RESOURCES FOR MANUFACTURED HOME OWNERS

APAC has produced a variety of guides, reports, newsletters, fact sheets, and data snapshots helpful for understanding manufactured housing, including the following:

Minnesota's Manufactured Housing Laws


Manufactured Housing - Community Licensing, Home Construction & Home Installation


Relocation Compensation


Manufactured Home Titling Issues


Manufactured Home Rehab and Replacement


Guides & Manuals


Minnesota Housing Finance Agency / Federal Housing Finance Agency


Research Reports


Newsletters, Anniversary Books & Videos


Fact Sheets


Data Snapshots


APAC's Twin Cities Comprehensive Planning Project


APAC's Twin Cities Transit Project


Promote Manufactured Housing Through Comprehensive Planning

APAC's Twin Cities Comprehensive Planning Project

APAC released the final report on our Comprehensive Plan Project, which involved advocating for improved treatment of manufactured housing residents in 2018 city-level comprehensive plan updates across the Metropolitan Area.

Comprehensive plans enable governments to describe goals and strategies related to issues like housing and land use and submit them for public review. Our aim is to help city officials incorporate more positive language and supportive strategies towards manufactured housing in their comprehensive plans.

Manufactured housing is a vitally important form of affordable housing in the Twin Cities Metro Region, in a context of a widespread shortage of accessible affordable housing. Manufactured housing helps diverse residents gain access to homeownership, stay in the school districts and close to local amenities they value, and provides a local, stable workforce to businesses, all through this unique and unsubsidized form of naturally occurring affordable housing. Despite its benefits, manufactured housing is often disregarded by public officials and planners.

Comprehensive plans present an important opportunity to engage in the local planning and policy-making process, and for constituents to ask city councils to support manufactured housing.

Comprehensive Plans are required describe the city’s approach in the following areas:

- Land Use
- Transportation
- Water Resources
- Parks & Trails
- Housing
- Resilience
- Economic Competitiveness
- Implementation

General Procedures for Creating and Amending Comprehensive Plans

Source: http://www.lmc.org/page/1/handbook-for-mn-cities.jsp Chapter 14, pg. 4-6

  • Cities must submit their draft comprehensive plans to local governmental entities for review and comment
  • Cities must submit their comprehensive plans to Metropolitan Council for review of conflicts with regional systems plans
  • Cities must hold a public hearing before formal adoption of a comprehensive plan
  • City councils may adopt or amend comprehensive plans by a two-thirds vote, or simple majority if the issue at hand involves permits for affordable housing
  • The requirements for amending or updating a comprehensive plan are the same as for creating one, including holding and providing notice of a public hearing
  • Cities must submit all amendments to Metropolitan Council
  • A planning commission may be created to oversee the comprehensive plan through an ordinance that clearly describes its duties and responsibilities
  • City councils can submit proposed amendments to the planning commission, and cannot formally ratify new language until they receive a report on the submission from the planning commission, or until sixty days have elapsed
  • The final say on what is approved rests with the city council, not the planning commission, which serves in a strictly advisory role

Manufactured Housing Recommendations to City Planners and City Councils

APAC recommends the following best practices:

1. Use manufactured housing to address affordability without new large-scale multifamily construction.

2. Change ordinances to allow manufactured homes to be sited in residential districts outside existing parks.

3. Improve your City’s level of affordable housing by reducing loan barriers to move residents into currently vacant manufactured housing units.

4. Generate funding opportunities for repair and maintenance, and set standards for infrastructure in manufactured housing parks.

5. Encourage resident purchase of communities through local tax incentives and first refusal rights.

6. Promote manufactured housing within your comprehensive plan and other city outlets as a primary unsubsidized affordable home-ownership option for low-income working residents.

7. Actively reduce stigma against manufactured housing.

For more detailed descriptions of these points, please review our advocacy letters tailored to particular cities below.

Links to APAC's Recommendations for Cities

If you want to learn more about engaging with a city, please follow the links below.

