By KEN BLACK, TIMES-REPUBLICAN
The Village Cooperative is holding an open house for members of the public to see what cooperative living is all about from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday.
“We did a sneak peak a couple of months ago and it went beautiful,” said Marilyn
Polley, sales coordinator for the cooperative, located at 915 W. Merle Hibbs Blvd.
Just completed this year, the cooperative has dozens of one- and two-bedroom home units on three levels for those ages 62 and older. However, Polley stressed to those interested that it is not assisted living.
Rather, she compared it to a condominium-style of living, but better.
Members pay an up-front, or financed, fee for a share (which is a unit) and then a monthly maintenance fee. But that’s where the comparison to a condominium ends.
“Maintenance fees for condominiums pay for some general upkeep and lawn maintenance,” Polley said. “Our fees cover everything, even inside the homes.”
For example, if a resident has worn carpet, a broken appliance, or even needs a light bulb changed, the Village Cooperative will take care of those issues.
Part of the fee is saved for future projects, such as when a new roof is needed. This means residents will never be assessed charges for such things.
“We welcome the freedom that comes from no longer having to maintain an aging home with our ever-aging bodies,” said Dennis and Lois Eige in a testimonial about living at Village Cooperative.
Norma and Max Dannen also moved to the cooperative recently, after owning their previous home for 46 years. In addition to having close neighbors and amenities such as a community room and guest room, the Dannens say there are other benefits.
“We also like the idea of being able to leave on trips for extended times, knowing that our home will be taken care of while we are gone,” they said in another testimonial.
Such advantages can make the Village Cooperative an attractive, and affordable option.
“It’s the only option people have that’s completely maintenance free,” she said. “It can cost less than owning a single-family home. A lot of times, it’s very economical to live here.”
Polley said she has only a couple of units remaining before all shares in the building are sold.