Residents address Corona council on manufactured home parks and homelessness concerns

During the recent City Council meeting in Corona, residents voiced urgent concerns regarding the need for better recognition and support for manufactured housing. With 19 speakers lined up, the session highlighted the struggles faced by mobile home park residents, particularly in light of rising homelessness in the community.

Lydia, a representative from the Corona Lalita Mobile Home Park, passionately addressed the council, emphasizing that manufactured homes are vital to the local economy and housing landscape. She pointed out that mobile home parks contribute significantly to the city’s tax revenue, with homeowners collectively paying over a million dollars annually. Despite this, Lydia noted that the city only recognizes a limited number of affordable housing units, failing to include manufactured homes in its inventory.

The emotional testimony from residents underscored the pressing issue of homelessness, with Lydia sharing the heartbreaking reality of neighbors currently without shelter. She argued that manufactured homes should be acknowledged as a crucial part of affordable housing, representing 44.2% of all affordable housing in Corona. By including these homes in the city’s housing inventory, the total number of affordable units could increase significantly.

The council's decision to prioritize resident feedback before discussing other agenda items reflects a commitment to community engagement. As the meeting progressed, it became clear that addressing the needs of mobile home park residents is essential for fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment in Corona.

The discussions from this meeting signal a growing recognition of the importance of manufactured housing in the community, and the council's next steps will be crucial in determining how these concerns are addressed moving forward.