**Nonprofit Seeks Land for Affordable Manufactured Home Community**
A nonprofit organization known as the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) is on a mission to create affordable housing opportunities in New England by searching for land to establish a new manufactured home park in Vermont. This groundbreaking initiative was jump-started by a generous private donor who contributed $50,000 towards the project, which is projected to cost millions of dollars and take several years to complete.
**Identifying Potential Land in Vermont**
Jeremiah Ward, CDI’s water infrastructure support program manager, revealed that the organization has pinpointed suitable land in southern Vermont that could potentially accommodate 200 new manufactured homes. However, Ward refrained from disclosing the exact location of the site, citing that purchase discussions are still in the early stages. The mysterious donor, whose identity remains concealed, bestowed the $50,000 gift upon CDI with a specific question in mind – what would the organization do with such a generous donation? The resounding answer was to lay the groundwork for a brand-new mobile home park.
**Creating Affordable Housing Opportunities**
While CDI is primarily focused on preserving existing manufactured housing, the organization recognizes the pressing need to develop new affordable housing options to combat the ongoing housing crisis. Based in Northampton, Massachusetts, CDI is dedicated to establishing and maintaining cooperatively owned manufactured housing parks and businesses across New England. The organization has previously assisted residents in various Vermont parks, guiding them through the process of purchasing their communities, such as Lakeview Mobile Home Park in Shelburne, Weston Mobile Home Park in Berlin, and Milton Mobile Home Cooperative.
**Finding Mission-Driven Sellers and Collaborating with State Entities**
As CDI embarks on the quest to secure land for the new park, the organization has engaged in discussions with municipalities, nonprofits, and the state of Vermont. Ward emphasized the importance of identifying mission-driven sellers who are willing to be realistic about pricing for vacant land and patient enough to await the completion of capital raising and planning efforts. Moreover, CDI is exclusively considering sites connected to municipal wastewater systems located in municipalities open to zoning changes that facilitate construction. The enactment of Act 47, a state law mandating towns to permit dense residential development in designated water and sewer areas, is expected to streamline the site selection process.
**Collaborating with Vermont State Housing Authority**
In tandem with its search for land, CDI is collaborating with the Vermont State Housing Authority (VSHA) to address the housing shortage in Vermont. VSHA has initiated a program to install new mobile homes in available spaces within existing mobile home parks, aiming to provide energy-efficient homes priced around $100,000 to income-qualified buyers. This initiative, established in response to the devastation caused by flooding that led to the loss of numerous homes, involves the state covering site work and foundations costs. Homeowners are required to pay approximately $400 in monthly lot rents, covering expenses like plowing and property taxes. Since August, VSHA has successfully placed 32 homes, underscoring the critical role of manufactured homes in alleviating Vermont’s housing crisis.
**Promoting Modern Manufactured Homes**
Tyler Maas, VSHA’s director of program and housing development, champions the benefits of modern manufactured homes as a viable solution to Vermont’s housing challenges. He emphasizes the sturdiness and quality of these homes, distinguishing them from traditional mobile homes with features like USB ports on outlets and solid slabs for anchoring. Maas is committed to educating prospective homebuyers about the superior quality of modern manufactured homes, dispelling misconceptions about outdated, flimsy structures.
In conclusion, the collaboration between CDI and VSHA represents a significant step towards addressing the affordable housing shortage in Vermont, underscoring the importance of innovative solutions and strategic partnerships in tackling complex societal issues. Through joint efforts and community engagement, these organizations are paving the way for a brighter future where all individuals have access to safe, affordable housing options.
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**About The Author**
Anne Wallace Allen, an esteemed journalist covering breaking news and business stories for Seven Days, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her reporting. With a background in editorship and reporting for reputable publications like the Idaho Business Review and VTDigger, Anne is dedicated to delivering accurate, insightful news that resonates with readers. Her commitment to uncovering compelling stories and shedding light on pressing issues reflects her passion for journalism and storytelling. Anne’s unique perspective and dedication to journalistic integrity make her a valuable asset in the media landscape, ensuring that important stories are shared with the community.
