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Written by Susan
Dennis, Thomas Mast (our builder/contractor), a representative from Army Corp of Engineers (ACE) and the scientist who created the wetland delineation report walked the driveway Thursday morning (November 7). The ACE man was understandably skeptical. He had peered at the land from the edge months ago and had seen obvious wetlands and not much else. Now, suddenly, an established driveway has appeared exactly where we want one. Curious.
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As you might remember, Dennis had discovered the driveway while weed whacking a path from the legal access into the property. It is quite overgrown, but had likely been used for farm machines. The land has previously been used to grow celery and for sheep to graze. In addition to the raised drive, there was an aging culvert. The wetlands scientist had declared that the drive itself is not wetlands.
As I understand, we can now use the established driveway as long as we don't tear any roots up or leave wood chips behind while we clear it for use. Final permissions should come in the next month or so, but we could begin simply clearing now if we wanted to take the risk. We will need to improve and widen the driveway so that a fire truck can use it. On the one hand, this is a city requirement. On the other, I'm a bit careless with candles.
So we are closer to purchasing the land.
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After walking the land, Thomas and Dennis came back to the Meyer-Reimer house for lunch and we looked over the house plans. Ann Graber Miller has improved the plans Dennis has worked on, giving them her designer's flair (wait until you see the owners' bedroom!). Now Thomas will work on making those plans building-ready, especially the outside elevations, roof configuration, weight bearing walls, window locations and all. He figures this will take 6 weeks. The total driveway construction will take about 2 weeks and the foundation about 1. While some of these tasks overlap, holidays will also encroach on our timing.
We do hope to have Green features in the home. Dennis is working on an amazingly tight shell and efficient heating, cooling and water systems. I hope for reusing and recycling resources and a bit of solar and water care. Any suggestions are appreciated!
When Thomas outlined a sketchy timetable, I said I already has three parties planned--one when the driveway is begun, one when the foundation is begun, and one when the lumber might be written on by family and friends. Perhaps that is excessive, but each teeny step appears to involve moving a mountain! Likely, only one of these will happen--a bit of a fun time when anyone can come by and write/draw all over construction boards with words of blessing and hope. And, of course, we'll have a final dedication joyful party! I'll post times here; you're invited even if you've never met us and are solely interested in those crazy people trying to build on that odd piece of land (as we are known in the Goshen zoning offices).
In personal news, Dennis has begun a snow club at Bethany Christian and is biking whenever possible. I am training to be a volunteer at the Goshen Ten Thousand Villages shop. We are deeply appreciating catching up with local friends and those who drift through, First Fridays, performances at Goshen College and being closer to family. We haven't chosen a church home, but are enjoying getting a flavor of several congregations.
Should you want updates about where we are living and such, check the status page. You may now comment on the pages and sign up for notifications when we post.
http://johnmastconstruction.com/index.php
http://graberfound.com/Consulting
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There--just to the right of the green tree, which is next to the double oak--can you see the beginnings of a house?
At least a dream of one?
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| Double oak in early November |
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| The only red maple Dennis has seen on the property, but it has shed it's leaves. You should have seen it earlier. |
After walking the land, Thomas and Dennis came back to the Meyer-Reimer house for lunch and we looked over the house plans. Ann Graber Miller has improved the plans Dennis has worked on, giving them her designer's flair (wait until you see the owners' bedroom!). Now Thomas will work on making those plans building-ready, especially the outside elevations, roof configuration, weight bearing walls, window locations and all. He figures this will take 6 weeks. The total driveway construction will take about 2 weeks and the foundation about 1. While some of these tasks overlap, holidays will also encroach on our timing.
We do hope to have Green features in the home. Dennis is working on an amazingly tight shell and efficient heating, cooling and water systems. I hope for reusing and recycling resources and a bit of solar and water care. Any suggestions are appreciated!
When Thomas outlined a sketchy timetable, I said I already has three parties planned--one when the driveway is begun, one when the foundation is begun, and one when the lumber might be written on by family and friends. Perhaps that is excessive, but each teeny step appears to involve moving a mountain! Likely, only one of these will happen--a bit of a fun time when anyone can come by and write/draw all over construction boards with words of blessing and hope. And, of course, we'll have a final dedication joyful party! I'll post times here; you're invited even if you've never met us and are solely interested in those crazy people trying to build on that odd piece of land (as we are known in the Goshen zoning offices).
In personal news, Dennis has begun a snow club at Bethany Christian and is biking whenever possible. I am training to be a volunteer at the Goshen Ten Thousand Villages shop. We are deeply appreciating catching up with local friends and those who drift through, First Fridays, performances at Goshen College and being closer to family. We haven't chosen a church home, but are enjoying getting a flavor of several congregations.
Should you want updates about where we are living and such, check the status page. You may now comment on the pages and sign up for notifications when we post.
http://johnmastconstruction.com/index.php
http://graberfound.com/Consulting
