“We have never had enough senior housing in this valley, and of course it’s important to preserve what we have because it’s a very finite amount,” said Councilwoman Laurene Weste. Of the city’s 16 MHCs, four are dedicated to seniors, comprising 524 home sites, about a quarter of all home sites in Santa Clarita.
Jarryd Gonzales, of the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association (WMHCA), said the association was opposed to the ordinance.
“We believe a mobile home community owner has a right to determine whether they will operate a 55-and-older community or an all-ages community,” Gonzales said. “Both types of communities provide affordable housing opportunities for scores of current and prospective homeowners and should not be officially favored one way or another,” he added.
A resident of Sierra Mobile Home Park in Canyon Country, just north of Santa Clarita, Carol Fish said ownership of her community has sent word that it intends to convert Sierra from senior-only to all age.
“It’s giving us a glimmer of hope that someone is listening to us and taking us seriously,” she said of the council’s vote. “It’s not about the money, it’s about the people, so I appreciate that.”
The “urgency ordinance” takes effect immediately. Santa Clarita is just north of Los Angeles.
MHProNews last reported on Santa Clarita June 22, 2015 that the city council is considering revisions to the ordinance that governs rent increases in MHCs. ##
(Photo credit: MHPHOA/googleearth–Sierra Mobile Home Park)
