Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents tell council mobile-home park rent hikes are forcing seniors toward homelessness
Summary
Two residents described dramatic rent increases and alleged harassment at local mobile-home parks, urging state and local representatives to help; staff directed residents to legislative and state resources available at the meeting.
At the start of the Oct. 27 meeting, two residents used the citizens communications period to tell the City Council that recent ownership changes and rent spikes at local mobile-home parks are threatening longtime and elderly residents with displacement.
Glenn Jones, who identified himself as a resident of Westward Hall on Mitchell, alleged that park management raised water and rent charges far beyond previous levels, that tenants who complain face harassment and that some payments appear inconsistent with records he provided. “They're raising the rent way beyond what the law allows,” Jones said, and asked staff to accept his documentation for follow-up.
Darryl Landry said rent at his mobile-home park has doubled under new owners, leaving many residents — including elderly people who rely on in-home care — with 90 days to pay or face effectively losing their homes. Council and staff cautioned that mobile-home park regulation is primarily a state responsibility, and staff directed both residents to the legislative representatives present at the meeting for additional assistance and referrals.
Mayor Lopez asked staff to accept contact information and follow up; staff and the representatives on hand said they would assist residents in reaching state offices and agencies that oversee mobile-home park issues.
Next steps: staff will receive the residents' contact information and provide referrals to state representatives and agencies; council did not take formal action during the meeting because this was a citizens communications item.
