According to coastlinepilot, Chicago-based Hometown America Communities is preparing to purchase 158-homesite Laguna Terrace Park MHC of Laguna Beach, Calif., just south of Los Angeles. MHProNews has learned the property is owned by Amy Esslinger, widow of the late Steve Esslinger, who had tried to convert the property to resident ownership in 2011 but lost in a court battle to the California Coastal Commission in July of that year. Last year residents of the community tried to purchase the property but were denied. Hometown America owns 45 properties in eleven states, seven of which are in Calif. The transaction, terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close this spring.

(Photo credit: coastlinepilot)