Mobile home owners want to buy Hermosa Beach land
Residents of the park near Pier Avenue rally to buy beach-side property.
By Andrea Woodhouse
Staff Writer
When Ramona Birch first settled in what is now Hermosa Beach's Marineland Mobile Home Park, residents there lived in tents and buses scattered on a dirt lot full of eucalyptus trees.
Tenants paid $25 a month for a spot in 1957, and the park was more like a gypsy camp, the 78-year-old said.
"It wasn't really a park," Birch said. "It looked like a camping ground."
Fifty years later, residents pay more than $1,000 a month in rent, some live in two-story coaches and the park's homeowners association enjoys considerable clout in the city.
And even more is set to change in the coming months.
After enduring a string of owners through the years, residents are rallying together to purchase the property for an estimated $8million, a move that would turn many of them into first-time landowners - of beach-side property no less.
Janice Yates, president of the homeowners association, has lived in the park for 10 years. She owns her home, but not the land it sits on - the classic "mobile home conundrum," she called it.
"We're going to own our land," Yates said. "If we can put (our rent) into our property, it's the American dream. And it will increase in value."
State law allows mobile home park residents to subdivide the land and sell off the parcels, so long as the group has an OK from the landowner.
The 2004 sales agreement with park owner Millennium Housing gave Marineland residents a 10-year window to purchase the land for $8 million.
Yates figures that about 85 percent of residents are on board, but Birch and her 83-year-old husband aren't among them.
"We're getting at that age where we won't be here too much longer to enjoy it," Birch said.
After calling the tiny spot tucked away near Pier Avenue and Bard Street home for five decades, Birch isn't eager to leave Marineland.
Her children attended Hermosa schools, and she has held a weekly coffee get-together with her neighbors for nearly 50 years.
She and husband Earl never had the drive to own a home, she said, and they've spent much of their nearly 60-year marriage living in mobile homes.
So the couple will either find a way to continue renting their space or they'll move, Birch said.
But state law protects people like the Birches, so the sale will not put the couple on the street or subject them to skyrocketing rents, said Jon Rodrigue, an attorney assisting in the purchase.
The sale will likely be done in two parts, Rodrigue said.
The first stage - set to wrap by the end of the year - would help residents form a cooperative to purchase the property as a whole, he said.
A second, more complicated step would subdivide the property - about 50 mobile home owners occupy 60 spaces - and provide each resident a deed to his or her land, Rodrigue said.
The group has until June 15 to apply for about $2 million in assistance from a state program that helps mobile home park residents purchase the land where they live, Yates added.
The relative tranquility surrounding Marineland's proposed sale is in stark contrast to the atmosphere of other South Bay mobile home parks pursuing condominium conversion.
The owner of two Carson parks envisions conversion as a way to increase profits and battle rent control, drawing the ire of Colony Cove Mobile Estates and Carson Harbor Village residents.
But Marineland has not been devoid of controversy in recent years. Residents there fended off a pitch to raze the land in 2004 and turn it into a parking structure topped with housing.
In 2003, the Hermosa Beach City Council rejected a plan from the school district to purchase the property to aid a school expansion.
George Turk, president of the nonprofit Millennium Housing, didn't expect residents to launch a purchase so quickly, but he wasn't surprised that the tenants would aspire to landownership in Hermosa Beach.
"I didn't know there would be such a rush," he said. "I can understand wanting to own a piece of Hermosa Beach."
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Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
SSC Council Votes To Rezone Westwood Mobile Home Court
SSC Council Votes To Rezone Westwood Mobile Home Court
Nearly 30 nearby homeowners showed their support for a change in the zoning that would allow new, single-family homes to be built near the former Westwood Mobile Home Court.
After nearly a decade of legal battles, Tuesday night South Sioux City, Nebraska leaders took the first step toward turning a dilapidated trailer park into something else.
By unanimous vote of the city council, local leaders moved to rezone land where the Westwood Mobile Home Park sat.
Two more votes are required before the ordinance hits the books.
However, this means that single family homes could one day stand in place of abandoned trailers.
At tonight's council meeting, nearly 30 homeowners stood up to show their support for the change. They urged the council to approve it.
South Sioux City resident Rose Johnson says, "They've tried trailer courts before and it didn't work, and we're tired of all the mess and want to get rid of it and get it cleaned up."
The city's planning and zoning commission actually recommended keeping the current zone.
Typically rezoning requests come from property owners. However, after several unsuccessful attempts to contact owner Rita Glass, the council agreed with the homeowners.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Arlyn Wilson says, “The current mobile home park no longer meets specifications for mobile home courts."
The other was they no longer have a license to operate a mobile home court. The west end of the mobile home park is already zoned for single family homes.
Updated: May 29, 2007, 7:03 pm
http://www.ktiv.com/News/index.php?ID=13479
Nearly 30 nearby homeowners showed their support for a change in the zoning that would allow new, single-family homes to be built near the former Westwood Mobile Home Court.
After nearly a decade of legal battles, Tuesday night South Sioux City, Nebraska leaders took the first step toward turning a dilapidated trailer park into something else.
By unanimous vote of the city council, local leaders moved to rezone land where the Westwood Mobile Home Park sat.
Two more votes are required before the ordinance hits the books.
However, this means that single family homes could one day stand in place of abandoned trailers.
At tonight's council meeting, nearly 30 homeowners stood up to show their support for the change. They urged the council to approve it.
South Sioux City resident Rose Johnson says, "They've tried trailer courts before and it didn't work, and we're tired of all the mess and want to get rid of it and get it cleaned up."
The city's planning and zoning commission actually recommended keeping the current zone.
Typically rezoning requests come from property owners. However, after several unsuccessful attempts to contact owner Rita Glass, the council agreed with the homeowners.
Planning and Zoning Commissioner Arlyn Wilson says, “The current mobile home park no longer meets specifications for mobile home courts."
The other was they no longer have a license to operate a mobile home court. The west end of the mobile home park is already zoned for single family homes.
Updated: May 29, 2007, 7:03 pm
http://www.ktiv.com/News/index.php?ID=13479
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
2000 Fleetwood - Mobile Home
2000 Fleetwood - Mobile Home
For More Info : 2000 Fleetwood - Mobile Home
Summerfield, Florida
Look at this Like New Mobile Home on 3/4 acre of land!! This home is on well water and has a septic system. There is brand new beige carpeting, new linoleum, new paint, NEW Central Air and Heat, new Rainsoft Water Purification System! In the Master Bedroom there is a walk-in closet, and the other bedrooms have wall closets! In the Master Bathroom there is a Garden Tub, Separate Shower, and a Double Sink Vanity! In the Guest Bathroom there is a Standard Tub/Shower, sink, and vanity! There is a Laundry room with WASHER AND DRYER INCLUDED!!! There is a Large Living Room with Eating in Large Kitchen that has DISHWASHER, Refrigerator Freezer, Stove, and double sink! In the Front of Home there is a Large Wooden Deck! The property is well protected by Cypress Trees and is in a quiet and safe neighborhood! This home is close to schools, shopping, and medical facilities!! Owner has this property Priced to sell IMMEDIATELY!!! Hurry on this one while it lasts!!!
