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Harvest Hills Home Page
Report of 2001 Zion Seminar
Harvest Hills Covenant
Oak Hill Congregation
of the Community of Christ
Tristake Mission
Community of Christ World Church Web Page
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RESIDENCE IN HARVEST HILLS
Harvest Hills is a planned community in
eastern Independence, Jackson County,
Missouri, nestled among large oak trees and gently rolling hills, three miles north of Blue Springs on Highway 7. The developed portion of the community is known as Oak Hill Cluster.
Many residents of Harvest Hills are
members of the Community of Christ, though
this is not a requirement. The community
is being built to establish an environment
of ideal living conditions in which to build
Christian character. Harvest Hills is a "cooperative community." The residents are closely associated with each other. Residents are encouraged to assist each other in any way possible, to cooperate in the sharing of assets and tools, and to be friendly neighbors.
There are many joint community projects such
as vegetable gardening, orchards, flower gardens, and youth activities. Residents are encouraged to work together on their houses, join car pools, and
participate in joint community and social
activities. Children of the area play together on community common ground, or in adjoining wooded areas.
Harvest Hills is dedicated to establishing a wholesome and enjoyable community fraternity. Objectionable personal traits are discouraged. Community peace and tranquillity are high goals and workable objectives. Orientation classes are held for all new residents so they can
be familiar with community ideals and programs. Neighborhood business is transacted by the "Assembly of Stewards" made up of each member of the community. Residents are encouraged to participate in as many community activities as possible. Each person joining the community signs a "covenant" affirming his/her recognition of the fatherhood of God and the worth of all persons, and pledging to work for the welfare of everyone in the community, and in many instances for those living beyond Harvest Hills.
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Approximately 150 persons live in Harvest Hills. There are still building lots for more single family units, townhouses, and apartments within the cluster. The community area consists of approximately 50 acres. Responsive to individual family needs, single family dwellings, duplexes, underground houses, and sprayed concrete round houses have been introduced since the first townhouses were constructed in the early 1970s. The cost of housing varies with size and elaboration. Units built to date are valued from $50,000 to $150,000, with the average cost of a three-bedroom, 1,500 square-foot, home being approximately $65,000, plus lot cost of $12-18,000. Building lots generally include an area in front of and to the rear of the units, with rights of
usage of the common lawns and greenbelts. Most residences have a common green area in front and back of them.
Persons wishing to move into Harvest Hills submit an application for residence to the Steward Orientation and Recommendation Committee (SOAR). Plans for building and financing construction in the community are submitted to the Architectural Review Committee. Housing to be erected must conform to existing structures and the community housing standards. New homes may be constructed by any responsible builder as selected by the resident.
In addition to the lot cost, each family
pays the sum of $1,000 into the Harvest
Hills Community fund as a one-time contribution for community purposes, and monthly operating dues, at present $50.00. The greens and common areas,
tennis courts, and gardens are maintained
by the Community Association. The community
retains first right of refusal to buy a home if the
owner wishes to move. If the Association does not wish to buy the home at the market value, the owner can sell to whomever he/she wishes.
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