The ColumbiaMissourian reports the Columbia Regency Mobile Home Park has notified residents the community will close Feb. 29, following the owners request to rezone the property for apartments. Aspen Heights, which submitted plans for the apartments, says it will buy the property from Regency of Missouri only if the land can be rezoned. The planning and zoning commission voted unanimously to recommend to city council that the request be denied because it would effectively force the eviction of all the residents of this 278 homesite community. Aspen has offered six months for the residents to move as well as $1,200 relocation expense for each of the homes. City Councilwoman Barbra Hoppe says it is not a done deal, and she is seeking another buyer who will maintain the property as an LLC and keep the zoning for manufactured homes. Mid-Missouri Legal Services attorney Michael Carney, who offered his services to residents who qualify financially, says rents still need to be paid to avoid eviction, and leases that extend beyond the closing date will need to be honored. The rezoning request and Aspen Heights development plans will be before the City Council Nov. 21. Aspen has Colorado-style student housing in Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Georgia.
