I’m writing this letter in reference to the excellent article written by Ms. Nancy Needham in the Feb. 18 edition of the Thousand Oaks Acorn regarding the pending closure of the Conejo Mobile Home Park due to the greed and selfishness of the property owner, Joseph Bednar. One would have difficulty imagining a better written document on the subject.

As a 29-year resident of Thousand Oaks, 15 of which have been spent in mobile homes, I’m again appalled at the outcome for the Conejo Park residents. It’s simply unjust and unacceptable to believe that these law abiding, tax paying citizens of essentially the only affordable housing in our city would be ousted from their homes. I’ve spoken with several of the residents and have observed the following factors: 1. Due to their age and condition, the mobile homes therein cannot be moved. 2. If they were, where would they be moveable to, especially those with children? 3. The options offered boil down to No. 3, i.e., six months space rental plus 90 percent of the relocation fee. Just how much housing would that buy and where? 4. Several of the residents have mortgages, meaning they would be further in debt even before being forced out. As I’ve stated, and at several City Council meetings, mobile homes are the only affordable housing in Thousand Oaks.

Further, having attended the City Council meeting where all five council members, as well as the city manager and city attorney spoke in support of the residents, all except Ms. Bill-de la Peña, voted against them–and in support of Bednar–fearing that a potential lawsuit could cost the city a million dollars.

Considering that the city just spent $3 million for property for which they have no current plans, I find the Conejo Mobile Home park closure decision even more appalling.

In conclusion, I would ask each of the four City Council members who voted against supporting the residents to advise publicly what action they’d take if Bednar’s action had driven them from ownership of their own precious homes.
John K. Leslie
Agoura Hills