For More Info : 2000 Fleetwood - Mobile Home
Summerfield, Florida
Look at this Like New Mobile Home on 3/4 acre of land!! This home is on well water and has a septic system. There is brand new beige carpeting, new linoleum, new paint, NEW Central Air and Heat, new Rainsoft Water Purification System! In the Master Bedroom there is a walk-in closet, and the other bedrooms have wall closets! In the Master Bathroom there is a Garden Tub, Separate Shower, and a Double Sink Vanity! In the Guest Bathroom there is a Standard Tub/Shower, sink, and vanity! There is a Laundry room with WASHER AND DRYER INCLUDED!!! There is a Large Living Room with Eating in Large Kitchen that has DISHWASHER, Refrigerator Freezer, Stove, and double sink! In the Front of Home there is a Large Wooden Deck! The property is well protected by Cypress Trees and is in a quiet and safe neighborhood! This home is close to schools, shopping, and medical facilities!! Owner has this property Priced to sell IMMEDIATELY!!! Hurry on this one while it lasts!!!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
House for Heroes finally a mobile home
House for Heroes finally a mobile home
By: John Strickler, jstrickler@pottsmerc.com
05/23/2007
Gracie Johnson swings on her new swing set with her dad, Sgt. James Johnson.
LAKE CHARLES, La. - Gordon Whitlock answered his cell phone at the work site for the House for Heroes Tuesday afternoon and received the news he had waited to hear.
A smile shone on Whitlock's face as he hollered across the construction areas for all to hear: "The trucks are on the road!"
A cheer from the students rang out, relieved to know they will have time to set the modular units onto the foundations later this week.
Whitlock, who volunteers at the Western Center for Technical Studies in Limerick, had monitored the situation since Friday and called on some reliable people to lend a hand with trailer repairs Tuesday morning to be sure the trucks could continue on their way.
"Lafayette Welding sent two welders and Haines & Kibblehouse had two mechanics on the scene working with a Pennsylvania State Police inspector fixing everything to got the trucks moving," Whitlock said.
Construction teacher Steve Toroney added, "My hat's off to Jack Mellon of Lafayette Welding and the guys from Haines & Kibblehouse. They have always come through for us."
The "hero" the project is named for is James Johnson, a Louisiana National Guardsman who suffered severe injuries in Iraq in 2005 only to come home and have his home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
In true community spirit, students from BARDE High School in Lake Charles, La., and Western Center students worked together toward a common goal. The kids teamed up, getting a chance to pitch in digging trenches for electric lines and a well.
They also helped with the cement pad that was poured, and the Barde girls built walls for the new shed with help from WCTS construction guys.
"We just wanted to show our appreciation to Mr. Johnson for all the hard work he did for his country and our community," Barbe student Dacia Odom said.
She added, "Once we started working together for the cause it went really good. I'm shoveling and digging a trench for the pipes."
An overcast and steamy day gave the Pennsylvania students a chance to experience the Louisiana humidity. Teachers kept a steady flow of bottled water coming as the students worked hard all day.
"It doesn't get any better than this - watching two schools 1,400 miles apart working toward a common goal," Whitlock said. "When we pulled onto the property, and seeing the outpouring from the Louisiana National Guard, I wouldn't miss this for anything."
The Louisiana National Guard 3rd Battalion assembled a playground set for 7-year-old Gracie Johnson. When she arrived after her school lessons she headed straight for the set and was happily swinging, watching all the commotion around her.
Her dad also got his chance and hopped on one swinging next to her.
Erin Robicheaux, the public affairs officers for Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, said, "I was in Iraq with James and remember when his Bradley was hit by the IED. This Louisiana National Guard is a close family, and when it happens to one of your own, it is devastating.
"We went through two hurricanes and so many soldiers lost their homes. Watching students from Pennsylvania who have no ties to the Louisiana Guard, and for them to do this for James and his family, touches my heart," she said.
"For James, it's about these kids from Pennsylvania and knowing that his wife and daughter are being taken care of," she said.
Once the cement pads were completed, Gracie Johnson put her handprints in the wet cement and signed her name.
James Johnson asked the 47 students from both schools to sign their initials for posterity.
Western Center's Shawn Branagh, an HVAC student, said, "The people here are amazing. Everyone is thrilled to hear the House for Heroes is moving and looking forward to getting it here."
Looking around at all the volunteers helping out on site, Toroney summed it up best, saying, "We kept our chins up and today is one of my greatest days in teaching. Friends helping friends. The kids came together and formed a union working with our kids. It's just unbelievable. I'm holding back tears."
By: John Strickler, jstrickler@pottsmerc.com
05/23/2007
Gracie Johnson swings on her new swing set with her dad, Sgt. James Johnson.
LAKE CHARLES, La. - Gordon Whitlock answered his cell phone at the work site for the House for Heroes Tuesday afternoon and received the news he had waited to hear.
A smile shone on Whitlock's face as he hollered across the construction areas for all to hear: "The trucks are on the road!"
A cheer from the students rang out, relieved to know they will have time to set the modular units onto the foundations later this week.
Whitlock, who volunteers at the Western Center for Technical Studies in Limerick, had monitored the situation since Friday and called on some reliable people to lend a hand with trailer repairs Tuesday morning to be sure the trucks could continue on their way.
"Lafayette Welding sent two welders and Haines & Kibblehouse had two mechanics on the scene working with a Pennsylvania State Police inspector fixing everything to got the trucks moving," Whitlock said.
Construction teacher Steve Toroney added, "My hat's off to Jack Mellon of Lafayette Welding and the guys from Haines & Kibblehouse. They have always come through for us."
The "hero" the project is named for is James Johnson, a Louisiana National Guardsman who suffered severe injuries in Iraq in 2005 only to come home and have his home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.
In true community spirit, students from BARDE High School in Lake Charles, La., and Western Center students worked together toward a common goal. The kids teamed up, getting a chance to pitch in digging trenches for electric lines and a well.
They also helped with the cement pad that was poured, and the Barde girls built walls for the new shed with help from WCTS construction guys.
"We just wanted to show our appreciation to Mr. Johnson for all the hard work he did for his country and our community," Barbe student Dacia Odom said.
She added, "Once we started working together for the cause it went really good. I'm shoveling and digging a trench for the pipes."
An overcast and steamy day gave the Pennsylvania students a chance to experience the Louisiana humidity. Teachers kept a steady flow of bottled water coming as the students worked hard all day.
"It doesn't get any better than this - watching two schools 1,400 miles apart working toward a common goal," Whitlock said. "When we pulled onto the property, and seeing the outpouring from the Louisiana National Guard, I wouldn't miss this for anything."
