The Hillcrest Mobile Home Park Story...
Hillcrest Mobile Park opened in the early 1970s and has grown up over the years into a 95-site, 55+, resident-owned manufactured home community. But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in 2013. That's when, with the help of Community Development Institute and ROC USA, LLC, we formed Hillcrest Mobile Home Tenants Association, Inc. that would, on November 22, 2013, purchase and take control of our community.
Now, Hillcrest Mobile Home Park is not only a successful business, but also a thriving neighborhood. The process of the cooperative buying the land beneath our homes brought this community closer together. Not only do we know far more of our neighbors than ever before, but we look out for one another, too. And with no outside landlord to report to, we're the envy of other nearby manufactured home communities.
Our member households elect our board of directors, which works with a property manager and also appoints various volunteer committees to help with special projects, celebrations, community improvements and more. The board submits a budget every year, and the entire membership votes on it and any changes to the rent before the budget becomes official. By becoming a ROC, our rent can be consistent and within our control – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is Hillcrest Mobile Home Park, on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Hillcrest couldn't be better situated. In an area rich with history, natural resources and recreation, we are never short on things to do. Within 40 minutes, you can catch a foot or car ferry to Martha's Vineyard – a world-class destination just off the coast of Cape Cod, with a culture all its own. Or 40 minutes in the other direction, enjoy the cityscape, arts and cultural activities – such as Waterfire – of Providence, Rhode Island. And drive to Boston in less than an hour for some of our country's finest in entertainment, culture and history. Whether it's relaxation or adventure, Hillcrest Mobile Home Park is a portal to it all. And while accessing these places is a breeze – jump on the T-Station just five minutes from home (the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority commuter rail) or a bus – there's plenty to do right here in Middleborough. Just a few minutes from Hillcrest, you'll find numerous lakes, rivers and parks. Myles Standish State Forest is just 20 minutes from home. Whether you're walking, biking or picnicking, there's something for everyone! Middleborough is also in the heart of cranberry country, which produces about 35% of the cranberries consumed in the United States! The cranberry fields provide beauty to the area and great economic benefit to the region. Cranberries are Massachusetts' number one commodity crop, and right here in Middleborough you'll find Brenda Cobb Cranberries where you can buy the fresh picked fruit 10 minutes from home.
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have worked hard to improve our community. Our first projects included infrastructure improvements, like updating our roads, electrical, water and sewer systems. We have an ongoing capital improvement plan to include a new club house and other projects. We also have plans for regular social events and activities.
Ask anyone who lives in Hillcrest Mobile Home Park, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
