Meadowood residents complete purchase to become resident-owned community; city and partners praised

Meadowood Mobile Home Park residents told the Littleton City Council Sept. 2 that they have preserved their community by forming a 121-member cooperative and completing a purchase to become a resident-owned community, a model recognized last week at the Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Metro Vision Awards.

The park, an existing manufactured-home community for fixed-income older adults (55+), was at risk of sale to a large for-profit owner. According to speakers, residents organized and obtained financing and grants with city support to complete the buyout.

Sandy Cook, a Meadowood resident, told council: "It took us over a year to buy the part. ... If it had not been for you giving us our original down payment as a loan, we would not have been able to have progressed, and you have no idea, how grateful we are for that." She described the process as collaborative and said residents, board members and city staff provided sustained help.

Mayor and council members acknowledged the award and praised Arapahoe County, the High Line Canal Conservancy and other partners for regional collaboration on preservation projects. Council member Peters said Meadowood’s purchase was a highlight of her tenure, noting the level of neighborhood organization required to complete the deal.

The recognition and council remarks were primarily ceremonial; no formal council action was required at the time of the presentation. Residents and county representatives did request continued partnership and noted continued needs for grants and support for home and community maintenance.