Do you have any rentals?
All of Arbco’s homes are owned by members, and none are routinely rented. An owner may occasionally rent their home, when they are on sabbatical, for instance, but Arbco’s governing documents restrict the number of units that can be rented at a given time, and limit how long a unit can be rented.
How often do you have community meals?
We generally have two meals a week prepared for the community by a team of cooks. We also have special meals on holidays, and have frequent potlucks.
What are the work requirements for members?
All adult residents are required to work as they are able to maintain the community. Our governing documents require each person to work 4 hours per month, but in practice most people work substantially more than that. We have half-day work days once every other month for tasks that can be scheduled ahead. We do not have a formal system for keeping track of each person’s work. We recognize that a member’s ability to work will wax and wane, depending on factors such as health, job requirements, and responsibility for children or aging parents. We trust people to do their best and, so far at least, what needs to be done gets done.
Do you have any affordable units?
Arbco currently has six affordable units. Four units were sold at discounted prices to buyers whose income was under 70% of the area median income. These 4 units must be resold as affordable units. In addition, two units were constructed by Habitat for Humanity and were sold to buyers with incomes under 60% of area median income.
Does everyone have their own kitchen?
Yes, each unit has a fully equipped kitchen.
Living room of a typical Arbco unit, from the kitchen.
Is the community accessible?
The 29 units in the two newly constructed buildings are accessible, with doors, kitchens and baths designed to accommodate a wheel chair. The two new buildings have elevators. The Common House is also accessible.
Are Pets Allowed?
The total number of cats and dogs in a single household may not exceed 4. Other pets such as birds and small rodents — mice, rats, gerbils, guinea pits, hamsters, and rabbits — are allowed. No exotic pets are allowed. All pets must be cute and well behaved; nevertheless, pets are not allowed in many of the common areas.