The Louisiana National Guard 3rd Battalion assembled a playground set for 7-year-old Gracie Johnson. When she arrived after her school lessons she headed straight for the set and was happily swinging, watching all the commotion around her.
Her dad also got his chance and hopped on one swinging next to her.
Erin Robicheaux, the public affairs officers for Louisiana National Guard's 3rd Battalion, said, "I was in Iraq with James and remember when his Bradley was hit by the IED. This Louisiana National Guard is a close family, and when it happens to one of your own, it is devastating.
"We went through two hurricanes and so many soldiers lost their homes. Watching students from Pennsylvania who have no ties to the Louisiana Guard, and for them to do this for James and his family, touches my heart," she said.
"For James, it's about these kids from Pennsylvania and knowing that his wife and daughter are being taken care of," she said.
Once the cement pads were completed, Gracie Johnson put her handprints in the wet cement and signed her name.
James Johnson asked the 47 students from both schools to sign their initials for posterity.
Western Center's Shawn Branagh, an HVAC student, said, "The people here are amazing. Everyone is thrilled to hear the House for Heroes is moving and looking forward to getting it here."
Looking around at all the volunteers helping out on site, Toroney summed it up best, saying, "We kept our chins up and today is one of my greatest days in teaching. Friends helping friends. The kids came together and formed a union working with our kids. It's just unbelievable. I'm holding back tears."
Rule eyed for mobile home parks
Rule eyed for mobile home parks
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
BY MICHAEL ANDERSEN, Columbian staff writer
Clark County is weighing a new rule that might require mobile home parks preparing for redevelopment to report their tenants' demographic information to the county.
The code requirement would let the county help cushion the blow for tenants who may have nowhere else to live, said Mike Piper, the county's community services director.
The discussion comes as one especially crime-ridden mobile park on Highway 99 awaits a July 12 hearing over redevelopment planned for the site.
Owners of Callaham's Mobile Court, at 10804 N.E. Highway 99, want to replace the site with 126 townhomes, a three-story mixed-use complex and an office building.
"This is just one of many situations like this," Piper said. "There are many other mobile home parks which are sitting there, really waiting to be turned over to higher and better use. And many more people are likely to be displaced."
Planners see the Callaham's project as a keystone in an effort to reinvent the highway as the spine of a dense urban neighborhood.
"We figure that this would kind of be a catalyst for development along Highway 99," said Dick Durland, president of the Sherwood Hills Neighborhood Association. "If I was a businessman and I wanted to invest in property along there, I certainly wouldn't want to go along with that slum joint."
George Callaham, who owns the site with his family, said plans for financing the project aren't yet firm.
"We may not do this thing for five years," said Callaham. "Could be a long time, could be a short time."
Making a change
LaVon Holden, a director of the Vancouver Housing Authority, said many people in such low-end parks live there because other landlords refuse to take a chance on them.
"A tenant who does not have a good history and does not have a good income has very few choices," she said.
Holden said the waiting list for federally subsidized housing in Clark County is "several years" long.
Increasing the number of subsidized homes would help, she said. So would wider recognition of a local class that seeks to put people on track to tenancy despite flaws in their rental, debt or criminal histories.
The "Ready to Rent" class is organized by local nonprofit YW Housing, an offshoot of the YWCA. Two hours a week for six weeks, students hear from graduates who have successfully escaped rental troubles and from landlords or bankers who will accept a certificate from the class as proof of a tenant or borrower's commitment to regular payments.
Students also complete a 192-page packet on how to be a good tenant.
The next class starts July 16. A county grant pays most of the program's bills. Coordinator Victoria Clevenger says she also asks students for a $5 donation.
"Little by little, there are more landlords that are willing to consider it," Clevenger said.
Michael Andersen covers Clark County government. Reach him at 360-759-8052 or
michael.andersen@columbian.com
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
BY MICHAEL ANDERSEN, Columbian staff writer
Clark County is weighing a new rule that might require mobile home parks preparing for redevelopment to report their tenants' demographic information to the county.
The code requirement would let the county help cushion the blow for tenants who may have nowhere else to live, said Mike Piper, the county's community services director.
The discussion comes as one especially crime-ridden mobile park on Highway 99 awaits a July 12 hearing over redevelopment planned for the site.
Owners of Callaham's Mobile Court, at 10804 N.E. Highway 99, want to replace the site with 126 townhomes, a three-story mixed-use complex and an office building.
"This is just one of many situations like this," Piper said. "There are many other mobile home parks which are sitting there, really waiting to be turned over to higher and better use. And many more people are likely to be displaced."
Planners see the Callaham's project as a keystone in an effort to reinvent the highway as the spine of a dense urban neighborhood.
"We figure that this would kind of be a catalyst for development along Highway 99," said Dick Durland, president of the Sherwood Hills Neighborhood Association. "If I was a businessman and I wanted to invest in property along there, I certainly wouldn't want to go along with that slum joint."
George Callaham, who owns the site with his family, said plans for financing the project aren't yet firm.
"We may not do this thing for five years," said Callaham. "Could be a long time, could be a short time."
Making a change
LaVon Holden, a director of the Vancouver Housing Authority, said many people in such low-end parks live there because other landlords refuse to take a chance on them.
"A tenant who does not have a good history and does not have a good income has very few choices," she said.
Holden said the waiting list for federally subsidized housing in Clark County is "several years" long.
Increasing the number of subsidized homes would help, she said. So would wider recognition of a local class that seeks to put people on track to tenancy despite flaws in their rental, debt or criminal histories.
The "Ready to Rent" class is organized by local nonprofit YW Housing, an offshoot of the YWCA. Two hours a week for six weeks, students hear from graduates who have successfully escaped rental troubles and from landlords or bankers who will accept a certificate from the class as proof of a tenant or borrower's commitment to regular payments.
Students also complete a 192-page packet on how to be a good tenant.
The next class starts July 16. A county grant pays most of the program's bills. Coordinator Victoria Clevenger says she also asks students for a $5 donation.
"Little by little, there are more landlords that are willing to consider it," Clevenger said.
Michael Andersen covers Clark County government. Reach him at 360-759-8052 or
michael.andersen@columbian.com
Monday, May 21, 2007
Buses to drive voters to oppose mobile home ban
Buses to drive voters to oppose mobile home ban
By Alice C. Elwell, Enterprise correspondent
MIDDLEBORO — Officials are preparing for Monday's town meeting to be bursting at the seams because there are several controversial issues at hand and voters will be coming by the busload.
There are a number of zoning articles, including one to create a new commercial district.
But the most contentious, an article to ban mobile-home parks has raised the ire of Oak Point residents, and Town Moderator James V. Thomas expects close to 400 from the park to attend the meeting. Gary Darman, principal owner of the over-55 community, confirmed he hired buses to bring the people to the meeting.
The article and its companion which asks for a financial study of mobile home parks, comes near the end of a 24 article warrant. Thomas said he advised residents of Oak Point not to call for the zoning articles out of order, so they can't be brought back for consideration if residents leave early.