Apple Valley Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are an Apple Valley Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.ci.apple-valley.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=191

Apple Valley's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

Mobile home rate charts - Ch. 3, pg. 10 "Areas of manufactured housing are allowed as conditional uses in the M-7 zoning district" (Ch. 4, pg. 20)

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Bruce Nordquist
Community Development Director
commdev@ci.apple-valley.mn.us
Phone: (952) 953-2576

Links to Apple Valley's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://imagineapplevalley2040.com/about/

Arden Hills Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are an Arden Hills Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website:

http://www.cityofardenhills.org/index.aspx?NID=170

Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing

"Nine percent of the housing in Arden Hills is manufactured/mobile homes compared to a regional average of just 1.6 percent" (2-7). "Manufactured Housing (MH) – includes manufactured and mobile homes in specialized parks" (6-4). "6.4.6 Manufactured Home Community The Arden Manor neighborhood has been identified as an important community and the primary supply of affordable housing options in the City. Bounded by Interstate 35W, Highway 96, and Highway 10, the neighborhood is facing pressure from adjacent highways and land uses. Although the 1998 Comprehensive Plan identified this area for potential redevelopment into nonresidential uses, the City anticipates this property will remain as a medium density residential use for the foreseeable future. Although complete impacts are not yet known, potential changes to Highways 10 and 96 may impact the manufactured home community. The City is currently in the process of reviewing road design proposals for this area" (6-10). "In 2007, there were 285 units in the Arden Manor manufactured home community and approximately 80 percent of the units were owner occupied" (7-7). "Water use: D& H Enterprises (Arden Manor Manufactured Home Community) 21,860,800 5%" (APPENDIX D PG 3). "High density residential (HDR) – apartment and townhome land use category providing for densities of up to twelve units per acre. Mobile homes are also included in this category" (6-3).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Matthew Bachler
Senior Planner
Ph: 651-792-7822
mbachler@cityofardenhills.org

Arden Hills City Hall
1245 West Highway 96
Arden Hills, MN 55112
Ph: 651-792-7800

Links to Arden Hill's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.cityofardenhills.org/451/2040-Comprehensive-Plan

Blaine Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Blaine Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

https://www.blainemn.gov/558/Comprehensive-Plan

Blaine's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

"Although detached, single-family homes are the most prevalent type of housing in Blaine (66%), other significant types of housing include townhomes (11%) and mobile homes (15%). The concentration of mobile homes in Blaine is noteworthy because less than two percent of all homes metro-wide are mobile homes and Blaine has the largest supply of manufactured housing parks in the state" (3-12). SEE LAND USE PLANNING TABLE: no change in MH from 2008 to 2030 (5-26). "Small private treatment plants are located throughout the metropolitan area serving such developments as individual industries, mobile home parks, and other urban type uses. The Council will not provide financial support to assist communities if these systems fail" (Water system statement - 5). "Manufactured Loan Fund – income qualifying residents may borrow up to $7,500 to fixup manufactured homes" (3-24). "14. The City will support an effort to preserve existing affordable housing units including manufactured home parks and subsidized apartments and townhome complexes" (3-25).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Bryan Schafer
Planning and Community Development Director
bschafer@blainemn.gov
Phone: 763-785-6144

Links to Blaine's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.blainemn.gov/558/Comprehensive-Plan

Bloomington Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Bloomington Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website:

https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/forward-2040-about-comprehensive-plan

Bloomington's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

"Bloomington’s 36,900 plus dwelling units include a mix of single family detached homes, townhomes, duplexes, mobile homes, condominiums, apartments, group homes, and assisted living facilities" (3-1). "Table 3.2 Mobile Homes 186 0.5%" (3-3).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Julie Farnham, Planning Manager
(952) 563-4739
jfarnham@BloomingtonMN.gov

Planning Division
952-563-8920
952-563-8740 (TTY)
planning@BloomingtonMN.gov

City of Bloomington
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431-3027
952-563-8700 (TTY: 952-563-8740)
information@BloomingtonMN.gov

Links to Bloomington's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/plan/forward-2040-documents

