Developer Rob Moorehead did not have any plans detailing roadways and lot sizes, but the 32.56 acre property could have as many as 270 manufactured homes. As laureloutlook informs MHProNews, Moorehead said he expects only about two-thirds of that many homes on the land. The property is actually in the county, but if developed, Noel Eaton, Laurel’s city planner said the real estate will then be annexed inside the city limits.
About a dozen area residents spoke in opposition to the proposal, saying property values and the standard of living will suffer. Another resident said the schools will suffer from overcrowding, and that parking and drainage would be problematic.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the developer said, “We have to have a stepping mechanism for people to get into the housing market. We have to provide options. Well maintained trailer parks allow younger folks to come in. Not everyone can buy a 2,500 square foot house.”
Decisions by the board are recommendations only. The zone change and the variance requests have to be approved by the county commissioners before they can be enacted.
Laurel is just outside Billings, in south central Montana. ##
(Photo credit: Tri-Star manufactured home community)
