Brunswick Mobile Home Park Residents Celebrate Groundbreaking Cooperative Ownership

Photo byspectrumlocalnews

Residents of Linnhaven Mobile Home Park in Brunswick proudly celebrated their successful transition to cooperative ownership on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Governor Janet Mills. After months of negotiations, the 278-home community is now under the management of the Blueberry Fields Cooperative, a move made possible by new state legislation and funding aimed at empowering residents.

A Historic Achievement

With the support of state loans and grants, the cooperative successfully purchased the park for $26.3 million. This initiative arose from residents’ concerns over the potential for rent hikes under new ownership, an issue they witnessed firsthand as other parks in the area were acquired, leading to soaring rental costs.

“We’ve seen other parks get purchased and the rents just went crazy high,” said Melissa McCarthy, a board member who has lived in Linnhaven for nine years. “Many residents here are on fixed incomes, and the fear of sudden increases was very real.”

This purchase marks the first successful acquisition under a new law that mandates mobile home park owners to give residents advance notice of their intent to sell. Governor Mills expressed hope that this legislation would provide greater stability for residents facing an uncertain housing landscape.

Ensuring Stability and Security

“No one should be afraid that a surprise rent increase will break the bank or that someone will buy the land out from under them, leading to eviction,” Mills stated during her visit to the park. Her remarks underscored the need for secure housing options for residents who have invested their lives into their homes.

To facilitate the purchase, the cooperative secured a $20.6 million loan from MaineHousing and a $3.2 million grant from the Mobile Home Community Preservation Fund. Dan Brennan, director of MaineHousing, highlighted the urgency of preserving existing mobile home parks amidst a growing crisis in affordable housing.

“We realized that many parks were being sold, and residents were losing their homes,” Brennan noted. “This preservation fund aims to keep people in their homes, ensuring stability for current and future generations.”

A Model for Collective Empowerment

Nora Gosselin from the Cooperative Development Institute assisted the residents throughout the buying process. Reflecting on the challenges they faced, Gosselin acknowledged the initial fears of potential rent increases ranging from $200 to $300 per month. “There has been so much uncertainty, yet through it all, your community came together,” she said. “You asked thoughtful questions, expressed your fears, and most importantly, you trusted one another.”

McCarthy encouraged others in similar situations to embrace the opportunity to purchase their communities. “Don’t be scared. You can do it. You have nothing to lose,” she urged. “We were afraid in the beginning, but we were determined. Look at us now—we made it happen, and we own it.”

A Bright Future Ahead

The successful formation of the Blueberry Fields Cooperative not only signifies a new beginning for the residents of Linnhaven Mobile Home Park but also serves as a beacon of hope for mobile home communities across the state. As they navigate the path toward collective ownership, these residents are setting a powerful example of resilience, empowerment, and community solidarity in the face of housing challenges.