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Jack Ferris stated that he bought and replaces rnany mobile homes within the park over <br />the last ten years and expressed his support for the proposal. He indicated that space <br />rents have gone up, and the conversion would provide residents the opportunity to buy <br />their space and control their destiny, which they cannot do today. He added that <br />manufactured homes are of high quality but that the only way value is to be seen is to <br />purchase the land underneath their units which will appreciate over time. He further <br />discussed costs at varying loan amounts, which he felt was less expensive than space <br />rents today, and stated that he supported the State's loan program. <br />Pam O'Connell stated that homeowner dues must be taken into account when <br />considering rent and mortgage, and this is not affordable for many people. She added <br />that she felt the State would not be in a position to provide loans due to their position <br />and that this cannot be counted on in ten years. She stated that she believed the owner <br />representatives used coercive tactics and that she did not trust the proposal. She <br />indicated that she has not been not able to sell her mother's unit and felt that moving <br />the land into ownership was not a good thing for the park or the people living there. <br />Janet Cristiano stated that her mother lives in the mobile home park. She indicated that <br />she was excited about the opportunity to purchase the land as affordable housing is <br />difficult to find. She echoed Mr. Ferris' comments and confirmed that reserves would <br />need to be put in by the park owner for repairs, which the homeowners would control. <br />She noted that the low-income level for couples is $53,000 and inquired what the rate <br />was for singles. <br />Mr. Dolan replied that it is $46,350. <br />Mr. Close referred to comments regarding buying air and stated that the residents will <br />own both the land and their pro-rata share of all common areas. He noted that the <br />State recognizes that there may be some residents who would not be able to afford <br />purchasing their unit, and these residents can remain in the park for as long as they <br />desire. He reiterated that low-income residents are fully protected as they will not be <br />charged more than the CPI increase. <br />Ms. Forbath stated that part of the application to the DRE requires documentation that <br />includes a reserve study to be done by a licensed inspector who will physically inspect <br />every single aspect of the park and look at the current owner's operational costs to <br />determine the history of repair work. She noted that the reserve study will indicate what <br />the useful life of each park component is, and the HOA would start off with a substantial <br />balance in its account for reserves. She added that the DRE will also look at future <br />operational costs to determine what the dues should be. Regarding ownership of the <br />land, she stated that residents will own approximately two feet deep under their unit so <br />that no individual resident has to own the utility lines which are located below the units; <br />the HOA would own the rest and would be responsible for any repairs. <br />Commissioner O'Connor inquired if the HOA would be fully funded at the time of the <br />conversion. <br />EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, February 25, 2009 Page 11 of 19 <br />