Residents of Cavern Springs ask Carbondale trustees for funds to pursue resident purchase and avoid displacement

Residents of Cavern Springs Mobile Home Park urged the Carbondale Board of Trustees on Nov. 25 to help preserve long‑term affordable housing in the valley and to consider subsidized funds that would enable a resident purchase of the park.

Maria Hudid Alvarez, co‑founder of La Clínica del Pueblo and director of the SANAA project, told trustees that Cavern Springs homes are occupied by families who work, attend school and rely on local clinics. "The thought of losing Cavern Springs is losing a lot," she said, urging the town to "journey together" toward solutions that avoid displacing families.

Monica Alvarez Muniz, a 34‑year resident of Cavern Springs and a local business owner, presented results from a resident survey and a specific funding request. She said the survey found 96% of residents reported a significant strain on their household budgets from major rent increases, 70% were concerned about finding affordable housing elsewhere in the valley, and 51% feared being forced out under new ownership. Muniz asked the board to consider $260,000 in subsidized funds, including $10,000 for a legal assistance fund and $250,000 toward purchasing the mobile home park.

Kimberly Andres Martinez, a resident and student, described the direct family impacts of losing the park — including disrupted schooling and reduced access to transportation and local supports — and said her family’s ability to remain in the area depends on keeping affordable options such as Cavern Springs.

Trustees did not take action on the funding request at the meeting but signaled support for further consideration. The mayor and multiple trustees directed staff to add a discussion of a possible contribution and next steps for Cavern Springs to the board’s Dec. 9 agenda. Trustees asked staff to bring clearer process information to that meeting — for example, the specific role of any outside partners, what funding deadlines exist, and whether the town would pursue a purchase, a grant, or another form of subsidy.

Why it matters: Mobile home parks are a common source of lower‑cost housing in mountain valleys; residents and local service providers said losing Cavern Springs would displace families who contribute to the local workforce, schools and economy. The board’s decision to put the issue on the Dec. 9 agenda means staff will be asked to gather more details, but no commitment of town funds was made on Nov. 25.

Next steps: The trustees added the Cavern Springs contribution as an item for the Dec. 9 meeting and requested that staff return with process details, financing options and any jurisdictional partners involved.