Conifer Green Becomes 19th ROC In Massachusetts

KINGSTON, Mass. — Residents in the 75-home Conifer Green Community came together to purchase their neighborhood this week. Every manufactured home community in the town of Kingston is now a resident-owned community (ROC).

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Conifer Green community leaders said the purchase has given them a strong sense of security as well as helped to bring the residents together.

“The sense of community that has been growing by the minute since we started on this journey is palpable,” said Joan Thompson-Stein, president of the democratically elected Board of Directors.

ROC leaders are already preparing to make improvements at Conifer Green, including tree trimming and adding new lighting, said Colleen Preston, a cooperative development specialist at Cooperative Development Institute.

“They’re very excited,” she said. “Things are looking good for them.”

Andy Danforth, director of CDI’s New England Resident Owned Communities (NEROC) Program, agreed.

  “It was pleasure to work with the residents of Conifer Green on their purchase,” he said. “They quickly understood the value of forever securing the land their homes are on. Through ownership, they can maintain the community the way they wish, have the services they expect, at a price they set. They are the 19th Massachusetts community (38th overall) CDI has helped to convert to resident ownership and we look forward to working with them to achieve their long-term goals.”

Residents purchased the community for $2.91 million on Feb. 27.

A celebration will be held on March 10.