BIG PICTURE:
Residents of Linn Haven Mobile Home Park in Brunswick are making history by becoming a resident-owned community, thanks to a new Maine law that requires mobile home park owners to give notice when planning to sell. This allows residents to make an offer to purchase their park, preserving affordable housing.
WHAT’S HAPPENING:
The new law, which took effect in October, required the park owner to notify residents of the intent to sell. This gave the residents a chance to form a cooperative and make an offer.
• The residents unanimously agreed to form the Blueberry Fields Cooperative. • They made a $26.3 million counteroffer to buy the park. • The co-op received $3 million from the governor’s supplemental budget to help close the sale.
• The residents unanimously agreed to form the Blueberry Fields Cooperative.
• They made a $26.3 million counteroffer to buy the park.
• The co-op received $3 million from the governor’s supplemental budget to help close the sale.
LOOKING AHEAD:
The sale is expected to close in the coming weeks, with residents taking control of the park for the first time. The process highlights a key shift toward preserving affordable housing in Maine.
• This is the first time the new law has been used in Maine.
• The seller worked closely with the residents, negotiating in good faith to finalize the deal.
TAKEAWAY:
This marks a major milestone for mobile home communities in Maine, showing how resident-owned communities can preserve housing stability. Check out our article, What is a “ROC” or resident owned community?, to learn more on how these communities work. V
LEARN MORE:
For a deeper dive into this story, read the original article by Mal Meyer on WGME. You can also explore on our blog for more articles made specifically for mobile home residents facing challenging situations.
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