CBS Dallas tells MHProNews that the Lincoln Park Mobile Home Park was recently annexed by the city of Little Elm. The property was then rezoned as light commercial, and the owner sold it to the Centurion American Development Group. Several hundred people live at Lincoln Park in manufactured homes and RVs. Residents are only finding out this week that they must vacate. The land on which Lincoln Park is located will soon become part of a 787-acre master-planned community called Union Park.
Hillwood Communities, led by Dallas businessman Ross Perot Jr., is the developer bringing 2,400 single-family homes to Union Park, a new special-purpose district community. These energy-efficient homes will be built by American Legend Homes, Dress Homes, Emerald Homes, Highland Homes and Plantation Homes and will range in price from about $250,000 to $400,000. Elaine Ford, vice president for Hillwood Communities, said phase 1 of Union Park will have 400 homes available next summer.
In the meantime, residents of Lincoln Park are trying to adjust to an unexpected change in their lives. Much to Audrey and Michael Hayes’ surprise, a mover knocked on their door before the couple knew what was going on. “It’s the lack of information, the short notice, the rumors,” said Audrey. The couple says they have not been notified by the developer or property owner.
“We’re getting knocks on our door from people offering to move our home. We said, ’What do you mean you’re going to move our house?’” the Hayes said.
Karen Tyson and Bobbie Holbrook moved their manufactured home into Lincoln Park in early November. The friends and roommates are nearly 70 years old. Bobbie is a widow and Karen has grown children. Moving once, they say, was enough of an ordeal.
“You think a manufactured home, you’d just pick it up and move it. You don’t,” said Karen. It cost Tyson $6,000 to relocate her home here, from packing, to unhooking appliances, to the physical move. “We were just getting settled,” Karen said.
A handful of people have received notice to vacate within 60 days, and the rest of the residents must be out by June 15, says Loretta Ray, the park manager. Ray works for the owner who is selling. She says she’s rushing to give notice to everyone at the park.
“The other manufactured home parks are getting full and a lot of these homes are older homes, too, so that’s going to be an issue. But we’re going to do all that we can,” said Ray.
The Hayes, who rent, worry about finding another affordable place in the area. “We pay $600 a month. No one can beat that in this town,” said Michael.
A spokesperson for Centurion called CBS 11 News Friday evening, with some information about the plans for the Lincoln Park property development. Alvin Jackson says the property will include both commercial and residential use. That includes up to five restaurants, as well as retail or business space. Some areas will also be designated for single and multifamily housing. Jackson says the company will work with current Lincoln Park residents during the transition and provide some relocation assistance. ##
(Photo Credit: CBS Dallas)
Article submitted by Sandra Lane to – Daily Business News – MHProNews.
