WARREN, Mass. — The room was packed Friday night for the celebration of the newest resident-owned community in Massachusetts.
Nearly 60 people — including some town officials — came out for the potluck dinner celebration for Heritage Association, Inc.. This spirit mirrored that of when the idea of forming a cooperative was first being discussed.
During that informational meeting, all of the homeowners there said they supported becoming resident owned.
“We are neighbors, we are friends,” said Mary Regan, a member of the democratically-elected Board of Directors. “We want this to be the best community.”
Residents are fully embracing the cooperative spirit, with all of their committees already full staffed with volunteers.
Residents of the 91-home community purchased their neighborhood April 12. The move means that residents will be able to control their own destiny, according to many on the Board.
Though unified under one name now, two groups make up the co-op: the Heritage Village Association, an all ages community, and Hillside Estates, a 55 and older community.
The move provides residents with secure and affordable housing for years to come.
“Now we own it,” said Board President Herb Kingston during his speech at the Friday party. “Let’s celebrate.”
The marketing website for the community is also live.
Cooperative Development Institute will be providing technical assistance to the community for at least the next decade. This was the 20th cooperative in Massachusetts and 39th in New England that CDI works with.
ROC USA Network has helped 219 communities preserve more than 14,000 homes in 15 states.