Typically after a controversial article passes, someone moves for reconsideration, it's approved and the matter isn't brought up again. Thomas said he'll allow reconsideration more than once and thwart the ploy to “close any and all discussion .... I won't be apart of it.”
Town meeting will be held in the high school auditorium which has a seating capacity of 624, and
Thomas is anticipating droves, so he's opening the high school gymnasium for non registered voters and equipping it with a two-way audio visual feed.
Zoning issues aren't the only thing that will bring voters out. Robert M. Desrosiers will offer a motion under committee reports to form a seven person committee to make recommendations on the casino issue.
“We need a broad cross-section of residents to get represented, rather than selectmen and their designees who have clearly indicated which way they are going,” Desrosiers said.
If approved, the moderator would appoint the committee to act independently of selectmen and make recommendations at the next town meeting on whether a casino would be good or bad for Middleboro. Desrosiers said the committee would draft a petition of their findings and if approved send it on to the governor, Legislature and the Secretary of Interior.
“I am restricting conversation to the formation of the committee, and will not go far a field on who's in favor, or not,” Thomas said of Desrosiers proposal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the casino and zoning, the moderator said his first order of business will be to “wrap up the budget.” Thomas said selectmen will also motion for a contingency budget to appropriate more money, which will save holding another town meeting, if the June 2 override question passes.
The Finance Committee is moving a budget of more than $58 million, said member Steven M. Studley. The board disagreed with the selectmen's recommendation to cut the Library, Council on Aging and Park departments budget 30 percent and will ask for a 10 percent reduction, Studley said.
Although the School Department is asking for a $24.3 million budget, Studley said his board is recommending $1 million less, $23.3 million.
The School Department is also asking for a $2 million override on the June 2 ballot.
If business is not finished on Monday night, the moderator will ask to continue town meeting to June 4, due to the holiday next week.
By Alice C. Elwell, Enterprise correspondent
MIDDLEBORO — Officials are preparing for Monday's town meeting to be bursting at the seams because there are several controversial issues at hand and voters will be coming by the busload.
There are a number of zoning articles, including one to create a new commercial district.
But the most contentious, an article to ban mobile-home parks has raised the ire of Oak Point residents, and Town Moderator James V. Thomas expects close to 400 from the park to attend the meeting. Gary Darman, principal owner of the over-55 community, confirmed he hired buses to bring the people to the meeting.
The article and its companion which asks for a financial study of mobile home parks, comes near the end of a 24 article warrant. Thomas said he advised residents of Oak Point not to call for the zoning articles out of order, so they can't be brought back for consideration if residents leave early.
Typically after a controversial article passes, someone moves for reconsideration, it's approved and the matter isn't brought up again. Thomas said he'll allow reconsideration more than once and thwart the ploy to “close any and all discussion .... I won't be apart of it.”
Town meeting will be held in the high school auditorium which has a seating capacity of 624, and
Thomas is anticipating droves, so he's opening the high school gymnasium for non registered voters and equipping it with a two-way audio visual feed.
Zoning issues aren't the only thing that will bring voters out. Robert M. Desrosiers will offer a motion under committee reports to form a seven person committee to make recommendations on the casino issue.
“We need a broad cross-section of residents to get represented, rather than selectmen and their designees who have clearly indicated which way they are going,” Desrosiers said.
If approved, the moderator would appoint the committee to act independently of selectmen and make recommendations at the next town meeting on whether a casino would be good or bad for Middleboro. Desrosiers said the committee would draft a petition of their findings and if approved send it on to the governor, Legislature and the Secretary of Interior.
“I am restricting conversation to the formation of the committee, and will not go far a field on who's in favor, or not,” Thomas said of Desrosiers proposal.
Despite the controversy surrounding the casino and zoning, the moderator said his first order of business will be to “wrap up the budget.” Thomas said selectmen will also motion for a contingency budget to appropriate more money, which will save holding another town meeting, if the June 2 override question passes.
The Finance Committee is moving a budget of more than $58 million, said member Steven M. Studley. The board disagreed with the selectmen's recommendation to cut the Library, Council on Aging and Park departments budget 30 percent and will ask for a 10 percent reduction, Studley said.
Although the School Department is asking for a $24.3 million budget, Studley said his board is recommending $1 million less, $23.3 million.
The School Department is also asking for a $2 million override on the June 2 ballot.
If business is not finished on Monday night, the moderator will ask to continue town meeting to June 4, due to the holiday next week.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Skyline - Mobile Home
Skyline - Mobile Home
For More Info : Skyline - Mobile Home
Bakersfield, California
A GREAT 1973 SKYLINE MOBILE HOME FOR YOU!!! This home is located in a FAMILY PARK that has a POOL, MATURE SHADE TREES, ALLOWS PETS, and is near Shopping, Airport, Schools, Churches, and Medical Facilities. The outside of the home has ALUMINUM Siding, Window Coverings, FRONT Awning across bay window, Skirting, a Porch, a Shed, Off Street Parking for TWO Cars, and each side of the yard is Fenced. Inside there is Heat, a Swamp Cooler, and a Dining Room. The Master Bedroom is in the BACK of the home. Kitchen includes a Refrigerator Freezer, Stove/Oven, There are Washer and Dryer Hook Ups in the Laundry Room. BROWN CARPETING and LINOLEUM FLOORING add to the BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR of this FANTASTIC HOME!!!
For More Info : Skyline - Mobile Home
Bakersfield, California
A GREAT 1973 SKYLINE MOBILE HOME FOR YOU!!! This home is located in a FAMILY PARK that has a POOL, MATURE SHADE TREES, ALLOWS PETS, and is near Shopping, Airport, Schools, Churches, and Medical Facilities. The outside of the home has ALUMINUM Siding, Window Coverings, FRONT Awning across bay window, Skirting, a Porch, a Shed, Off Street Parking for TWO Cars, and each side of the yard is Fenced. Inside there is Heat, a Swamp Cooler, and a Dining Room. The Master Bedroom is in the BACK of the home. Kitchen includes a Refrigerator Freezer, Stove/Oven, There are Washer and Dryer Hook Ups in the Laundry Room. BROWN CARPETING and LINOLEUM FLOORING add to the BEAUTIFUL INTERIOR of this FANTASTIC HOME!!!
Mobilehome park an option
Mobile-home park an option
Developers have a backup plan in case the proposal for the Whitehouse Cove falls through.
BY MATT SABO
247-4712
May 18, 2007
POQUOSON -- If a $90 million waterfront development that includes 138 condominiums, townhouses and houses and a marina doesn't pan out, developers of the proposed project have a fallback position: a 100-unit mobile-home park.
Developer Robert Brown & Associates recently submitted an application to double the size of a mobile-home park on property it owns at Whitehouse Cove.
While the Brown family has been relocating renters in the existing 50-unit mobile-home park, intending to close it for good in February, inaction from the city on a rezoning proposal they filed has prompted the backup plan.
