Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
39 <br /> Attachment 4 <br /> MOBILE HOME PARK RECOMMENDATIONS <br /> 1.Mobile Home Park Improvement and Expansion. Program (Short Term) <br /> II I° II I III untr n enti <br /> P104 it in��uw.�uu��� �.�uu����u,����l�u Otto-twit � u,��Viiu� minor <br /> Background <br /> • Information collected on existing mobile home parks identified several issues with aging park <br /> infrastructure and mobile homes. Many mobile home park owners are faced with expensive <br /> infrastructure improvements and ongoing repair issues that they are unable to address. In some <br /> cases, mobile home parks owners may be forced to permanently vacate a space and/or mobile <br /> home due to a failed septic system or maintenance issue that may be too costly to repair or <br /> residents are living in unsafe conditions. Due to maintenance issues, deteriorated infrastructure, <br /> and aging homes, families are displaced, owners experience a loss of income, and Orange <br /> County residents lose an affordable housing unit. <br /> Recommendations <br /> • In order to address these issues,one recommendation is to establish a loan program for <br /> mobile home park owners to improve and/or expand their existing parks. This strategy would <br /> be part of an overall Rental Rehabilitation Initiative for investor-owners with 25 or less <br /> properties. In addition,it is also recommended that up to $500,000 from the Affordable <br /> Housing/Land Bank Set-aside in the approved Capital Investment Plan be used to initially fund <br /> this Initiative. <br /> o One function of this program would offer low-interest loans and other types of assistance to <br /> mobile home park owners wanting to improve or enhance their existing park. In return, this <br /> program would require an agreement between the mobile home park owner and Orange <br /> County to maintain a specific set of standards related to maintenance and upkeep and <br /> require the mobile home park owner to keep the park in operation for an established period <br /> of time. Funds may be used to invest in infrastructure maintenance or upgrades for water <br /> systems, waste water systems, drainage, or other improvements (i.e. roadways, internet <br /> access, etc.)that would improve and prolong the life of the mobile home park. In addition, <br /> the County may explore the logistics and opportunity to lease mobile home park spaces <br /> from owners requesting loan funds. <br /> Outcome <br /> • Orange County develops a loan program for mobile home park owners for necessary <br /> improvements and/or expansions, including infrastructure.The funds would strive to improve <br /> and expand the available supply of affordable housing in Orange County, as well mitigate the <br /> displacement of low income residents due to the sale and redevelopment of mobile home parks. <br /> If the Board of County Commissioners endorses the recommendations, staff will proceed with the <br /> design and implementation of a loan program for mobile home park owners to improve and/or <br /> expand their existing parks with the proposed initial funding source. <br /> J Mitigate Displacement J Preserve Existing Stock I Increase Supply <br />