Following up on a post MHProNews last published May 7, 2013 regarding Wheel Estates Mobile Home Park in North Adams, Massachusetts becoming cooperatively-owned, the Rec Hall that serves the residents has undergone a complete transformation, with new ceilings and floors, new paint on the walls, and refurbished front and back decks. In addition, a $1.3 million project to repair water lines to half of the homes was also completed, as were road repairs. Sandra Overlock, president of the Wheel Estates Tenant Associations, Inc. says residents are taking pride in owning the manufactured home community, and celebrated the improvements with a Christmas party. It was the first to create a resident-owned community in a rent-controlled jurisdiction, according to iberkshires.com, and the rent control board had to be inventive in fulfilling its obligations to the residents and to the provisions of the rules. State Rep. Gailanne Cariddi, who came to the celebration, commended the residents for their success. “This was not an easy thing to do,” she said. “They had a good reason to and they’ve done a marvelous job here.” MHProNews understands ROC USA assisted with the financing.
