Yes, pets are allowed at Phoenix Commons and a pet policy will be established by community members. Pets can be a very important part of people’s lives and add a positive dimension to community life when there is responsible pet ownership.
To avoid the need for that extra guest bedroom, Phoenix Commons has a guest unit available to residents at no charge for use by their guests. Residents are responsible for the conduct of their guests and assuring that the unit is left clean and in good condition. Any costs associated with a guest stays, such as additional cleaning or repairs, are billed to the resident. This common co-housing amenity enables most residents to forgo that extra bedroom for out of town guests. It can also be used as temporary housing for a community care giver if need be.
Landscaping will include planting around the perimeter of the community, in the interior atrium garden as well as on the numerous decks and patios in and around the building. There will be plenty of opportunities for members to add to these and to create new spaces for growing vegetables, fruits and flowers.
While all owners will maintain or arrange for the maintenance of the interior of their residence; the community will decide over time how much of the common area maintenance they want to be responsible for. The HOA monthly fee includes the cost for a housekeepers and a part-time maintenance person who can do basic community maintenance and help coordinate larger projects when needed.
Residence in the community is age restricted, however, it is expected that members will have brief visits from grandchildren, or younger friends and family members, as they do in their current family homes.
The building will be plumbed to accommodate a hot tub in a common area of the community.
Phoenix Commons is a community designed for sustainability on many levels. First, sustainable building materials and methods are used throughout the project. These include: low ash concrete; sustainably harvested and recycled lumber and the diversion of 50% of waste towards recycling or reuse. In addition, the building is wired and piped for solar panels to provide for photovoltaic and solar hot water.
Energy efficiency is important in creating economical operation systems within private homes and common areas. Towards this end, insulation for the building exceeds California energy standards and low flow plumbing products and Energy Star appliances are used throughout. The building also maintains strict compliance with clean water run-off.
The interiors of homes and common spaces will have formaldehyde-free cabinets, low VOC paints and sustainable flooring and countertops. All homes have been designed with large operable windows that far exceed the minimums for abundant natural light. These windows are located within the homes to provide flow thru natural air ventilation.
In addition to the sustainable building materials and systems, Phoenix Commons offer a community lifestyle with a low carbon footprint. Its urban transit oriented location means public transportation is easy to access and use. The neighborhood has a 92 walk-ability rating with two neighborhood shopping centers and Alameda’s Park Street retail just blocks away. For those who want a car, gated parking is available, and the garage includes space for an electric car charging station as well as spaces for Car Share. Bike storage is available in the garage as well.
Absolutely. Phoenix Commons is designed for aging in place. There is an elevator to each floor and all private homes and common areas, including kitchens, bathrooms and walkways are wheelchair accessible.
The community will create a Health Care Committee that will oversee the community’s health needs and be up-to-date on the local resources available to meet various care needs. They can act in times of crisis according to guidelines established by the community to assure safety, reliability and convenience. To protect the community from any financial burden, each resident will establish a Health Reserve Account that he or she can draw upon in emergencies while more permanent arrangements are put in place.
The Health Care Committee will receive special training from Alameda Elder Communities and have access to AEC’s health care professionals for information and support. The community may also want to establish a health buddy system so that everyone has at least one person who agrees to act as their agent in the event of an urgent care matter. The health buddy’s role is simply to help make sure the member’s wishes and care needs are being communicated and met. They do not provide care.
The good news is that Phoenix Commons is in an excellent location for walking to a wide range of services and accessing public transportation. The community has a walk ability rating of 92 which means that many essential amenities, from shopping to entertainment, are within a 15 minute walk from home.
With the exception of a very gradual incline over the Park Street Bridge leading to Alameda proper, the area is flat and easy to negotiate. Public transit is convenient with a bus stop right next door taking you to Bart and other local destinations. In addition, community volunteers and/or the paid maintenance person can provide urgent (non medical transport) when needed.
Phoenix Commons is a cohousing community on the Oakland Estuary, located at 340 29th Avenue. We are right off the Park Street bridge directly across from Alameda.
For more detailed information please call us at 510-473-2922.