Lynn township zoning approves Mobile Home Park

 RESIDENTS VOICE CONCERNS

MANY QUESTIONS FEW ANSWERS

Lynn township zoning hearing board granted a special exception to allow a mobile home park on Madison Street just south of  and adjoining the Town houses. Many residents showed up to voice their concerns and ask questions concerning the proposed development. The meeting was held at the New Tripoli Fire co. It is to be called "Madison Village at Penn's View".

This is at this time called a "Concept Plan". There have been no studies concerning traffic, water runoff, community impact, etc. It is considered a work in progress. It is acknowledged that there are not sufficient water or sewage to support this project. It will be required that the Lehigh County authority will have to expand the water and sewage facilities. Who would pay for this is yet to be determined.

Richard Snyder stated that there is an insufficient plan for water runoff and that his property has to deal with excess runoff now.

project engineer

Some were concerned that there would be a tax burden placed on the rest of the community, through increased school taxes for a possible increase in enrollment of 130 students. The taxes collected on mobile homes is small compared to single family dwellings and these homes depreciate in value as they age.

Patrick Ruddell,  a local realtor, stated that there is nothing to stop the park owners from making these homes into rental units. As they age they will not generate very much tax income for the local authorities.

There is a large packet that states the rules and regulations between the park owners and the tenants, but there is as yet no stipulation on any rules for the Developers. The zoning board did ask that they study traffic, snow removal, fire hydrants, lighting and a few other minor requests.

They claim that they are going to be selling new homes with a cost of between $50 and $100 thousand. The lot rentals are going to be $500 to $600 plus all utilities and garbage collection. Home owners will need to maintain grass and snow removal from parking and walkways. This alone may discourage seniors from this park.

Owners cannot sublease or lease their homes without written permission from the park. The park must be given first right to purchase any homes that owners wish to sell. The rules state that all homes placed for sale need to have a HUD inspection seal affixed to the home.

All people who asked questions were respectful and reasonable. There was noted a certain impatient  behavior by the developer and his lawyer with questions they did not have an answer for or were unwilling to provide. The people who were there had concerns about their community and were asking reasonable questions.

There really is not a real plan being offered at this time. It seems that the plan will be negotiated as it proceeds. I am not sure that this is how things should be done.

It seems that once this project is approved and completed the township or the residents will have no authority on this 15 acre plot. This could be a nice facility with owner occupied housing or it could end up with 66 HUD subsidized rental properties. The Township planners will need to be careful that it does not end up the latter.