Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Association
PO Box 73
Halifax, MA 02338-0073
508-460-9523
Comm. of MA Joint Committee on Housing
Opposition to the Proposed Amendments to Chapter 140 of the General Laws SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 or H.1327
H.1327, as described in SECTION 1 and SECTION 2, introduces significant changes to the regulation of manufactured housing communities, particularly with regard to the authority of local boards and the setting of use and occupancy payments. While the intent behind these changes may be to protect tenants, there are several concerns and issues that need to be addressed. Here is an opposition to these sections:
1. Potential for Overregulation: The creation of separate boards at the city or town level, as proposed in SECTION 2(a), introduces the risk of overregulation. Each municipality may have different interpretations of what constitutes a fair net operating income and appropriate use and occupancy payments. This could create a patchwork of regulations that are confusing for both community owners and residents. SECTION 1 provides a description of authority; local Boards of Health are and have been the governing bodies of manufactured housing communities in MA. The boards of health, which are overburdened in many cities and towns, would then have to coordinate with new boards with no experience in manufactured housing.
2. Financial Burden on Community Owners: The limitations placed on the ability of manufactured housing community owners or operators to increase use and occupancy fees (SECTION 2(e)) may unfairly burden them financially. It's important to acknowledge that community owners have their own operational costs, including property taxes and maintenance expenses. Imposing strict limitations on fee increases without considering these factors could discourage investment in these communities and lead to neglect of essential maintenance.
3. Lack of Due Process: Section 2(g) suggests that Chapter 30A will apply to the board as if it were an agency of the Commonwealth. This could raise concerns about the due process rights of manufactured housing community owners and operators, as it might not provide them with adequate legal recourse in case of disputes or adverse decisions.
4. Lack of Flexibility/Restrictive Rent Control: Section 2(e) imposes strict limits on rent increases for manufactured home residents, linking them to the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (C-CPI-U). While controlling rent hikes is commendable, this formulaic approach may not consider factors specific to individual communities, such as property values or maintenance costs. MA already provides for rent control in communities that choose to adopt it. It could lead to underinvestment in housing communities, potentially diminishing their quality over time.: The proposed legislation appears to tie the hands of community owners by restricting their ability to make necessary adjustments to fees and rents. The reliance on the Chained Consumer Price Index (C-CPI-U) may not accurately reflect the real cost increases associated with operating a manufactured housing community. This lack of flexibility could result in financial difficulties for community owners and, ultimately, negatively impact the quality of living conditions for residents.
5. Inadequate Consideration of Fair Net Operating Income: Section 2(f) outlines factors that the board should consider in determining whether manufactured housing accommodations yield a fair net operating income. However, the proposed language lacks clarity on how these factors should be weighted and applied. This ambiguity may lead to inconsistent interpretations and unfair outcomes.
6. Enforcement Challenges: The creation of additional boards with enforcement powers (SECTION 2(c)) could lead to bureaucratic inefficiencies and legal disputes. The introduction of fines for violations (SECTION 2(d)) without clear guidelines for what constitutes a violation may result in arbitrary enforcement and unjust penalties.
7. Lack of Clarity and Consistency: The legislation lacks clear and consistent definitions and criteria for determining fair net operating income (SECTION 2(f)). This ambiguity could lead to disputes and legal challenges, further burdening both community owners and residents.
8. Limitation on Personnel: Exempting the personnel of the board from Chapter 31 of the General Laws (SECTION 2(j)) raises concerns about accountability and transparency in the operation of these boards. It's essential to ensure that any individuals involved in the regulation of manufactured housing communities are subject to appropriate personnel regulations.
In conclusion, while the intentions behind H.1327 may be to protect the interests of manufactured housing community residents, the proposed changes in SECTION 1 and SECTION 2 raise several concerns related to overregulation, financial burden on community owners, lack of flexibility, enforcement challenges, lack of clarity, and personnel accountability. It is crucial to strike a balance between protecting the rights of tenants and ensuring the continued viability and sustainability of manufactured housing communities. Amendments and further consideration are needed to address these concerns adequately.
Melissa Caron, Executive Director
Location: Stone Meadow in Bridgewater MA 02324
Fee: Members: Free (2 per membership)
Non-Members $100
Sponsorships: $250 - You will have a table to display your product.
Shaunna O'Connell, Mayor of Taunton kicked off our meeting. Pictured here with MMHA Treasurer Josephine Santa Fe.
