City to review rules on mobile home park closures

Responding to residents’ concerns about the possible closure of the Conejo Mobile Home Park on Newbury Road, the Thousand Oaks City Council has agreed to review municipal regulations governing mobile home park closures.

The current regulations were adopted in 1983 and haven’t been reviewed or updated since.

With 10 mobile home parks in the city, according to Community Development Director John Prescott, the council acknowledged that a comprehensive approach was necessary. The closure of a mobile home park means the city loses needed low-cost housing and relocating residents to comparable living arrangements is difficult.

“If it happens in one, it can happen in every one,” said Councilmember Andy Fox. “We can contact the state to help us out if we need clarifying legislation on a statewide level.”

Agoura Hills developer Joe Bednar purchased the property in May. In August he sent a letter to residents of the 49 homes informing them that he was considering his options. Since then, residents, who include low-income disabled, seniors, and families with children, have appealed to the city council and planning commission for help.

Many of the homes can’t be moved. Bednar said he’s not required to offer fair market value for homes that can’t be relocated. Without fair market value, residents said, they can’t afford new homes.

Although Bednar hasn’t submitted a formal plan to the city, he told the Thousand Oaks Acorn on Oct. 10 that he planned to close the park in order to build a medical office building and an assisted living facility.

Prescott estimated that a draft ordinance could be prepared by early January for review by the planning commission.