Cummings noted that his family purchased the park in 1998 and since that time has embarked on a “number of projects in the community that we consider more than minimum. . .I hope the residents do recognize our efforts to create a community we can all be proud of,” as well as provide the family a fair return.About a dozen residents offered comment, disputing Cumming’s statements and noting that the pool and clubhouse are often closed and lack of a children’s play area, among other concerns. Others noted that the park is home to many seniors on fixed incomes as well as low-income families. Several said that the proposed increase in rents would impact coach value.“There’s a lot we pay for and don’t get to enjoy,” said Bobbi Cook.“I love the park, it’s a wonderful place,” said Julie Howard, but economics must be considered to accommodate the “huge jump” in space rent. There are “too many things not being done. . .even with a 12 percent cap within two years you might have an empty park.”“If I tell my supervisor I want a 54.7 percent raise she’ll say ‘Find the door!’ “ said another park resident.
Hearing continued for SP West Mobile Home rent increase
January 21, 2003
Santa Paula News
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula TimesResidents of Santa Paula West Mobile Home Park filled the Community Center for the hearing on a 50-plus percent rent increase, but the meeting was continued to Jan. 28th to ensure that everyone has been provided full documentation and has proper time to prepare responses.City Manager Wally Bobkiewicz was first at the podium to suggest that the hearing be continued due to the appointment of a substitute rent administrator and to ensure that both parties receive the proper information in a timely manner.According to the staff report for the Jan. 14th meeting, SP West LLC, the owner of the 195 unit mobile home park, has adjusted its request for a monthly increase from an average $273.30 to $268.31 to be phased in over a period of time.Consultant Sonia Seeman said the continuation will allow the “parties to have ample time to respond to the documents exchanged between them.”Tenants with long-term leases are not subject to the requested rent increase; their average annual rent increase is 4 percent.Tim Hicks, chairman of the city’s Mobile Home Rent Review Commission, limited opponents and proponents of the increase to 30 minutes each for their presentations.Jack Schwartz, attorney for the park owner, John Cummings of Newport Beach, agreed to the terms, but opponent representative Dick Hughes objected, citing delayed documentation that would hamper the response of the tenants.Schwartz said he had several “housekeeping matters” to address, and that the continuance would provide time for each side to receive and study a complete document package.
