Lennox delays closure of Standing Stones mobile home park, approves three annual licenses

The Lennox City Council on July 1 approved annual license renewals for three mobile home parks and delayed action on Standing Stones Park for 60 days, citing unresolved health-and-safety issues at several units.

City staff recommended renewing licenses for Long Creek, Hanley Court and Sunnyside after inspections. The recommendation also advised against renewing Standing Stones’ license because of deficiencies found during an April inspection and a June reinspection. Staff asked council to direct coordination of any closure to give tenants time to relocate and to work with nonprofit groups on relocation assistance.

The recommendation and ensuing public comment focused on how to balance code enforcement with the housing needs of low-income residents. Ron Chadder, who identified himself as the Standing Stones park owner, described investments he and his wife have made since purchasing the park 3½ years ago, including bringing in new homes, installing eight curb stops to enable water shutoffs, repairing water lines and paying to remove problem units. “We have not taken a dime from the city of Lennox and from those residents; we've re-invested back in that park,” Chadder said.

Tenant Tara Potter, who lives in Lot 18, told the council she is repairing interior damage caused by frozen plumbing and is replacing siding and patching the roof when funds allow. “My daughter was just diagnosed with severe schizophrenia… I can't afford to move anywhere else,” Potter said, asking for time to complete repairs.

A city staff member summarized the city's position: “This is about safety issues with homes and whether or not they meet the minimum standards for our building and property maintenance goals.” The staff member also noted the inspection program and the 2021 rewrite of Chapter 12, which established the current inspection and licensing process.

Council members said they want measurable progress rather than solely verbal promises. After discussion, the council approved licenses for Long Creek, Hanley Court and Sunnyside Park and voted to defer a final decision on Standing Stones Park until its meeting on August 25. The council spelled out key minimum expectations for the 60-day period: skirting or other permanent or temporary weather protection to prevent water intrusion and visible, documented progress on repairs. A council member said a blue tarp would be acceptable only as a temporary measure if accompanied by a plan and timeline to replace it.

Council members and staff discussed enforcement options and legal timelines if eviction proceedings were pursued, noting eviction can take at least 30 days plus legal steps. Staff said the city has not requested eviction in this case; that remains an option for park owners and property owners under state law, not a direct action of the council. The council asked staff to return on August 25 with evidence of progress and a clear, quantifiable plan for work completed and planned.

The council also urged staff and the park owners to pursue relocation assistance channels cited during the meeting, including East River Legal Services for tenants needing legal help and local organizations such as the Lennox Area Development Corporation and the local church fund for small relief grants. Joanie Sheppard, who spoke as a park co-owner, said the owners have worked with the city and intend to continue repairs and management improvements.

The council motion to approve the three licenses carried; a separate motion to delay Standing Stones’ license decision for 60 days also carried.

The council asked staff to coordinate inspections and to document the repairs submitted over the 60-day period and return with a written status update on Aug. 25.