The Edgeway Homeowners Association Story...
Edgeway Mobile Home Park opened in the late 1990s and has grown up over the years into a 52-site resident-owned manufactured home community (ROC). But that transition didn't happen overnight. We began the move toward controlling our own destiny in late 2013. That's when, with the help of Cooperative Development Institue and ROC USA, LLC, we formed the Edgeway Homeowners Association, Inc., that would, on May 29, 2014, purchase and take control of our community.
Now, Edgeway 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 appoints various volunteer committees and works with our property management company. Together they work on 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. Our community has been a beneficiary of the Middleborough rent-control effort since 1986, however, newer residents ended up paying higher rates. The Edgeway residents then came together in 2006 and successfully fought for stronger implementation of that law. By becoming a ROC, our rent can be consistent among residents and within our control – something about which we're not only happy, but also proud. We make decisions based on what's best for our community. We're running the multi-million dollar business that is Edgeway on our terms, by our rules, for the betterment of ourselves and our neighbors.
Edgeway Homeowners Association couldn't be better situated. Middleborough is perfectly located in the heart of eastern Massachusetts with easy access to Boston, Providence and Cape Cod. Boston, about 30 miles from here, is the destination for the arts, entertainment and innovation. Our access to Cape Cod and the southern shores of Massachusetts affords us the relaxation and recreation of the oceanfront. And right here in Middleborough you'll find all your necessities like groceries, pharmacies, churches and more! Our libraries are a wonderful source of education and activities, from knitting to cribbage. We enjoy arts festivals, music concerts and art exhibits – all in our hometown. We host the annual Herring Run Festival along the Nemasket River. It's a wonderful weekend-long event with music and activities for all ages. Middleborough is also home to the Soule Homestead Education Center – offering classes, events and lectures on everything from gardening to knitting. And if an adventure is what you're craving, Edgeway makes that easy. We're right around the corner from the "T" (Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority commuter rail), at less than a mile from home, you can even walk to it from Edgeway! The T will bring you to Boston and surrounding areas. And in the summer, take advantage of the CapeFlyer train service from Boston to Cape Cod, with a stop right here in Middleborough! While we have the conveniences and benefits of larger cities nearby, here at Edgeway we are a secluded paradise for 55+ adults. We have an active Neighborhood Watch program and truly keep an eye out for one another – providing peace of mind. In Edgeway you'll find the type of lifestyle you love!
Since we voted to become a resident-owned community, we have had many plans to improve our community. Our first projects will include upgrades to our roads and our water system, with all new septics being installed. New tree-plantings and various other infrastructure improvements are also in the works.
Ask anyone who lives in Edgeway, and we're sure they'll tell you it's a little slice of heaven.
