Emilia Teasdale writes in the Columbia Paper the Camphill Ghent retirement project is now open and operational. The 112-acre retirement housing complex located on Route 66, south of the Village of Chatham, is the first of its kind in the country. The complex offers a mix of living styles, and of people with and without special needs. Camphill Ghent started as a project for people living at Camphill Village, a living center for people with developmental disabilities and their caretakers and families. The Camphill board initiated the project based on the understanding that residents stay with the organization for life and need new facilities as they get older, Teasdale writes. The non-profit also wanted a place for its own retired employees to live. The development currently houses 29 residents in 31 units and a senior center. A second senior center is expected to open soon and an arts center is under construction. Chief Executive Officer John Baring said the facility currently employs 24 staff members, called co-workers, and will hire eight more co-workers in the coming weeks. Baring told Teasdale the project is expected to receive Gold LEED certification, because its builders and designers used energy efficient, environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and designs. Camphill follows the teaching philosophy Rudolf Steiner. Camphill Village in Copake is one of 100 similar communities worldwide. Read the full story in the Feb. 23 edition of the Columbia Paper.