Are we a good fit?
As we build our community, mutual expectations are agreed upon and hopefully met. The purpose of this page is to 1) provide you with answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ) and 2) better learn about your present situation, . What you would hope for the future? Are our goals and resources are aligned?
FAQ
What is our vision for the next 3-5 years?
We will expand our community. providing food, experience, funds, and sense of place and belonging to our agrihood.
What are we trying to build next?
Temperature controlled farm store to attract more customers as we scale up food production and insourcing from vendors.
What types of accomodations are presently available ?
Sites to park trailers/cars (Requirements: Short term or rental of room in a shared house)
Private rooms in shared houses (We will take into account you roomate requirements)
Private living spaces(1-2 bed with kitchenette)
Private living spaces (1-2 bed with with full kitchen)
Shared homes, leased or owned
Private homes, leased or owned
Are there hookups for RV’s?
No. However you may park your RV and rent a room in a shared house. This will give you access to bathroom and shower.
Laundry?
Some of our lodgings have private laundry services and some residents use common facilities. Residents are welcome to provide compensated (or free) laundry services to other residents or guests. Some of our lodgings have city water. Others use well, spring, or aquifer sources.
Internet?
Lodgings have very fast fiberoptic cable. StarLink is an option. Cell phone service may be spotty in areas, but phone-over-wifi works great if you are near a wifi location.
Furnishings?
All lodgings come furnished. Long termers may bring their own furniture
Are Pets Allowed?
That depends upon which house you are in and what other residents are in the lodging. Pets must be under control at all times and must have the right temperament.
Storage?
Some lodgings have their own storage spaces. Addition storage is available locally for a fee. Commercial storage for larger volumes is available nearby.
Will other people be living in houses?
Depends upon the specific lodging and the timing. First party in a shared house helps determine future residents who would be sharing common spaces.
What is your biggest present need ?
Folks who are aligned with the vision presented here. One doesnt need to live here to help
Is there land available for building new structures?
Yes. Some areas are restricted by our conservation easement, but we have many building sites available,
Are you looking for employees, independent contractors, long-term residents ?
We do not have employees, but folks are welcome to work as contractors (1099) and submit invoices for work agreed upon.
How are utilities paid?
Longterm residents are responsible for paying a share fair of utilities of their lodging. Common area utilities are paid by monthly fees divided among the users. This is one of the purpose of the security deposit. Longterm renters and owners take care of their own utilities.
Are you looking for people to help run existing operation or help build something that is still developing?
Both! Entreprenneurs are welcome. We ask that all community members contribute to the group effort. We are not a bedroom community.
Are guest allowed?
Each lodging is governed by its own rules. Residents of shared lodgings must confer with all residents members before admitting guests.
Common areas must remain safe and community members must know each other. Free range children must also not be allowed to have contact with un-vetted strangers. For these reasons, visitors to common areas must receive a guest pass and agree to the community safety agreements as determined by our leadership team.
Short-term rentals may be rented by visitors.
Privately owned homes are private and governed by local and state laws.
Are there quiet hours?
Each lodging makes its own rules. Quiet hours outside residences are determined by our neighborhood council.
May residents have their own food/ garden/ storage space ?
Yes, yes, and yes
Can one work for lodging?
No, but you can reduce your out of pocket housing costs by working for the lodging owner, others community members or producing food which is sold or donated to the community. Folks with skills but no money, may apply to find a sponsor who will pay their fees.
May I sell garden products outside the community?
You may sell produce at the market (with market manager approval) or give it to friends. Food may also go the community food bank.
Are people required to work hours?
No, but everyone is required to contribute. Non-contributors may be sent on an uncomfortable guilt trip.
As long as one follows community guidelines and meets their expenses, including common area fees, work is not required. Community involvement most certainly is.
Who gets to stay? Periodic “town hall” meetings help to deal with unresolved community issues, including those caused by non-contributing members.
Non-contributing home owners cannot be voted off out of the valley, but they may lose access to common areas.
Is there cash compensation for labor?
Community members are free to enter into agreements with any willing party. Work done for the commons may be voluntary or paid out of community bank. Oir governing board decides compensation for non-volunteer work done for commons
Is food included?
No. You can grow, borrow, trade, buy, forage, or ask the food bank for food. Feeding yourself or your dependents is your responsibility. We intend to feed our members and feed our community.
Are we allowed garden space?
Yes. Lodgings may have small gardens, but a portion of produce must be presented to the Farmstore. The Center for Sustainable Stewardship maintains a community garden.