From left to right: Michael Henretty, SEBA, Mark Bowersox, MHI, Melissa Caron, Angelo Wallace, HUD, Cecil Allyon, Minute Man Anchors
Having a big sale, on-site celebrity, or other event? Be sure to announce it so everybody knows and gets excited about it.
Mark brought us all up to date on what is going on in the White House and across the country. From HUD regulations to modern new trends in the industry.
Minute Man Anchors has a hidden gem of a product. Cecil Ayllon of Minute Man was dynamic in explaining his wonderful products.
Thank you to Ron Major and Joe Sitts of Champion Titan, Gregg Cummings of Champion Skyline, and Pine Groves Ted Salamak & Joe Heberling.
Adam Kaufman moderated questions on the state of the industry.
The membership was enlightened by all of the manufacturer's new production processes and the effect the economic fluctuation has affected production and costs.
Stone Meadow is owned and operated by the Wyman Family, hence the company name, Wyman Residential, LLC.
The Wyman Family began their journey long before becoming land developers. The property was initially established as a poultry farm. Saul & Sarah Wyman, the parents of the current owners, Arthur and Richard " Dick" Wyman, had no experience in farming and grew up in the City of Boston. They bought the farm and moved to Bridgewater in 1935 to fulfill a lifelong dream of owning a dairy farm. They converted the poultry farm into a dairy farm by purchasing four milking cows.
Saul and Sarah lived on the farm. They had four children, all of whom grew up on and worked at the farm. This was a family affair from day one. The children, Dick, Robert “Bob” (twins), Arthur, and Myrna, developed a remarkable work ethic.
Saul and Sarah did live out their dream, winning the award for outstanding dairy farm in 1985. After almost 60 years in business, the Federal Government offered a buyout program for dairy farmers to close their businesses. The Wyman’s closed the farm in 18 months with over 600 cows. The children Dick, Bob, and Art, along with their wives Joyce, Sue, and Diane, began new careers in land development. They all worked on this new project together as a family unit.
Saul and Sarah both lived to see the groundbreaking at High Pond, and Sarah.
The town was apprehensive of the idea of manufactured housing. Still, after the completion of High Pond, the Town could appreciate what an asset and solution this was for residents 55 and older. The Wyman’s had plans for the Stone Meadow community, but they were apprehensive to proceed after the long and drawn-out process it took to permit High Pond. It took 13 years for the Town of Bridgewater to permit the Wyman’s first community, High Pond Estates (to be highlighted at a later date).
After the completion of High Pond, the Town of Bridgewater reached out to the Wyman’s requesting that they create another 55+ community with the land that was still undeveloped. The Wyman’s agreed to develop Stone Meadow, and it took a… long nine years to clear the permitting process.
Stone Meadow, an elevated model from its sister community, High Pond, broke ground in 2004. Now, nineteen years later, Stone Meadow is upon completion with its last home, which arrived in late August 2023. Stone Meadow comprises 320 lots with a potential of 10 more to grow into. Eighty-five percent of the homes in Stone Meadow are Virginia Homes. Approximately six years ago, they made a change and finished up by purchasing homes from Pleasant Valley Homes, Pine Grove. Diane Wyman designed all of the homes in both communities. Diane tweaked every single home that was ordered. Unfortunately, Diane passed away this past winter, 2023, and did not see the completion of this community she poured her heart and soul into. She was a wizard of measurements and designer extraordinaire. No one loved this community more than Diane. She worked with each and every new homeowner on their design and loved each new home as if it were her new child.
Bob was the first of the children to pass away in 2016, and Sue, his wife, in 2022. Myrna, their sister, was not involved in the community development. She followed her own career but is very close to her brothers.
Arthur, Dick, and Joyce are still involved daily, with the help of a great team that runs the day-to-day operations.
The Stone Meadow community center has a function facility, library, billiard/card room, gym, and a lap pool.
Here is quick access to the HUD forms that must be filed on new construction homes.
Did you know that once a HUD home passes on as a resale to a second owner that the home is no longer governed by HUD?
The Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Association, Inc. (MMHA) is a statewide not-for-profit organization established in 1996 representing manufactured housing community owners/operators, manufacturers, insurers, financiers, and suppliers throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
MMHA is committed to promoting the general welfare and growth of the manufactured housing industry in Massachusetts while seeking to educate public officials, consumers, and industry professionals.
The HUD Installation Program took effect 5.5 years ago on May 1st, 2016. MA did not have an installation program in place so MA became a default state and HUD implemented minimum standards and a certification program. All manufactured home installers must be certified.
