Residents of manufactured homes in Hinsdale, Massachusetts banded together to buy the 46-acre park under their homes, an amazing success story of how residents can cooperate to preserve and own affordable homes in our communities.
This news comes at a time when housing prices have skyrocketed and the need for affordable housing is dire. Bissellville Estates, a 29-home community located at 1109 Washington Road, was owned by a husband and wife couple for decades. After her husband passed away in 2022, she put it on the market for sale.
Under Massachusetts law, owners of manufactured home parks are required to notify residents when the owner has a third-party offer they intend to accept, giving residents an opportunity to submit a substantially equivalent bid. This is called the “right of first refusal.”
Residents were notified that the park was being put up for sale on April 6, 2023. The Cooperative Development Institute helped residents petition and set up a Board of Directors to buy the park.
Bissellville Estates residents closed on the purchase of their park this week.
“Without CDI, this would’ve never happened. The logistics involved are not something any ordinary folks would be privy to, but Nora and Andy fully instilled hope and knowledge when we needed it most. Now, not only do we have control of our future but we have a closer community as well.” — Gary Bird, Bissellville Estates resident and board president.
Photo: Residents signing closing documents on December 12, 2023.
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