Can younger family members live with me?

Temporary stays are encouraged and a guest unit is available for this purpose. However, permanent stays are limited as the complex is age-restricted to 55 and over by Oakland city regulations and by community design. One person in each unit must meet the age restriction of being 55 or over. A spouse or partner can be younger. Laws that regulate this also have exemptions for handicapped individuals. The HOA may have some leeway in dealing with certain emergency situations under the law.

Is each home gas or electric?

Appliances in the units are electric. Gas is used in the common area for the kitchen range and heating. Plumbing for gas cooking in units is very expensive, but possible in some units at considerable extra cost. This is only available in a few units due to their location.

Is there high-speed internet, wi-fi, cable TV and other electronic outlets?

Yes, all the units are pre-wired to accommodate all these electronic and internet needs. Group purchasing of these services can achieve great savings. The HOA can arrange group discounts and may decide to include many of these costs as part of the HOA fees.

Are any of the units set up for washers/dryers?

Yes, all units have space and hook-ups for washer/dryers. A free common laundry is also planned for the common house so washers/dryers can be downsized or eliminated in many cases. Use of convenient common laundry eliminates cost of power, chemicals, equipment purchase and ongoing maintenance.

Are floor plans fixed?

Yes, the floor plans are fixed. However, you have the freedom to make whatever changes you want after you purchase your home. Any alterations to your home will be subject to the CC&Rs, HOA agreements and the City of Oakland building codes. The units are designed to be adaptable because of their open design and universal design principles. Future alterations, except for the minor cost of lowering sinks, are not necessary to adapt to mobility issues should they ever arise.

What monthly fees will be associated with Phoenix Commons and what do they cover?

Upon completion, all owners/members of the community will be members of a homeowners association (HOA). Phoenix Commons’ members will pay monthly dues to the HOA to cover a variety of community expenses. Initial estimates generated for approval by the State of California as part of our application/disclosure process have been sent in and should be accepted shortly.

After members move in and get an accurate accounting of their costs, the HOA Board (which exclusively consists of owners) can make adjustments each year to the fees to reflect actual expenses. Ultimately, the community itself controls the HOA budget. These fees include many cost-saving items that take advantage of the group purchasing power common in cooperative communities that home owners often have to shoulder themselves.

The common expenses covered by the HOA fee include:

  • Property and liability insurance for the building, leaving members only needing insurance for the contents of their units
  • Heating and hot water for common areas
  • Hot water for all individual units, with the potential to add solar in the future
  • Community internet infrastructure and cable connections for TV and internet in the common area
  • All ongoing community operating expenses associated with common areas (bathrooms, kitchen, guest rooms, utilities), including one part-time maintenance man
  • City water and sewer fees
  • Garbage and recycling pick up
  • Fire sprinkler and alarm system (upkeep and maintenance)
  • Elevator maintenance
  • Reserves for building and property maintenance and replacement including paint, roof, and all building-wide systems such as heating, hot water, and lighting
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) administrative expenses, including minor bookkeeping
  • Electricity for common area and emergency lights

Do I need to sell my home before I become a member of Phoenix Commons?

No, in fact it would be wise to become a member right away if you want to secure your preferred unit type and location. Most people expect to sell their homes prior to closing on their units when construction is complete. Some may decide to sell their homes earlier and live in rental accommodations until move-in. The approximate completion date for the project is late 2014 or early 2015. You will want to start working with a real estate broker to determine the best time to put your home on the market.

Is there public transportation close to Phoenix Commons?

Yes, AC Transit services the area and there is a bus stop right on the corner. An express bus to San Francisco is nearby, and the Fruitvale BART station is just blocks away.

How is Phoenix Commons located in relation to Alameda, Oakland, Berkeley, and San Francisco?

Phoenix Commons is conveniently located 15-20 minutes from San Francisco, with easy freeway access that provides even shorter travel time to Alameda, Oakland and Berkeley. It is just a few blocks from BART, and you can easily take the Ferry into the city for a more relaxing trip from either Alameda or Jack London Square, which are both within a 5-minute drive from Phoenix Commons. A bus to BART or central Alameda is just outside the front door. There is even an express bus to San Francisco just blocks away.

How many co-housing or co-op projects designed for older adults exist, and how many are planned?

There are currently four co-housing communities designed for older adults in the country (with many more in Northern Europe, where they originated). In this country, two of these, Wolf Creek and Glacier Circle, are located in California and an additional five communities are now under development, including Phoenix Commons. There are many more senior cooperatives in the Midwest and East Coast, where co-ops are common forms of ownership. There are many co-housing and cooperative communities throughout the United States that have no age restrictions – they are often called multi-generational communities. Age-restricted communities are new, but are quickly becoming much more popular. Some of the seniors who live in senior-only co-housing and co-ops moved there from multi-generational communities.