AUGUSTA - On Friday, Gov. Janet Mills unveiled her budget change package, which proposes to create a new fund to support the purchase of mobile home parks by their residents.
Many mobile home park residents throughout Maine, including at Old Orchard Village and Atlantic Village in Old Orchard Beach, are vulnerable to being displaced or having their rents suddenly increase due to a change in ownership. The governor's proposal would add $5 million in one-time funds to MaineHousing to provide low- or no-interest financing to entities like resident cooperatives to support mobile home park purchases.
In response to this announcement, Sen. Donna Bailey, D-York, and Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, issued the following statements:
"As a former resident of the Old Orchard Village and Atlantic Village, I know the value of these communities, and I am deeply concerned about their fates," said Bailey. "When I reflect on the memories that my husband and I made there, while raising our son, I hope that others can have a similar experience: buying a home, raising a family, finishing school. These proposed funds will help residents organize themselves so that they can preserve and protect their homes. All Mainers, no matter where they live, deserve to have this ability."
"As we've seen right here in our community with the proposed sale of Old Orchard Village and Atlantic Village, the sale of a mobile home park can have potentially devastating outcomes for residents," said Gramlich. "A change in park ownership, especially to a corporate, out-of-state entity, often means increased rents and fees that will be out of reach for many who are older and living on fixed incomes. This proposal from Gov. Mills will help empower these residents and keep more folks in their homes."
Bailey is serving her second term in the Maine State Senate. She is the Senate Chair of the Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee. She also serves on the Judiciary Committee.
Gramlich is a longtime social worker and third-term member of the Maine House. She is the House chair of the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee.
Contact:
Lisa Haberzettl [Bailey], 207-251-3548
Brian Lee [Gramlich], 305-965-2744