The MHI Community of Distinction program evaluates a manufactured home community in three specific areas. The three areas are: resident satisfaction; overall physical appearance and upkeep of the community; and education programs specific to property management completed by onsite property managers.
Arlington, Va (PRWEB) July 31, 2004 -- At its June 14 Summer Meeting in Washington, D.C., the Manufactured Housing Institute introduced its new designation program for manufactured home communities, MHI Community of Distinction, and awarded the designation to five communities.
The MHI Community of Distinction program evaluates a manufactured home community in three specific areas. The three areas are: resident satisfaction; overall physical appearance and upkeep of the community; and education programs specific to property management completed by onsite property managers.
The resident satisfaction and physical appearance criteria are evaluated by Datacomp Appraisal Systems, an independent appraisal and inspection firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich. Residents are contacted via telephone and asked to participate in a 23-question survey that evaluates satisfaction with the physical appearance and maintenance of the community, recreational facilities, programs and services, and management. Datacomp utilizes its nationwide field representatives to conduct an extensive 34-point physical inspection and evaluation of the community. For more information about Datacomp, visit its Web site at www.datacompusa.com.
The education programs that are recognized by the MHI Community of Distinction program are: The Manufactured Housing Educational Institutes Accredited Community Manager (ACM) Course 101; The Manufactured Housing Manager (MHM) designation program offered by GFA Management, Inc.; the Western Manufactured Home Communities Association MCM Certification Program; Nevadas Certificate Program; and the Institute of Real Estate Managements (IREM) Certified Property Manager (CPM) and Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) designations. At least one onsite manager at the community must have completed one of these programs for the community to qualify for the MHI Community of Distinction designation.
During the MHI National Communities Council meeting, five communities were awarded MHI Community of Distinction designations and representatives were presented plaques signifying the designation. The communities receiving the designation were:
Tara Woods, N. Fort Myers, Fla.
Tara Woods is a Hometown America community comprised of wooded home sites and homes ranging in size from 1,100 square feet to 1,700 square feet. The community is located in an area of tall pines and features two stocked lakes for fishing. Tara Woods boasts a full array of recreational amenities that can be enjoyed year-round. They include a fully appointed clubhouse with a spacious entertaining area and kitchen, spa and swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, shuffleboard, billiard room, putting green, library, and horseshoes. Tara Woods is convenient to shopping, hospitals, grocery stores and restaurants.
Farmwood Village, Dover, N.H.
Farmwood Village, a Jensens Residential Community, has a small-town feeling with beautiful landscaping throughout the community that allows for year-round foliage and color. It is convenient to medical facilities, restaurants, shopping malls and local businesses. For outdoor enthusiasts, the community is a short drive away from the Atlantic coast for boating or enjoying the beach and also close to the mountains to enjoy skiing, biking or hiking.
Williams Estates, Baltimore Md.
Williams Estates is a land-lease community located on 84 acres in the Middle River area of Baltimore County, Md. Williams Estates features 556 large home sites, a peaceful suburban setting, city sewer and water services, and proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Interstates 95 and 695, and local shopping centers. The community is currently being upgraded as older homes leave the community through attrition. In the past few years, the community center has been completely renovated, roads have been resurfaced, and entrances to the community have been updated. To enhance the communitys streetscape, all new homes have end-entry, white vinyl porches. A pedestrian walkway is being constructed to a bordering state road to ensure resident safety and increase access to nearby shopping.
Peppermint Woods, Baltimore, Md.
Peppermint Woods is a land-lease community located on 40 acres in the Middle River area of Baltimore County, Md. Originally built in the 1940s by the federal government, the community has transformed from 520 sites designed for 8 X 30 homes with community bathhouses and a private electric system into Peppermint Woods – a state-of- the-art manufactured home community. In 1999, Peppermint Woods was awarded MHIs National Industry Award for Best Land-Lease Community Upgrade/Redevelopment in the United States. The redeveloped community features 248 homes in a peaceful suburban setting that includes a small landscaped park area with a gazebo and park benches in the center of the community.
Childs Lake Estates, Milford, Mich.
Childs Lake Estates is located in a beautiful country setting. Residents enjoy the communitys playground areas, beach swimming, and a 22-acre lake for boating, ice skating and fishing. The community clubhouse hosts various activities and holiday parties throughout the year. The community is conveniently located near a large grocery store, 1.5 miles from the expressway, ten minutes from a shopping mall, and twenty minutes from two hospitals.
The MHI Community of Distinction designation is the only national program for communities that measures performance through verifiable criteria. The designation is an excellent indication to current and future residents of a communitys commitment to providing the best possible neighborhood environment. Complete program information is available on the MHI website at www.manufacturedhousing.org.
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