How to Live Green in Boston.

BOSTON -- EcoDevelopments, LLC is proposing an ecovillage cohousing development in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, and they will discuss that very topic--living green through cohousing--at a kick-off meeting to be held on Friday, September 15 at 7 pm, at the Boylston Congregational Church at 207 Amory Street.

The meeting will describe the proposed ecovillage cohousing development in the Jamaica Plain section of the city and the desired characteristics and features that such a community will offer, including:

--Re-development of an existing building or property location for mixed residential and neighborhood commercial use.

--Optimum project size, with a mix of one to four bedrooms units

--Pedestrian-friendly location with close proximity to neighborhood restaurants and shops in Jamaica Plain.

--Walking distance to the MBTA's Orange Line for quick and easy trip to downtown Boston.

--Common areas including central clubhouse kitchen and guest suites, children's play areas, gardens, laundry room, and recreation areas.

--Green construction using environmentally sensitive construction materials and following green sustainable construction and waste disposal practices.

--Environmentally responsible operation of the facility including potential development of onsite solar heating and electrical generation.

"While environmental benefits like green construction and pedestrian accessibility are appealing, it's really the feeling of belonging to a community which draws people to cohousing," said Patricia Lautner, director of Ecovillage at JP. "Whether you're talking families, empty nesters looking to scale back, single parents, people with disabilities who do not drive, or single professionals, cohousing offers a sense of community, even family, that you just can't get living in a condo or apartment building."

The September 15 meeting is free and open to the general public. LOHAS (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) consumers, environmentally conscious citizens, conservationists, commuters, and commercial businesses interested in affordable office space are encouraged to attend.

For more information on the kickoff meeting for The Ecovillage at JP and other ecovillages and cohousing, you can phone [phone] or visit www.ecodevelopments.com.