Click on the link below to view HUD's resources.
We are a Massachusetts local industry association representing all sectors of the manufactured housing industry. Membership is open to community owners (both private and resident-owned) and associates members providing product or service to the industry.
MMHA offers the chance to connect with others in your industry. You can learn from others, network and create alliances or partnerships. From Annual Meetings, Educational Seminars, Social Events, and others, all serve as a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, expand the reach of your business. The most successful entrepreneurs are not afraid to network with competitors and other like-minded industry professionals in an effort to expand profitability and efficiency. At MMHA, we offer a bridge to communicate in a collaborative environment.
MMHA offers a variety of educational opportunities from certifications to business training. Educational resources alone can easily pay for your membership.
One of the most overlooked benefits of an association is advocacy. As a member, you have an organization dedicated to protecting and advancing the needs of your industry, as the fortunes of your industry rise, so do your business opportunity. Having a dedicated team to lobby and advocate on your behalf is powerful. Association membership is a lot less expensive than trying to hire a lobbyist yourself.
Join Today, become an active member of the betterment of the Massachusetts Manufactured Housing Industry. It makes good business sense and helps promote the industry’s position as a provider of quality and affordable housing throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIP
Joining MMHA is an investment in your own business. Benjamin Franklin once stated that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest. $300 Annually (includes first 30 sites, $8 per additional site)
ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP
MMHA Members prefer to do business with manufacturers, suppliers and service companies who share their commitment to the industry. The association offers several opportunities to increase your involvement in the industry and reach key decision makers. $500 Annually
Stone Meadow, Bridgewater, MA
Clarion Hotel, 700 Myles Standish Blvd, Taunton, MA 02780
Stone Meadow, Bridgewater, MA
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1st Quarter Board of Directors Meeting - Zoom
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2nd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting - TBA
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3rd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting - TBA
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3rd Quarter Board of Directors Meeting - TBA
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Jeff is the owner and operator of 3 communities MA, family owned since day 1. Jeff is also the Vice-Chair on the Manufactured Housing Commission.
Adam is and has been involved in his family's business his entire life. They own 5 communities with 2 in MA. Adam has served on the board for many years.
Jo has been in property management for over 12 years in Florida & MA. She is extremely involved in her communities community where she volunteers in many organizations. She is employed with one of the largest property management firms in MA.
A dedicated board member for many years before becoming the board secretary. June is an expert real estate broker in the manufactured housing industry and owner of Johnson Bayside Real Estate, Ltd.
Justin has been involved in his community since forever working alongside his Grandfather. He now manages the property with his father. Justin has served the board for 3 years.
Debra is a second-generation owner/operator/developer of a 55+ manufactured home community. She has been a supporter of manufactured housing for more than 40 years and is also owner/broker of Debra Johnson Realty Group, LLC, a residential brokerage firm.
With 25 + years of experience in the financial market Sean is our go to finance expert for chattel mortgages. He has served the board 2013.
Long term director, previously appointed Pres. & VP,. Don's expertise is in the insurance portion of this industry. Don is VP of HUB International NE, LLC
A board member now for 5 years, Joe delivers the manufacturing expertise to our association. Joe has been with Champion/Titan Homes for 17 many years.
His family has been in the business for generations, 5 decades. The portfolio includes five communities that have gone through extensive improvements over the past few years. Justin has served the board for 2 years.
Art has served as Pres. and Vi.P., he is also a founding member of this association. Art has over 30 years of industry experience developing, owning & operating two pristine 55+ Communities.
I am excited and humbled to serve as executive director of the MMHA. I have been a property manager for 27 years in both family and 55+ communities. My responsibilities have included all aspects of property management including but not limited to the development, maintenance, acquisitions, finances, and evictions.
I was a member of the association prior to joining the board in 2003 then becoming treasurer 2008-2019.
I was appointed in 2016 served on the City of Taunton, Manufactured Home Park Eviction & Discontinuance Review Board.
I look forward to promoting how valuable an industry this is.
(508) 460-9523
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American Mobile Homes, Inc.
Blevins
Champion Homes/Titan
Champion Homes/Skyline
D&N Mogan
Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
Hayastan Indistries, Inc.
HUB International
Johnson Bayside Real Estate
Pine Grove Homes
Colony Factory Homes
Sterling Associates
Priority Funding
RLM II LLC
ROC USA
Schechner Lifson Corp.
Style Crest
Sterling Associates a leading lender in the manufactured housing.
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