The Weston’s Cooperative Story

 

Weston’s originally opened in the late 1960s and is now a resident-owned, 83-manufactured home community located in Berlin, Vermont, just outside of Montpelier.

But that transition didn’t happen overnight. We formed the Weston’s Mobile Home Cooperative, Inc. and started on the path to resident-ownership in 2017. That’s when, with the help of Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) and ROC USA, LLC, we purchased and took control of our community on Dec. 28, 2017.

Now, the ROC is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood.

The process of the resident-owned community buying the land beneath our neighborhood brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we’re the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.

Our Member households elect our Board of Directors, which works with a property management firm and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The Board submits a budget every year, and the entire Membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. We’re running the business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.

Weston’s is a friendly community for people who enjoy living within moments of the state capital of Montpelier and also appreciate the proximity to countless recreational opportunities. Winooski River, one of the best known locations to fish in the state, is less than ten minutes down the road. Berlin Pond, a local favorite for fishing, kayaking and swimming, is just six miles away. Hubbard Park offers seven miles of hiking trails, picnic tables, a soccer field and a sledding hill perfect for winter fun.

Winter sports enthusiasts are centrally located within 35 miles to four ski resorts: Stowe Mountain, Bolton Valley, Smuggler’s Notch and Sugarbush. Numerous other skiing options are located within two hours from Weston’s.

We are located just 45 minutes from Burlington, the largest city in Vermont. The Queen City’s arts and culture scene, along with local music and events, provide activities for all ages and interests. Summertime concerts, festivals, and activities on Lake Champlain offer something for everyone to enjoy.

Berlin Mall is five miles away and offers endless shopping options. Looking to connect with local farmers and artists? The Capital City Farmers Market boasts more than 50 vendors each Saturday from May through October in downtown Montpelier.

Ask anyone who lives in Weston’s, and we’re sure they’ll tell you it’s a little slice of heaven.