The Homestead Acres Story...
Carl's Trailer Park opened in the late 1950s and has grown up over the years into a 30-site, resident-owned manufactured home community. But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in early 2011. That's when, with the help of the Cooperative Development Institute and ROC USA, LLC, we formed the Homestead Acres Mobile Home Park Homeowners Association, that would, on Dec. 1, 2011, purchase and take control of our community.
Now, Homestead Acres isn't just a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes 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 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. By becoming a ROC, our rent can be consistent and within our control – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Now, Homestead Acres isn't just a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes 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 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. By becoming a ROC, our rent can be consistent and within our control – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is our community on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Located in Swanton, Vermont, Homestead Acres couldn't be better situated. Lake Champlain provides Swanton its western border, and affords an amazing array of recreational opportunities close to home, including boating, fishing, swimming, exploring and much more. Our town's border to the north is the Quebec Province of Canada - home to Montreal (less than 1.5 hours) and the beautiful vistas of the Laurentian Mountains. Together they help make our region a lively mix of culture, recreation and beauty. Many people plan their vacations in the region we call home.
Swanton has a quaint New England town feel, with local churches, farmers markets, shops and great schools. We're just 15 minutes from the fairgrounds for the annual Franklin County Field Days, a wonderful country fair and decades-old local tradition, and yet the City of St. Albans is just a 5-minute drive where you'll find all kinds of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, festivals and more. Each April, St. Albans (dubbed the Maple Syrup Capital of the World) is home to the Vermont Maple Festival – a weekend long event with family fun, local music, arts and entertainment. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, you'll find yourself nestled in the heart of snow country with downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and more. If you'd like a weekend get-away, we're a quick ride to the St. Albans Amtrak Station. Hop on one of the daily trains to Washington, D.C., or any location in between for a weekend adventure or more! Or visit Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, lies less than 45 minutes to our south. Burlington is our gateway to the world! Bus, train and airplane (Burlington International Airport) are all available there, as well as world class arts, dining and entertainment. Here at Homestead Acres, there's something for everyone!
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we've worked hard to improve our community. We began by drilling deeper wells and repaired the road. We now have various other infrastructure improvements in progress. We also gather for a Labor Day Barbecue each year.
Ask anyone who lives in Homestead Acres, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
Swanton has a quaint New England town feel, with local churches, farmers markets, shops and great schools. We're just 15 minutes from the fairgrounds for the annual Franklin County Field Days, a wonderful country fair and decades-old local tradition, and yet the City of St. Albans is just a 5-minute drive where you'll find all kinds of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, festivals and more. Each April, St. Albans (dubbed the Maple Syrup Capital of the World) is home to the Vermont Maple Festival – a weekend long event with family fun, local music, arts and entertainment. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, you'll find yourself nestled in the heart of snow country with downhill and cross country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, snowmobiling and more. If you'd like a weekend get-away, we're a quick ride to the St. Albans Amtrak Station. Hop on one of the daily trains to Washington, D.C., or any location in between for a weekend adventure or more! Or visit Burlington, the largest city in Vermont, lies less than 45 minutes to our south. Burlington is our gateway to the world! Bus, train and airplane (Burlington International Airport) are all available there, as well as world class arts, dining and entertainment. Here at Homestead Acres, there's something for everyone!
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we've worked hard to improve our community. We began by drilling deeper wells and repaired the road. We now have various other infrastructure improvements in progress. We also gather for a Labor Day Barbecue each year.
Ask anyone who lives in Homestead Acres, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
