Tiny home communities continue to pop up, like this proposal before the Camp Verde, AZ, Town Council for a new tiny home agri-tourism community.
In August 2017, Camp Verde Community Development Director Carmen Howard and her husband, David, purchased 15 acres of land adjacent to the Yavapai Apache Agricultural Ranch on Cloverleaf Ranch Road, reported The Verde Independent.
Their plans for part of the land, the Howards stated in a letter to the town, is for a community of tiny houses on wheels, vintage recreational vehicles and agri-tourism events.
Wednesday, the Camp Verde Town Council could approve an agri-tourism use permit to allow the Howards to develop on their land a small RV Park with a gathering place and fire pit, and a common farming or community garden area.
“This plan for agri-tourism in residential neighborhoods means that people can bring their small mobile residences and park them on lots ‘about 2250 square feet, or approximately 30 feet x 75 feet’ in a contained community with a central area to grow their own produce,” said Carmen.
“We are going to encourage an agricultural community and will help put on small events if the residents are interested, such as farm stands, pumpkin patches, farm to table events, food trucks, etc.,” Howard said.
Howard learned about the Slow Food movement in Italy “a few years back,” which she described as an effort “that promotes local food and traditional cooking.” She said Monday that she sees Camp Verde as a “great place to promote slow food, [as] it aligns with the Town’s General Plan and historical roots.”
The Howards’ land has 900 feet of Verde River frontage that will be accessible for the residents. “We will also consider small farm animals, goats, chickens,” she said.
Residents must bring their own mobile dwelling, Howard said. “We provide the land, water, septic and electric and incredible Verde River access and views.” At this time, plans are for 10 residents on the property.
Camp Verde Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 in council chambers, located at 473 S. Main St.
You might also be interested in a similar venture in Austin, Texas: Community First! Village. It is a 51-acre master planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for the chronically homeless in Central Texas. A development of Mobile Loaves & Fishes, this transformative residential program exists to love and serve our neighbors who have been living on the streets, while also empowering the surrounding community into a lifestyle of service with the homeless.
Here’s the link: https://mlf.org/community-first/
This all sounds so ‘warm and fuzzy’ on the front.
I can’t wait to see what it REALLY turns into . . .