Gibson told the Commission the recommended increase represents the 12 percent maximum monthly space rent increase, and it could be implemented with a $46.11 increase this year, $$51.46 in 2009 and $43.60 in 2010.The meeting pitted consultants against each other, as well as park residents against Wang, who owns 34 percent of the park and to whom they objected to collecting park management fees.Park resident Bill Allen said the “housing market has been beaten down,” and many Americans are worried about their employment, as well as diminishing investments. The “Financial struggles faced by American senior citizens” are vast, especially for those on a fixed income, and Allen said increases would “leave some unable to make their income last until the end of the month.”“Do not let this man drive nails into the coffin of Santa Paula senior housing,” said resident Richard Abbott.Commissioner Hicks said the Commission’s “basic job is to see that a fair and just return that can be defended” in a court of law is implemented. “It’s the unfortunate facts of life position I have to take... I have your lives in my hands and it’s kind of scary. I feel for you” as, Hicks noted, “someday I’ll be in the same position.”Rancho Santa Paula, located on West Santa Maria Street, has 151 total units. Hicks said the Commission would meet again to resolve when the rent increases would be implemented.
Rancho SP: Commission approves $129.86 monthly incremental increase
October 24, 2008
Santa Paula News
Residents of Rancho Santa Paula Mobile Home Park will be paying more for their spaces after the Rent Review Commission decided to allow an increase at the park, occupied by residents 55 and older, at a hearing that featured catcalls, boos and accusations of greed on the part of the park owner.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesResidents of Rancho Santa Paula Mobile Home Park will be paying more for their spaces after the Rent Review Commission decided to allow an increase at the park, occupied by residents 55 and older, at a hearing that featured catcalls, boos and accusations of greed on the part of the park owner. More than 130 park residents attended the meeting held Tuesday, October 21 at the Community Center.Mobile Home Rent Review Commissioners Tim Hicks, Ron Merson and Karen Djernaes unanimously approved the $129.86 monthly increase per space recommended by a consultant hired by the city, Dr. James Gibson, much lower than the $218.90 increase requested by park owner Peter Wang. The increase will not apply to the few residents who have long-term leases that override the city’s rent control ordinance.Santa Paula’s rent control ordinance - adopted in 1992 - allows owners to apply for increases representing a fair return on their investment.Consultants for both sides agreed that rents must be raised but split on by how much. More than a dozen park residents and supporters testified the proposed increase was too high for senior park residents, who are on fixed incomes, and asked the commission to keep rents as low as possible.The $129.86 monthly increase will be phased in over three years. Homeowners Association President Janet Grant said there are a large number of park residents “that cannot afford” an increase.
