The Fitchburg Common Council met on December 3, 2024, to discuss ongoing issues at the Country View Community Park, a mobile home park that has faced significant health and safety challenges. The park, which has been in operation since the 1960s, has seen a decline in living conditions, particularly concerning its water and sewage systems.

The property, purchased in 2017, originally had 51 lots but has since lost many units to deterioration. Currently, 35 dwelling units remain, with 9 tagged as uninhabitable. The city has been involved in numerous inspections and interventions since 2018, responding to complaints about sewage leaks and water quality.

In May 2021, a severe storm caused power outages, leading to a boil water advisory issued by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). This advisory remained in effect for several months due to ongoing issues with the park's private well and septic system. Residents reported low water pressure and sewage leaking onto the ground, prompting city officials to take action.

Throughout 2024, the city has documented numerous violations, issuing over 100 citations totaling $27,000. Despite these efforts, many problems persist, including raw sewage leaking into neighboring fields and inadequate water pressure for residents. The city has had to provide bottled water to residents during heat waves and has arranged for the remediation of contaminated ground.

City staff have been meeting weekly with health department officials and the DNR to address these issues. A park manager and water operator were hired in September to help resolve the violations, but progress has been slow. The council expressed frustration over the lack of effective action from the park's owners, who have been given multiple deadlines to correct the ongoing problems.

The meeting highlighted the complexity of the park's septic system, which has been problematic since its installation in 2015. The system's collection pipes, made from various materials, have contributed to the ongoing sewage issues. City officials emphasized the need for regular maintenance and a responsive owner to ensure the system functions properly.

As the council continues to address these challenges, residents remain hopeful for improvements in their living conditions. The situation at Country View Community Park serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining safe and healthy environments for all community members.