As part of $165.5 million in state-wide funding approved by Minnesota Housing, Bennett Park Cooperative in Moorhead will be able to address important infrastructure needs.
The 22-lot manufactured home community provides some of the lowest lot rents in the region, and the support from Minnesota Housing will allow the community to upgrade sewer pipes and water mains, reconstruct parking lots and roads and replace six abandoned homes to help improve the community’s livability. The project award is $2.6 million.
These investments will help Bennett Park stay a viable, affordable manufactured home community for years to come, according to Minnesota Housing.
"We're so excited to get started," said Evan, a board member and resident at Bennett Park. "The park needs a lot of improvements. Our roads are covered with potholes. If you live on the edges of the park, the water pressure is terrible. My hope is that someday people will drive by and say 'Oh, that place is really nice.'"
Minnesota Housing put more funding toward manufactured home community investments than ever this year, with $9.5 million allocated. These funds can be used for infrastructure projects such as water and sewer upgrades, storm shelter construction or repairs, electrical work, and road and sidewalk improvements.
Minnesota Housing also announced $102,500 in affordability gap financing for five units through the Maple Court Homeownership Development Program, and $704,000 for the Cass Clay Community Land Trust as part of its 2022 selections.
For more information on the 2022 housing selections, view the Minnesota Housing Impact Presentation.