Brad Brown, director of development for Robert Brown & Associates, referenced the proposed Whitehouse Cove project in the application to enlarge the mobile-home park.
"While we do have a pending application to rezone the property for a development plan that we strongly prefer, it is necessary for our ownership to consider alternatives should our rezoning application continue to be delayed or denied," Brown wrote.
At its May 29 meeting, the City Council might consider rezoning land to allow for the new waterfront development. Mayor Gordon Helsel couldn't be reached for comment.
The proposal has drawn criticism from residents who say the development is too dense, will attract too many schoolchildren and cause traffic and other growth-related woes to nearby residents. Other residents say the project will bring in tax revenues and the condominiums and other residences will allow older citizens to remain in the city and not have to worry about yard maintenance and other chores.
Brown said the trailer park application is simply a viable alternative to the initial plans that include a marina and restaurant.
"We strongly prefer the other," he said. "We're hopeful that the plan will be approved and that it will happen in the near future."
Only two trailers remain in the mobile-home park that was once home to 50 families, Brown said. As the proposal languishes, the developers said they have to protect their investment.
"We've got a decaying situation there," he said, "and we have to look at every alternative."
Developers have a backup plan in case the proposal for the Whitehouse Cove falls through.
BY MATT SABO
247-4712
May 18, 2007
POQUOSON -- If a $90 million waterfront development that includes 138 condominiums, townhouses and houses and a marina doesn't pan out, developers of the proposed project have a fallback position: a 100-unit mobile-home park.
Developer Robert Brown & Associates recently submitted an application to double the size of a mobile-home park on property it owns at Whitehouse Cove.
While the Brown family has been relocating renters in the existing 50-unit mobile-home park, intending to close it for good in February, inaction from the city on a rezoning proposal they filed has prompted the backup plan.
Brad Brown, director of development for Robert Brown & Associates, referenced the proposed Whitehouse Cove project in the application to enlarge the mobile-home park.
"While we do have a pending application to rezone the property for a development plan that we strongly prefer, it is necessary for our ownership to consider alternatives should our rezoning application continue to be delayed or denied," Brown wrote.
At its May 29 meeting, the City Council might consider rezoning land to allow for the new waterfront development. Mayor Gordon Helsel couldn't be reached for comment.
The proposal has drawn criticism from residents who say the development is too dense, will attract too many schoolchildren and cause traffic and other growth-related woes to nearby residents. Other residents say the project will bring in tax revenues and the condominiums and other residences will allow older citizens to remain in the city and not have to worry about yard maintenance and other chores.
Brown said the trailer park application is simply a viable alternative to the initial plans that include a marina and restaurant.
"We strongly prefer the other," he said. "We're hopeful that the plan will be approved and that it will happen in the near future."
Only two trailers remain in the mobile-home park that was once home to 50 families, Brown said. As the proposal languishes, the developers said they have to protect their investment.
"We've got a decaying situation there," he said, "and we have to look at every alternative."
Monday, May 14, 2007
1993 Champion - Mobile Home
1993 Champion - Mobile Home
For More Info : 1993 Champion - Mobile Home
Hauser, Idaho
A GREAT 1993 CHAMPION TAMARAC MOBILE HOME FOR YOU!!! This home is located in a FAMILY PARK that ALLOWS PETS. Lot rent is $222.00 per month. The outside of the home has WOOD Siding, a TWO YEAR OLD Shingled Roof, Window Coverings, Skirting, a FLORIDA ROOM, a Patio with a Roof, a Shed, and the yard is landscaped. Inside there is CENTRAL Air and Heat and a Living Room Ceiling Fan. The Master Bedroom is in the BACK of the home. In the Master Bath there is a GARDEN TUB and Shower. CENTER Kitchen includes a Stove/Oven and a Dishwasher. The WASHER and DRYER are included in the Laundry Room. TWO YEAR OLD CARPETING adds to the BEAUTY of this FABULOUS HOME!!!
For More Info : 1993 Champion - Mobile Home
Hauser, Idaho
A GREAT 1993 CHAMPION TAMARAC MOBILE HOME FOR YOU!!! This home is located in a FAMILY PARK that ALLOWS PETS. Lot rent is $222.00 per month. The outside of the home has WOOD Siding, a TWO YEAR OLD Shingled Roof, Window Coverings, Skirting, a FLORIDA ROOM, a Patio with a Roof, a Shed, and the yard is landscaped. Inside there is CENTRAL Air and Heat and a Living Room Ceiling Fan. The Master Bedroom is in the BACK of the home. In the Master Bath there is a GARDEN TUB and Shower. CENTER Kitchen includes a Stove/Oven and a Dishwasher. The WASHER and DRYER are included in the Laundry Room. TWO YEAR OLD CARPETING adds to the BEAUTY of this FABULOUS HOME!!!
Home sweet mobile home
Home sweet mobile home
Local United Methodist churches launch housing program for low-income seniors.
The floor in Anna Bell Frazier's new home is so clean and warm, she'd like to curl up and take a nap on it.
"I'll just take my pillow and get right on the floor and go to sleep, because it's that comfortable," said the 75-year-old widow.
The mobile home sits on Frazier's property in rural South Carolina, north of Charleston. However, it belongs to the United Methodist Relief Center, a project of the church to help low-income elderly residents whose homes have deteriorated beyond repair.
That program is now coming to Savannah.
Members from area United Methodist churches are in the process of launching a similar "transportable housing" program to help low-income elderly land owners maintain their way of life.
"They can continue to go to their church. They can continue to have coffee with their neighbor," said Julie Vann, the program coordinator and director of missions for Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. "They're not having to move to assisted living where they don't know anybody."
Supporters gathered Saturday to celebrate around the frame of the first home, soon to be constructed outside Speedwell United Methodist Church at the corner of Montgomery Crossroad and Skidaway Road.
Leaders within the Savannah district of the United Methodist Church have met almost monthly for four years planning the project, raising funds and collecting donated materials. Each home is estimated to cost $36,750, Vann said.
Now with all the resources in place, volunteers await clearance from city zoning officials to begin work.
Similar to how the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity works, the program will use volunteers and licensed professionals to build homes for low-income recipients.
However, the United Methodists' Transportable Housing Program is different in that the recipient doesn't take ownership of the home.
Like the Relief Center, the program will enlist volunteers to construct the home on church property and transport it to the recipient's land.
After the resident dies, the program reclaims the home, refurbishes it and transports it to a new recipient.
"What we do augments what Habitat does," said Pat Goss, executive director of the United Methodist Relief Center. "People who live in a rural community - and they've lived there for 80-something years - they're not moving to town to live in the high-rise apartments that are built for elderly people. They would rather stay in a shack than move in there. This allows them to stay in their community."
Most of the Relief Center's 44 units have served three to four residents since 1999, Goss said.
In addition to constructing new mobile homes, the Relief Center also refurbishes existing homes and sells donated homes to low-income, first-time buyers. The mobile home project has been the most attractive to donors.