Are we allowed to visit family ?
Of course! We are not prisoners here. You may leave as often as you wish. But we are trying to create community, not be a place of second residency for those who spend most of their time elsewhere.
Are we allowed to sell things in the store?
Absolutely as long as what is offered is consistent with our farmstore mission.
Are we allowed to hunt ?
That’s between you and the landowner.
Are there creeks and ponds on the property?
Yes, they may be on the property you are leasing, in the commons, belong to a landowner, or available to the public. Lake Gratitude is an 8 acre natural pond with beaver, otter, blue gill, large mouth bass, and snapping turtles. Enquire before using. There is public fishing in the South Harpeth River.
Where is the nearest town for groceries, pharmacy, medical clinic, hospital?
Nearest groceries and pharmacy are 6 miles away. Clinics and hospitals are 15 miles away
May I keep a baby sheep ?
Not in your residence, but farm paddocks may exist nearby or may be used or built with farmer or landowner permission.
May I use a full kitchen ?
Most lodgings have full kitchens. A culinary kitchen is being planned.
Employment questions
How many hours per week? Is there a minimum number of hours? What counts as work? Are there sick days, time-off, health insurance, overtime pay? Who determines work schedule?
Ask your employer !
Can I earn income within the Agrihood?
Yes Residents may also support other residents by purchasing personal services (weeding, laundry, cleaning, handyman work, property maintenance, livestock care, babysitting, etc). Some residents require income so they do not have to take outside jobs and can be on-site to farm, staff the farmstore, guide agrotourists, teach at the forest/farm school, concierge short-term rentals, and other community building activities. There will be some income generating revenue provided by caring for the Commons.
Can I earn income outside the Agrihood?
Yes. There are many wealthy (and not so wealthy) neighbors close by who require all types of domestic and agricultural services. There are venues to entertain and provide services to tourists and residents of Franklin, Bellview, Fairview, and Nashville.
Who would be legally employing/contracting with me?
Thats up to the two parties involved.
Are there paid positions ?
None currently. The community may decide to employ members. The farmstore and the various component farms will require paid postions as they ramp up.
How is the Commons funded ?
The Agrihood has several commons (trails, pastures, community structures, Lakeside Lounge etc) that need maintenance and improvements. These expenses are covered either by fees assessed to members or volumteers.
How many people currently live in the Agrihood?
17
How many people live within the broader Big East Fork community?
35
Are meals communal?
No. But we really look forward to weekly pot-lucks
Are there community meetings?
Yes indeed. Meetings are essential for community. Not everyone needs to be present at all meetings. But if you attend it is important that you are present.
How are decisions made?
That’s a big one! Those people affected by a decision should be invited to contribute input into decisions. But community guidelines (which can be adjusted) need to be agreed to before one’s input is relevant.
Who makes decisions affecting residents?
Independent adults, the leadership council, and adhoc committees. Members meet formally at “town hall” meetings and informally at smaller ones.
Are residents expected to participate in community events?
Yes. Chronic non-participants and non-contributors may, after being notified, lose their community standing and access to the commons.
What happens when people disagree?
First thing is to voice one’s concern and then try to come to agreement. Folks can agree to disagree or escalate matters by inviting other community members to mediate. Matter is of general concern may be addressed in a larger circle. The Circle of Elders may be consulted as desired.
Are there formal community rules?
Yes. Rule one: Don’t be a dick. For more details see community agreements.
Can residents have friends/family visit?
Yes but safety requires that guests receive visitor passes if they are in common areas. All members must feel safe. This is an important community value.
How much privacy do residents have?
As much as they desire and can afford. Everyone has the right to be alone or in solitude. We are forming community not only to belong but to be respected.
Are political or ideological beliefs part of community life?
We agree to be green, clean, and not mean
Are there religious/spiritual expectations?
We are honored to be stewards of God’s creation. We don’t harass others with our own specific beliefs. However, sharing them helps create community.
A personal statement from the major landowner: I was raised in the Judeo-Christian heritage and am a loyal citizen of the United States who tries to uphold the constitution (crafted by Christians, some of whom were Deists) and all its amendments, including the First and Second Amendment. I am a devoted member of the Church of the Great Out Doors (GOD). Often when I am alone in the forest, I hear a still small voice (1 Kings 19:12) as it whispers through the trees. We are here for just a short time and we are all just walking each other home (Ram Dass).
Tell us about yourself
Fill out the form below if you are sill interested in joining or assisting our Agrihood