Zoning Raleigh Residents out of their Homes
May 2, 2008
Approximately 160 residents of Homestead Village Mobile Home Park may be evicted from their homes, if plans for rezoning by the Raleigh City Council bear fruit. The 38.5 acre site is located on prime real estate off of Capital Boulevard in North Raleigh.
The park is owned by Robert and Catherine Binns. Mr. Binns, 70, wants to sell because of his declining health. He requires oxygen to breathe.
A willing buyer, represented by attorney David York, insists that the property be rezoned for mixed use commercial development. In such a plan, the land would be redeveloped into shops, commercial offices, and upscale housing.
WRAL has the story here. It quotes Loida Guerrero, a resident, who wonders how she will find a new location for her home. Guerrero bought her home about a month ago.
Residents generally own their mobile homes but rent the land underneath at this park. Fewer and fewer parks remain in urban areas to take relocating homes. This means that many residents will likely be forced to abandon their homes.
Binns “feels bad” for the residents but insists that he needs to get out of the business.
The Raleigh City Planning Commission is scheduled to make its final approval on the rezoning on July 22nd.
[http://digg.com/business_finance/Mass_Eviction_in_Raleigh_Mobile_Homes_Displaced]
May 3, 2008 at 8:09 am
[...] 3, 2008 MHR profiled problems facing 160 residents in the Homestead Village Mobile Home Park on Friday. This park is threatened with closure. There are good reasons behind the news. The park [...]