"By building this in church parking lots - which is where we build the majority of them - it gets us dollars we would not normally get and also volunteers we would not normally get," Goss said. "People who are not willing to go out to Timbuktu to work on somebody's house are quite willing to come down and work in their church parking lot."
Although most volunteers will be recruited from Methodist churches, religious affiliation won't be a factor in choosing someone to receive a home.
Vann said leaders are seeking advice from social service agencies that work with the elderly to establish criteria for selecting residents.
Once they receive the go-ahead from city officials, Vann expects the first home to be completed within six months.
"Our hope is to get this first one done and to try to tackle as many hurdles as there are," she said.
Program leaders will establish a board of directors and collect resources for more homes.
"There will really be a need to get somebody who can do this as a full-time, someone who can devote a majority of their time to this program," Vann said.
Each 575-square-foot home is wheel-chair accessible and includes a bedroom, bathroom with a roll-in shower, a kitchen-living room combination and a small porch. The space was smaller than Frazier's previous home where she has lived since 1970.
But that's OK, she said.
"It's small, but it's a blessing," she said. "This is real comfortable, and I don't have a lot of work to keep it up."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to get involved
For information about the Savannah District Transportable Housing Program, contact Julie Vann at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at 355-8527.
Local United Methodist churches launch housing program for low-income seniors.
The floor in Anna Bell Frazier's new home is so clean and warm, she'd like to curl up and take a nap on it.
"I'll just take my pillow and get right on the floor and go to sleep, because it's that comfortable," said the 75-year-old widow.
The mobile home sits on Frazier's property in rural South Carolina, north of Charleston. However, it belongs to the United Methodist Relief Center, a project of the church to help low-income elderly residents whose homes have deteriorated beyond repair.
That program is now coming to Savannah.
Members from area United Methodist churches are in the process of launching a similar "transportable housing" program to help low-income elderly land owners maintain their way of life.
"They can continue to go to their church. They can continue to have coffee with their neighbor," said Julie Vann, the program coordinator and director of missions for Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. "They're not having to move to assisted living where they don't know anybody."
Supporters gathered Saturday to celebrate around the frame of the first home, soon to be constructed outside Speedwell United Methodist Church at the corner of Montgomery Crossroad and Skidaway Road.
Leaders within the Savannah district of the United Methodist Church have met almost monthly for four years planning the project, raising funds and collecting donated materials. Each home is estimated to cost $36,750, Vann said.
Now with all the resources in place, volunteers await clearance from city zoning officials to begin work.
Similar to how the nonprofit Habitat for Humanity works, the program will use volunteers and licensed professionals to build homes for low-income recipients.
However, the United Methodists' Transportable Housing Program is different in that the recipient doesn't take ownership of the home.
Like the Relief Center, the program will enlist volunteers to construct the home on church property and transport it to the recipient's land.
After the resident dies, the program reclaims the home, refurbishes it and transports it to a new recipient.
"What we do augments what Habitat does," said Pat Goss, executive director of the United Methodist Relief Center. "People who live in a rural community - and they've lived there for 80-something years - they're not moving to town to live in the high-rise apartments that are built for elderly people. They would rather stay in a shack than move in there. This allows them to stay in their community."
Most of the Relief Center's 44 units have served three to four residents since 1999, Goss said.
In addition to constructing new mobile homes, the Relief Center also refurbishes existing homes and sells donated homes to low-income, first-time buyers. The mobile home project has been the most attractive to donors.
"By building this in church parking lots - which is where we build the majority of them - it gets us dollars we would not normally get and also volunteers we would not normally get," Goss said. "People who are not willing to go out to Timbuktu to work on somebody's house are quite willing to come down and work in their church parking lot."
Although most volunteers will be recruited from Methodist churches, religious affiliation won't be a factor in choosing someone to receive a home.
Vann said leaders are seeking advice from social service agencies that work with the elderly to establish criteria for selecting residents.
Once they receive the go-ahead from city officials, Vann expects the first home to be completed within six months.
"Our hope is to get this first one done and to try to tackle as many hurdles as there are," she said.
Program leaders will establish a board of directors and collect resources for more homes.
"There will really be a need to get somebody who can do this as a full-time, someone who can devote a majority of their time to this program," Vann said.
Each 575-square-foot home is wheel-chair accessible and includes a bedroom, bathroom with a roll-in shower, a kitchen-living room combination and a small porch. The space was smaller than Frazier's previous home where she has lived since 1970.
But that's OK, she said.
"It's small, but it's a blessing," she said. "This is real comfortable, and I don't have a lot of work to keep it up."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to get involved
For information about the Savannah District Transportable Housing Program, contact Julie Vann at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church at 355-8527.
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
Boy playing with lighter causes mobile-home fire
Boy playing with lighter causes mobile-home fire
OLD FORT — A child playing with a lighter burned his family’s home to the ground Saturday, authorities said.
At 6:14 a.m., Old Fort firefighters arrived to find a singlewide mobile home on fire. The five occupants — a father, a mother and three children — were found outside. The father, Kevin Loftis Jr., had burns on his hand and arm, Chief Ron Richardson of the Old Fort Fire Department said.
The mother, Tonya Loftis, and the three children had smoke inhalation, the statement said.
Kevin told firefighters that he awoke to the smell of smoke and went to the other end of the mobile home, where he found his young son’s mattress on fire, the statement said. He escaped the residence with two boys, ages 5 and 4, and his wife got out with another small child.
The fire destroyed the home, leaving an ashy floor littered with melted belongings. A damage estimate has not been tallied.
Capt. Dudley Greene of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said that one of the youngsters was playing with a lighter and set the mattress on fire.
OLD FORT — A child playing with a lighter burned his family’s home to the ground Saturday, authorities said.
At 6:14 a.m., Old Fort firefighters arrived to find a singlewide mobile home on fire. The five occupants — a father, a mother and three children — were found outside. The father, Kevin Loftis Jr., had burns on his hand and arm, Chief Ron Richardson of the Old Fort Fire Department said.
The mother, Tonya Loftis, and the three children had smoke inhalation, the statement said.
Kevin told firefighters that he awoke to the smell of smoke and went to the other end of the mobile home, where he found his young son’s mattress on fire, the statement said. He escaped the residence with two boys, ages 5 and 4, and his wife got out with another small child.
The fire destroyed the home, leaving an ashy floor littered with melted belongings. A damage estimate has not been tallied.
Capt. Dudley Greene of the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said that one of the youngsters was playing with a lighter and set the mattress on fire.
City debates mobile home conversions
City debates mobile home conversions
By Matt O'Brien, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 05/07/2007 02:46:39 AM PDT
HAYWARD — Citing a "current and immediate threat to the welfare of mobile home residents," city officials are looking at calling an emergency moratorium that would temporarily prohibit the conversion of mobile homes to condominiums.
