NorthFortMyersNeighbor reports that manufactured home communities in Lee county may be allowed to keep their recycling programs in place. In a recent 3-2 vote, Lee County (FL) Commissioners voted to have staff come back with a revised ordnance that will “grandfather-in” the parks’ way of handling recycling. 23 manufactured home communities (MHCs) have lobbied to use their private contractor rather than use the county for their recycling efforts. “Because we get back from our private hauler for recycling aluminum, newspapers and cardboard we have been able to control costs to maintain and improve our park and avoid raising maintenance fees for our residents, many who are on fixed income,” said Ray Chevalier, chairman of the Old Bridge Village Recycling Committee. “I was happy to hear that the commissioners voted for the new ordinance.” Commissioners John Manning, Brian Bigelow and Frank Mann voted to have staff come back with a revised ordinance that will “grandfather-in” the MHC’s way of handling recycling. Commissioners Tammy Hall and Ray Judah were a no, citing in the past fairness to all 110 “mobile home communities” in Lee County, and the fact that the ordinance was in law, were factors in their no vote stance. “I’m very pleased with the three commissioners – Manning, Bigelow and Mann,” said Barbara Olivera, the manager of Tamiami Village, whose community has been part of the private recycling plan.
