning Assocation

has approved 2 credits for this. Reference event #9102519.

SAVE THESE DATES FOR THE OTHER SERIES WORKSHOPS:

September 15: Getting older doesn't have to mean "senior housing" - what to consider to support aging in place

December 14: Community Engagement 101: You are starting to think about what you'd like in your own town - when and how bringing citizens to the table could lead to a successful outcome.