The move follows news that the owner of the Eden Gardens mobile home park on West Winton Avenue is considering a plan to subdivide the park into resident-owned condominiums, thereby exempting the park from Hayward's longstanding mobile home rent control law.
"They want us to buy the land that the mobile home sits on at fair market value," said Charles MacDonald, the unofficial "mayor" of Eden Gardens and a resident there since 1994. "At least 60 percent of our tenants are on fixed income. Why would you want to go, at 70 years old, into a 30-year mortgage?"
The group promoting the conversion, Carlsbad-based Loftin Firm, is making similar maneuvers at mobile home parks throughout the state. But cities are beginningto take notice.
"A lot of our mobile home residents are concerned about being forced out of their homes, particularly many of the seniors living in the parks," Hayward Mayor Mike Sweeney said.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on whether to establish a 45-day moratorium. Sweeney said the measure would give the city time to look at the issue in a "more organized fashion."
This year, following similar concerns, several other Bay Area governments in communities with mobile home rent control enacted moratoriums on conversions. But owners are fighting back.
In East Palo Alto last week, a park owner claiming the city's moratorium is illegal sued the city government there for $14.6 million, according to a MediaNews article published Friday.
State law allows park owners to subdivide parks so that home owners also own the land beneath their home. If that happens, rent control regulations no longer apply. In February, State Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) introduced a bill that would repeal the provisions that allow park owners to effectively force conversions. The bill has not been voted on yet.
Kathie Morris, president of the Hayward Mobilehome Owners Association, said the Loftin Firm went to Eden Gardens residents April 19 and gave a presentation that took many residents by surprise.
"It's really going to change the lifestyles of a lot of mobile home residents," Morris said. "The owner can kind of do anything they want. Rent control goes out the window. We're concerned about a lot of aspects of this."
Owners of the park were not immediately available for comment late last week.
Because it is an urgency ordinance that was not subject to advance public notice requirements, it would take a four-fifths vote Tuesday for the Hayward moratorium to pass.
"We need time to fully vet this issue," Hayward City Manager Jesus Armas said, pointing out that the city last amended the conversion provisions of its mobile home ordinance in 1984.
Matt O'Brien can be reached at (510) 293-2473 or mattobrien@dailyreviewonline.com.
By Matt O'Brien, STAFF WRITER
Article Last Updated: 05/07/2007 02:46:39 AM PDT
HAYWARD — Citing a "current and immediate threat to the welfare of mobile home residents," city officials are looking at calling an emergency moratorium that would temporarily prohibit the conversion of mobile homes to condominiums.
The move follows news that the owner of the Eden Gardens mobile home park on West Winton Avenue is considering a plan to subdivide the park into resident-owned condominiums, thereby exempting the park from Hayward's longstanding mobile home rent control law.
"They want us to buy the land that the mobile home sits on at fair market value," said Charles MacDonald, the unofficial "mayor" of Eden Gardens and a resident there since 1994. "At least 60 percent of our tenants are on fixed income. Why would you want to go, at 70 years old, into a 30-year mortgage?"
The group promoting the conversion, Carlsbad-based Loftin Firm, is making similar maneuvers at mobile home parks throughout the state. But cities are beginningto take notice.
"A lot of our mobile home residents are concerned about being forced out of their homes, particularly many of the seniors living in the parks," Hayward Mayor Mike Sweeney said.
The City Council is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on whether to establish a 45-day moratorium. Sweeney said the measure would give the city time to look at the issue in a "more organized fashion."
This year, following similar concerns, several other Bay Area governments in communities with mobile home rent control enacted moratoriums on conversions. But owners are fighting back.
In East Palo Alto last week, a park owner claiming the city's moratorium is illegal sued the city government there for $14.6 million, according to a MediaNews article published Friday.
State law allows park owners to subdivide parks so that home owners also own the land beneath their home. If that happens, rent control regulations no longer apply. In February, State Sen. Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) introduced a bill that would repeal the provisions that allow park owners to effectively force conversions. The bill has not been voted on yet.
Kathie Morris, president of the Hayward Mobilehome Owners Association, said the Loftin Firm went to Eden Gardens residents April 19 and gave a presentation that took many residents by surprise.
"It's really going to change the lifestyles of a lot of mobile home residents," Morris said. "The owner can kind of do anything they want. Rent control goes out the window. We're concerned about a lot of aspects of this."
Owners of the park were not immediately available for comment late last week.
Because it is an urgency ordinance that was not subject to advance public notice requirements, it would take a four-fifths vote Tuesday for the Hayward moratorium to pass.
"We need time to fully vet this issue," Hayward City Manager Jesus Armas said, pointing out that the city last amended the conversion provisions of its mobile home ordinance in 1984.
Matt O'Brien can be reached at (510) 293-2473 or mattobrien@dailyreviewonline.com.
Monday, May 7, 2007
Financing Available for Modular and Mobile Homes
Financing Available for Modular and Mobile Homes
Western Finance
Western Finance is an independently owned Installment and Mortgage Lender that specializes in finance programs for the Manufactured Housing Industry.
Based in Aurora, Colorado, we have provided payment saving loan programs to literally thousands of satisfied customers. And more often than not, the savings come to thousands of dollars.
We help home buyers purchase new homes and have loan programs that fit almost any customer profile, including loans for customers that have less than perfect credit. Our staff is prepared to handle almost any situation. Many of our clients simply have too much credit card debt. By consolidating high interest credit cards into a lower percentage mortgage, we help borrowers save hundreds of dollars per month.
Please take some time and look around our web site. You can contact us by email with any questions you may have. You can even complete a full loan application online at our secured server. Or you can write us at:
Western Finance, Inc.
2280 So. Xanadu Way, Suite 380
Aurora, Colorado 80014
Or call us at:
800-418-9743
303-368-5400 fax
Western Finance
Western Finance is an independently owned Installment and Mortgage Lender that specializes in finance programs for the Manufactured Housing Industry.
Based in Aurora, Colorado, we have provided payment saving loan programs to literally thousands of satisfied customers. And more often than not, the savings come to thousands of dollars.
We help home buyers purchase new homes and have loan programs that fit almost any customer profile, including loans for customers that have less than perfect credit. Our staff is prepared to handle almost any situation. Many of our clients simply have too much credit card debt. By consolidating high interest credit cards into a lower percentage mortgage, we help borrowers save hundreds of dollars per month.
Please take some time and look around our web site. You can contact us by email with any questions you may have. You can even complete a full loan application online at our secured server. Or you can write us at:
Western Finance, Inc.
2280 So. Xanadu Way, Suite 380
Aurora, Colorado 80014
Or call us at:
800-418-9743
303-368-5400 fax
Mobile Home
Mobile Home
For More Info : Mobile Home
Sanford, Florida
NICE HOME IN GOOD LIVING CONDITION…..Located in Town & Country RV Resort, the rent is $350 per month, and its open to people 18 years of age and over…..Park has a clubhouse, heated pool, pets are allowed, and it is near shopping, airport, schools, churches and medical facilities….It has aluminum siding, shingled roof, window coverings, skirting, a Florida room, two add-on rooms, a patio, shed, carport and has off-street parking…..The home is fenced, landscaped and sits on a foundation…..Please call for more information…..This home rents for $350 a month and it includes WATER, SEWER and GARBAGE COLLECTION. This home and ID #65810 may be sold as a package.
