Residents rally for protection against mobile home park sales

During a recent government meeting, community member Mr. Seekins raised urgent concerns regarding the potential sale of his mobile home park, which houses approximately 320 residents. He highlighted the risk of displacement for these individuals if the park is sold and subsequently redeveloped. With an assessed property value of around $15 million, the implications of such a sale could be dire, as residents would face inadequate compensation and the loss of their homes.

Mr. Seekins emphasized the significant investments made by residents in their homes, totaling between $70,000 and $80,000 in improvements, which underscores the community's commitment to maintaining their living environment. He urged city planners and officials to consider implementing an overlay district to protect the 23 mobile home parks in the area, a strategy that has been successfully adopted in other Washington communities like Bellingham and White Salmon.

The proposed overlay district would serve as a temporary measure to safeguard residents from sudden evictions and provide stability for the community. Mr. Seekins called for immediate action to explore this option, stressing the importance of protecting the livelihoods of the 1,600 to 1,700 residents who could be affected by potential park sales.

The meeting concluded with a note of appreciation for the community's efforts, including a recent fundraiser for the Evergreen School District, showcasing the residents' active involvement in local initiatives.