While MHP Scottsdale LLC acquired the property last year, residents of the 112-site manufactured home community (MHC) received notices in May that Wheel Inn would close in six months. Seventy percent of the homes were built before 1976, the year the federal government established guidelines for MH construction, and may not be suitable for relocating.
Arizona provides $5,000 for residents to move their homes, according to azcentral, but only $1,200 for homes that can be satisfactorily moved. MHP Scottsdale will provide an additional $2,000 for each home relocated, plus deposit $500 into the state’s relocation fund.
City Councilwoman Kathy Littlefield and her husband, Bob, a former councilman, have decided to help the residents. “We can’t stop (the new development) from happening, so the next thing is what can we do to help these people so it’s not so traumatic for them,” Kathy Littlefield said. The zoning for the MHC is the same as that for the apartments MHP Scottsdale intends to build.
Scottsdale is organizing a resource fair for residents to meet privately with staffers from city human services and organizations that deal with housing issues. The city will provide transportation to and from the event.
Bob Littlefield has begun a fundraiser to supplement the costs of moving the homes, even fixing homes so they can be moved, or help to buy new ones. Donations can be deposited with Arizona Law Enforcement Outreach & Support, and committee members will decide how to best use the funds. He said there will be more fundraisers later in the fall.
The Littlefields want to ensure the residents are treated with the respect they deserve. “It’s who we are as a city,” Kathy Littlefield said. “We should care. These are the citizens that helped build Scottsdale. They were here first.” ##
(Photo credit: azcentral/David Kadlubo–Wheel Inn Mobile Home Park)