For More Info : Mobile Home
Sanford, Florida
NICE HOME IN GOOD LIVING CONDITION…..Located in Town & Country RV Resort, the rent is $350 per month, and its open to people 18 years of age and over…..Park has a clubhouse, heated pool, pets are allowed, and it is near shopping, airport, schools, churches and medical facilities….It has aluminum siding, shingled roof, window coverings, skirting, a Florida room, two add-on rooms, a patio, shed, carport and has off-street parking…..The home is fenced, landscaped and sits on a foundation…..Please call for more information…..This home rents for $350 a month and it includes WATER, SEWER and GARBAGE COLLECTION. This home and ID #65810 may be sold as a package.
Mobile home village in Sarasota County becomes 'Firewise'
Mobile home village in Sarasota County becomes 'Firewise'
HERALD STAFF REPORT
SARASOTA - River Walk Mobile Home Village will become the first mobile home community in Florida to become "Firewise" today.
The Firewise Communities/USA program is administered by the Florida Division of Forestry and recognizes communities that demonstrate the "spirit, resolve and willingness" to take responsibility for wildfire protection, according to a Sarasota County press release.
River Walk residents saw the importance of becoming a Firewise community after seeing the devastation that a wildfire can bring, according to the release. By using Firewise landscaping, the homeowners created a defensible space around a home which reduces the risk of fire spreading quickly.
The county provided a few tips to reduce the threat of wildfire are:
Encircle the home with well-irrigated areas of at least 30 feet on all sides, providing space for fire equipment in the event of an emergency.
Remove highly flammable vegetation around the home.
Take out "ladder fuels," the vegetation, such as vines or ivy, that links grass and tree tops. These fuels can carry fire from the vegetation to a structure.
Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Prune all trees up to six to 10 feet off the ground.
Mow your lawn regularly.
Dispose of clippings and debris promptly, according to local regulations
Keep a well-maintained irrigation system.
Use less flammable plants such as dogwood, redbud, sycamore, magnolia, oaks, and red maple. Check with local nurseries and landscaping stores for other recommendations.
For more information on keeping a Firewise surrounding and becoming a Firewise Community call the Sarasota County Fire Department at 861-5000, or visit www.firewise.org and the All Hazards website at www.scgov.net
HERALD STAFF REPORT
SARASOTA - River Walk Mobile Home Village will become the first mobile home community in Florida to become "Firewise" today.
The Firewise Communities/USA program is administered by the Florida Division of Forestry and recognizes communities that demonstrate the "spirit, resolve and willingness" to take responsibility for wildfire protection, according to a Sarasota County press release.
River Walk residents saw the importance of becoming a Firewise community after seeing the devastation that a wildfire can bring, according to the release. By using Firewise landscaping, the homeowners created a defensible space around a home which reduces the risk of fire spreading quickly.
The county provided a few tips to reduce the threat of wildfire are:
Encircle the home with well-irrigated areas of at least 30 feet on all sides, providing space for fire equipment in the event of an emergency.
Remove highly flammable vegetation around the home.
Take out "ladder fuels," the vegetation, such as vines or ivy, that links grass and tree tops. These fuels can carry fire from the vegetation to a structure.
Keep trees and shrubs pruned. Prune all trees up to six to 10 feet off the ground.
Mow your lawn regularly.
Dispose of clippings and debris promptly, according to local regulations
Keep a well-maintained irrigation system.
Use less flammable plants such as dogwood, redbud, sycamore, magnolia, oaks, and red maple. Check with local nurseries and landscaping stores for other recommendations.
For more information on keeping a Firewise surrounding and becoming a Firewise Community call the Sarasota County Fire Department at 861-5000, or visit www.firewise.org and the All Hazards website at www.scgov.net
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Useful Links
Additional Buyer's Guides
California Senate Select Committee on MH
Federal Trade Commission and The Manufactured Housing Institute
National Consumer Law Center
The Real Estate Center, Texas A&M University
Neighborhood Reinvestment
Complaint Information:
State SAAs & HUD
State Attorney Generals
National Association of Consumer Credit Administrators
National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators
Better Business Bureau
Home Quality and Safety Concerns
AARP Research
Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (High Winds Brochure)
Institute for Business & Home Safety (Manufactured Home Inspection Checklist)
International Hurricane Center
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on Formaldehyde
US Fire Administration Fact Sheet on MH Fires
National Fire Protection Association, See "Manufactured Home Fires in the U.S"
NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory Study on Tornado Deaths
Home Energy Efficiency
DOE Weatherization Assistance Program - Energy Tips for Mobile Homes
Energy Star Program
North Country's Mobile Home Replacement Program
Manufactured Housing Consumers Guide to Selection and an Energy Efficent Lifestyle
Discussion
alt.mobilehome newsgroup Note: This Usenet group is unmoderated and may contain objectionable or adult content.
Texas: TXLHIS mobile home discussion forum
Homeowner Organizations
Manufactured Home Owners Association of America
Arizona Association of Manufactured Home & R.V. Owners
California: Golden State Mobile Home Owners League -California
Colorado Coalition for Mobile/Manufactured Home Resident Rights
Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association
Illinois: Mobile Home Owners Association of Illinois
Florida: Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida
Michigan: Manufactured Home Owners Legislative Association of Michigan
Minnesota: All Parks Alliance for Change
Nevada Association of Manufactured Homeowners
New Hampshire: Manufactured Home Owners & Tenants Association of New Hampshire
New York: Park Resident Home Owners Association
Oregon State Mobile Home Owners Association
Texas:The Recreational Vehicle/Mobile Home Owners Association of the Valley
Washington: Mobile Home Owners of America
Wisconsin Manufactured Home Owners Association
Landlord Tenant Law
National Directory of Legal Services
National Directory of Tenants organizations from the Tenants Union
Delaware: Community Legal Aid Society
Idaho Legal Aid
Illinois: Tenant Union
Maine: Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Maryland Office of the Attorney General
Michigan: Legal Services of Southern Michigan
Minnesota: Office of the Attorney General
Montana Public Interest Research Group
New Hampshire: New Hampshire Legal Assistance
New York: Division of Housing and Community Renewal
Oregon: Northwest Justice Project
Texas: Austin Tenants Council
Wisconsin Division of Consumer Protection
Vermont: The Mobile Home Project
Co-op Conversions
New Hampshire Community Loan Fund
The We Own Network
Standards, Monitoring and Regulatory Organizations
HUD
NFPA: Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee
NCSBCS Factory Built Structures Commitee
Institute for Building Technology and Safety
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