Coventry council hears residents’ concerns as Westwood Estates ordinance is presented for first reading

Residents of Westwood Estates told the Coventry Town Council on Monday night that a developer'backed reconfiguration that would turn mobile homes 90 degrees and add units could damage older homes, reduce yard space and strain drainage and water systems.

The council did not take a final vote. Solicitor Michael Angel and town staff said the ordinance concerning Westwood Estates was on the agenda for first reading, which is procedural, and that a future public hearing will be scheduled where residents may present formal testimony.

Why it matters: Dozens of residents attended and provided specific concerns about safety, property damage and potential displacement. Because the ordinance is at first reading, the council has not yet held the formal hearing where evidence and testimony would be added to the record.

Residents urged council to delay or reject the reconfiguration plan. Kathy Phillips, who identified herself as a Westwood Estates resident, listed concerns including the potential need to install sewers and hookup fees, reduced water pressure noted by the fire department, and the proximity of septic systems to homes under the proposed layout. "Our purpose of coming before you today is to express our concerns regarding the reconfiguration relocation project at Hometown Westwood Estates," Phillips said.

Another resident, Jonathan Longo, described structural risks from moving older homes and the loss of lot space if units are reoriented. He said current homes in the park span construction dates from the 1960s through 2020 and warned that moving older homes could cause frames to bend or fail. "When they move them... more than likely, I know mine, mine's 1972, is not gonna survive jiggling that around," Longo said.

Residents also raised operational questions: whether moves would be voluntary, who would be responsible for damage from relocation, whether owners could be charged higher rents if lots were reconfigured and whether Hometown America'the park owner'has a history of litigation that residents said makes them wary. Phillips read aloud portions of complaints and settlements from suits involving Hometown America, including allegations of rent increases, eviction notices during the COVID-19 pandemic and withheld maintenance services; she said the cases were presented to show a pattern that concerned residents.

Town staff and legal counsel: Town Solicitor Michael Angel explained the procedural status of the ordinance and urged residents who wish their remarks to be part of the formal record to return for the public hearing, because tonight's docketed public comment does not substitute for testimony at a hearing. "Tonight, it is on for first reading, which is procedural in nature," Angel said. He and staff said the ordinance must be filed by a council member and that posting and distribution requirements had been met.

Town Manager (name on file with clerk) and planning staff have indicated a public hearing will be scheduled; residents were encouraged to leave contact information with the clerk or manager so they can be notified when the hearing is docketed.

What the council did: The council received public comment only; the Westwood Estates ordinance (listed in the packet as Ordinance 2025-21) was presented for first reading and not voted on. The solicitor and staff described next steps: a formal public hearing will be scheduled and the council will take testimony at that hearing.

Next steps and context: The ordinance will be placed on a future agenda for a public hearing. Solicitor Angel recommended residents return for that hearing to ensure their remarks are entered into the formal record.