The NeighborBridge will be a community for those with Autism within the confines of a surrounding typical community. A community that offers residency, integrated employment, and recreational activity regardless of an individual’s disability; a community that can be easily replicated into other areas notwithstanding space restrictions of less than 5 acres; a community that is affordable; a community that engages its neighbors and contribute to the overall prosperity of its surrounding community.
The accessibility of is all is what makes this community stand out from others like it. The community is being built so the adults are just as much a part of the surrounding community as they are their own little neighborhood. They will have direct access to biking trails, easy commutes to grocers, sports fields, and the like. It’s a wonderful way of saying: “Individuals with Autism & I/DD are- and always will be- welcome and supported.”
Imagine a gated community of 8-12 homes nestled closely to one another. Where neighbors are neighborly and look out for each other. Where walkways and greenspaces fill the interior courtyard, replacing the usual driveways. Where neighbors share their resources, like lawnmowers and leaf blowers. Where every day you have an opportunity to connect with the world and the people around you in a real, genuine way.
Imagine the clubhouse of this neighborhood also cares for the communities most severely disabled individuals. Designed to encourage community and bridge the gap between the existing group home model to true neighbor.
Imagine all of this in the center of a surrounding flourishing community that sees the value of caring for is most vulnerable. A place that offers individuals with special needs the ability to visit during adolescence, to learn the daily life skills and structure for when the day comes that they may be a resident. Where community fields intrinsically bridge the inner and outer community together to exist and thrive.
A neighbor bridge.
Some parcels will be a perfect match for a pocket community, other sites are not. Ideally, a pocket neighborhood is nestled within a larger walkable neighborhood near public transportation. There should be easy access to services and amenities like grocery stores, cafes, and restaurants; post offices, schools, and work places. A small development of less than 8 residences is often best located on a center block infill site, while a larger development considers the effectiveness of larger block layouts and open space.
The overall pocket between SFR supported living and mixed use property to house 50-60 individuals, maximizing land use through design.
The pocket neighborhoods shown are for demonstrative purposes only and do not represent an existing NeighborBridge community. All images are courtesy of the acclaimed architect Ross Chapin.
Previous
Next