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A shared living community proposed in Richland Township is moving forward after years of planning and conceptualizing.
The township’s planning commission recently recommended approval of a change in the master plan regarding Chatham University’s Rachel Carson EcoVillage. An EcoVillage is a housing development concept first established in Denmark in the 1990s that revolves around sustainability and intentional living practices.
With the latest change, the community would be allowed to build 35 units instead of an initial 15, pending approval from the township supervisors.
The township will host an April 7 public hearing on the planning commission’s recommendation.
The meeting will be held at 8 p.m. in the municipal building and virtually, said Dean Bastianini, the township manager. He said only 18 residents will be allowed inside chambers. If there are more than that, they will be able to access the meeting online through Zoom, he said.
provided / Chatham University
For 20 years Stefani Danes has attempted to start a sustainable cohousing community in Pittsburgh.
Now, her plan could become reality thanks to a partnership with Chatham University to create an EcoVillage. An EcoVillage is a type of alternative housing developed in Denmark 30 years ago that revolves around sustainability and intentional living practices.
In 2022, Danes plans to live in an energy-efficient townhouse with her husband surrounded by about 30 other units in Richland Township, about 20 miles north of Pittsburgh. The development will be housed on Chatham s Eden Hall campus, which is already home to an organic farm and zero-carbon buildings.