PC 04/09/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

~ Mr. Schlies requested the Commission acknowledge the long-standing existence of the use of Space 12A and allow the variance so it may continue and they can satisfy the state Department of Housing and Community Development. He continued to say that the elimination of a space would negatively impact the residents because their common area expenses would increase by about 3 %. Likewise, there would be one less low cost housing space in the City. In closing, Mr. Schlies wanted the Commission to judge their application on the narrow issue of legitimizing the 33rd space, not taking into account all the past battles and allegations concerning Mr. Wagner. They are not relevant to this issue. Commissioner Dove inquired of the applicant and Mr. ScWies how many mobile home units were in the park at the time of purchase, whether there are fewer mobile homes in the park presently; and how one would ever know the calculation used to determine the cost of the common area expense. Mr. Schlies stated these questions were beyond the scope they were prepared to talk about. Commissioner Dove stated that the tenants have been trying for over a year to learn how their present rent is being calculated. Mr. Schlies stated his comment was on the theoretical basis that the larger the base to spread a cost, the lower the individual cost would be. Commissioner Cooper clarified with the applicant that 33 is the agreed-to historical number of spaces in the park and there would not be a claim otherwise. Commissioner Lutz inquired, if there are other unoccupied spaces, why is Space 12A the one that has to be eliminated? Mr. ScWies stated that Space 12A is not on the original map. If it is acceptable to HCD and the City to keep Space 12A, would you agree to eliminate a vacant space? Mr. ScWies feels this would incur civil engineering costs to redraw the map for the applicant as well as the loss of the space's rental revenue. Commissioner Wright clarified that the map has been historically set at 32, but in existence are 33 spaces and that was the situation when Mr. Wagner purchased the park. It seems to him that Spaces 12 and 12A are more lucrative for rental whereas Space 17 could be easily eliminated. Chair Barker noted there is no Space 11, and in her counting of the spaces, there are only 32 spaces physically on the ground. Mr. ScWies will study and readdress the Commission. Mr. Beougher advised the Commission that under the penalty of perjury, Mr. Wagner stated in 1994 that there were 32 spaces. Robert McFarling, 4368 Railroad, Apt 5, stated he had rented a unit from Mr. Wagner in the park. During his eight-month stay, there were a number of problems in the park. He is supportive of grandfathering in the additional unit, for the benefit of the present occupant only. It is Mr. McFarling's understanding that the park has never been fully occupied, so it will not be detrimental to the park to eliminate one space. However, eliminating specifically Space 12A would be detrimental to the occupant, Mr. Finn. Mr. McFarling spoke about the unsafe conditions existing in the park that Mr. Wagner could not or would not resolve. Water was running through the ceiling of the trailer he was renting from Mr. Wagner. A sink hole was developing in another space. Maintenance in the park is poor. He would Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 April 9, 1997