Charter Oaks village cooperative

- 31 Allen Ave, Arundel, ME 04046

Introduction / Overview

For many Maine residents in the highly sought-after and increasingly expensive southern and coastal regions, securing stable, affordable housing is a growing challenge.

Charter Oaks Village Cooperative

, located in Arundel, ME, represents a powerful, resident-led solution to this problem. This is not a traditional, investor-owned mobile home park, but a thriving 40-unit community that is proudly owned and operated by the homeowners who live there.

Charter Oaks Village became a Resident-Owned Community (ROC) in June 2019, through a collective purchase effort supported by the Cooperative Development Institute (CDI) and the ROC USA Network. This transition from a privately owned mobile home park to a cooperative means the residents, as members of the co-op, now control the land beneath their homes and have a vote in the community's management, budget, and future improvements. This cooperative model offers residents a robust defense against rising lot rents and the potential displacement associated with corporate park ownership, securing long-term affordability for the York County area.

The community is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, elected from the membership, who work in conjunction with a live-in manager to address day-to-day operations and enforce community rules. This structure fosters a strong sense of ownership and community spirit, allowing neighbors to directly shape their living environment. While the structure is cooperative, which involves shared decision-making and responsibilities, the fundamental benefit is the preservation of an affordable path to homeownership in a high-cost area of Maine.

Location and Accessibility

Charter Oaks Village Cooperative is strategically positioned in Arundel, ME, a town that offers a semi-rural setting while providing exceptional access to major coastal attractions and economic hubs in York County. The community's address is:

31 Allen Ave, Arundel, ME 04046, USA

This location is a significant advantage for Maine locals working in the southern part of the state. Arundel sits just off Route 111 (Alfred Road), offering quick access to the Maine Turnpike (I-95) via Exit 14, making commutes to Biddeford, Kennebunk, and even Portland efficient. The park is only minutes away from the numerous amenities, services, and large retail centers that have developed along Route 1 and the surrounding area. Furthermore, the famous Maine beaches, including those in Kennebunkport and Wells, are a short, convenient drive away. For residents, this means securing affordable homeownership without sacrificing access to the job market and the quintessential Maine coastal lifestyle.

Services Offered

As a Resident-Owned Cooperative (ROC), the services offered by Charter Oaks Village are managed to maintain the community's infrastructure and ensure a pleasant living environment for its member-owners:

• Long-Term Lot Leases: The co-op structure provides stable lot occupancy, with monthly payments covering the co-op's operating costs, mortgage, taxes, and maintenance, protecting residents from unpredictable rent hikes.
• On-Site Management: The community benefits from a live-in manager who handles the daily operational needs and rule enforcement, ensuring a responsive management structure.
• Pet Policy: The community is welcoming to pets, with both cats and dogs generally approved, although dog approval requires specific review by management and the co-op board.
• Community Oversight: Through the democratically elected Board of Directors, residents have direct input and voting power on all major decisions affecting park rules, infrastructure projects, and financial stability.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Ongoing efforts are made to improve and maintain the park's infrastructure, including the recent and necessary paving of interior roads to enhance safety and quality of life.

Features / Highlights

The most noteworthy features of Charter Oaks Village Cooperative are centered on its unique ownership model and the benefits it delivers to the resident-owners:

• Resident Ownership (ROC): This is the defining feature, granting homeowners an equity share and an equal vote in the co-op, effectively allowing them to control their housing future and secure permanent affordability.
• Affordable Homeownership: By transitioning to a co-op, the community locks in long-term affordability, safeguarding homes in an area where market-rate housing is increasingly out of reach for median-income Maine families.
• Community Building: The process of becoming a co-op and the ongoing governance structure have fostered a new, stronger sense of community, encouraging neighborly interaction and cooperation on park issues.
• Strategic Location: Situated near major transit routes and the Seacoast, residents enjoy a favorable balance of rural-like tranquility and convenient access to employment centers in York County.
• Award-Winning Model: The co-op was recognized with a GrowSmart Maine Award for Smart Growth, highlighting its innovative approach to preserving affordable, compact housing and local control.

Contact Information

Maine residents interested in joining or learning more about the Charter Oaks Village Cooperative should reach out directly to the management for current vacancies, co-op membership requirements, and community rules. As a co-op, the process involves more than just a typical lease application; it includes becoming a member-owner of the corporation.

Address: 31 Allen Ave, Arundel, ME 04046, USA

Phone: (207) 569-5441

Mobile Phone: +1 207-569-5441

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Charter Oaks Village Cooperative is exceptionally suitable for Maine locals, especially those in the southern region, who are looking for a secure, affordable, and permanent homeownership solution. The value of this community goes far beyond a reasonable monthly lot rent; it offers residents control over their environment, a democratic voice in their housing future, and protection from the financial uncertainties of the conventional housing market. It is a community built on the principle of neighbors working together for mutual benefit. For Maine families and individuals who seek stability, community engagement, and a financially sound way to remain in the desirable York County area, Charter Oaks Village Cooperative provides a proven, award-winning model of residential empowerment and affordable living.

Charter Oaks village cooperative

31 Allen Ave, Arundel, ME 04046, USA