Ronnie Soffee’s family had owned and operated Rudd’s Trailer Park since it first opened in 1936, but after it sold at auction, Mr. Soffee was reduced to tears to tears as he said goodbye to some of the residents, according to what richmondfreepress in Virginia tells MHProNews. Although assessed by the city at $2.42 million for the 9.2 acre community, it sold at auction for $371,000.

The city began a code enforcement campaign at the community two years ago because of concerns for safety of the residents, eventually issuing over 700 code enforcement violations, evicting the residents of ten homes and condemning 20 other homes immediately. Some residents left after their homes were condemned, others because they could not afford to repair their homes sufficiently to bring them into compliance with state codes.

Fearing they would be forced into homelessness, a coalition of non-profits tried to help the largely poor and multi-ethnic population, but in the end they mostly just received referrals to the city’s social services department.

While the community will remain open, the new owner–who owns several manufactured home communities (MHC) and will assume ownership next month—plans to upgrade the community and bring in new MH, said Mr. Soffee.

Meanwhile, the Legal Aid Justice Center in Richmond filed a federal lawsuit against the city, alleging illegal and racially discriminatory code enforcement policies that target Hispanics. An attorney with Legal Aid said a trial is scheduled for June, although a settlement may be reached before then. ##

(Photo credit: gfhomesandland–manufactured home)

Article submitted by Matthew J. Silver to Daily Business News-MHProNews.