Valley Mobile Home Park residents urge council to protect tenants amid annexation talks

Several residents of Valley Mobile Home Park addressed the Oak Harbor City Council during public comment on Oct. 7 to raise concerns about a pending annexation and the potential loss of affordable manufactured-home units.

Ted Mancicca identified himself as a resident at 2890 North Oak Harbor Road and said he represents 57 individuals living in Valley Mobile Home Park. He read sections of state law aloud and asked the council to consider the tenants' interests during annexation negotiations.

"This is section g. Housing authorities, by their creation and purpose, are public body corporate and politic of the city or county responsible for addressing the availability of safe and sanitary dwellings," Mancicca read, citing RCW language. He warned that processes can take decades and urged the council to think about residents before signing agreements with the park's owners.

At a later point in the meeting Mancicca returned to remind council members that the park's residents are homeowners who could lose property value and urged the city to consider available funds or options to help preserve the community.

Context: Multiple callers noted state law sections that the speaker said were intended "to encourage and facilitate and preserve the existing manufactured mobile home communities" and to avoid net loss of affordable housing if parks are closed or redeveloped. Councilmembers and staff discussed the related Mulberry Village RSED presentation at the same meeting but did not take formal action specifically addressing the Valley Mobile Home Park on Oct. 7.

Outcome: The remarks were received as public comment; no council action or vote on Valley Mobile Home Park annexation policy was taken at the Oct. 7 meeting. Residents said they will continue to press the city as annexation and related negotiations proceed.