Burnsville Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Burnsville Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 1-855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Comprehensive Plan Website:

http://www.burnsville.org/2040

Burnsville's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

"Medium Density Residential – This land use classification includes attached housing (townhomes, small apartment buildings), small lot detached townhomes and manufactured homes (mobile homes) within the three existing manufactured home parks (Camelot, Rambush, and Sunny Acres). Lands within this category are served with municipal utilities. Net residential densities from 4 to 8.7 units per acre are allowed (mobile home park net residential density is 8.47 units per acre)." "3.2.2 Manufactured Homes Burnsville is home to three manufactured/mobile home parks, with a total of 766 lots. People own their unit but do not own the underlying land and as such, they can be faced with enormous relocation costs if the park owner sells the park for another use. To protect mobile/manufactured housing park residents, the Burnsville City Council enacted an ordinance that requires the owner and/or developer to pay reasonable relocation costs to the residents. The city is not aware of any planned park closures. In 2004 the city considered policy changes in an effort to ensure mobile/manufactured homes remain in good condition and continue to be a valued style of housing for community residents. A study was conducted by Decision Resources, LTD via telephone interviews of 267 owners and renters of mobile/manufactured homes. The study found that 97% own and 3% rent their manufactured/mobile home unit. Most desired the affordability of the mobile/manufactured home and saw themselves continuing their residency. Eighty-five percent of residents living in the mobile/manufactured home parks cited no problems with their home. The study included demographic information on the survey respondents including data on household tenure, income, education and employment." (IV-5,6). "Affordable owner occupied housing is available in Burnsville in the form of single-family detached units, two-family homes, townhouses and mobile/manufactured housing." (IV-23).

Use the following link to make your voice heard and submit your request that Burnsville improve its comprehensive plan language towards manufactured housing:

http://www.burnsville.org/FormCenter/Planning-28/2040-Comprehensive-Plan...

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Regina Dean
City Planner
Phone: 952-895-4453
regina.dean@burnsvillemn.gov
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

100 Civic Center Parkway
Burnsville, MN 55337

Consulting Organizations

Hoisington Koegler Group Inc.
Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc.
Emmons & Oliver Resources, Inc.
Tangible Consulting Services

Links to Burnsville’s Timeline to complete the Comprehensive Plan Update:

http://www.burnsville.org/DocumentCenter/View/11381
http://www.burnsville.org/DocumentCenter/View/11491

Links to Burnsville's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.burnsville.org/434/2040-Comprehensive-Plan-Update

Chaska Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Chaska Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.chaskamn.com/166/2030-Comprehensive-Plan

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Kevin Ringwald
Planning & Development Director
kringwald@chaskamn.com
Phone: 952-448-9200

Links to Chaska's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.chaskamn.com/605/2040-Comprehensive-Plan

Dayton Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Dayton Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

https://www.daytonohio.gov/186/Planning-Community-Development

http://cityofdaytonmn.com/index.asp?SEC=6521B4BC-26AA-4A2A-9AEC-0B900449...

http://cityofdaytonmn.com/index.asp?SEC=6521B4BC-26AA-4A2A-9AEC-0B900449...

Dayton's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

"CURRENT HOUSING As of 2007, Dayton had 1,768 single-family homes and 243 manufactured homes, for a total of 2,011 units. This total is much less then the City’s neighbors due to the fact the City will not have urban services (municipal water and sewer) until 2008, with the exception of areas north of Diamond Lake (served by Rogers) and portions of the Historic Village in northwest Dayton (served by Otsego). Metropolitan interceptors are now in place and Dayton has adopted a Sanitary Sewer Phasing Plan that will ultimately bring municipal services to all of Dayton. Table 3.1 – Year Built illustrates the City’s housing unit growth dating from pre-1939 to the year 2000. This data is from the 2000 Census which excludes the more recent construction years. As a result, the table total is different from the City’s total housing units of 2,011 (including mobile homes). The table demonstrates the relative slow pace at which Dayton has developed during the years prior to municipal services" (3-2). "MANUFACTURED HOMES Dayton contains one manufactured home park (Dayton Park Properties) located at the southwestern portion of the City just north of CSAH 81. This property contains 243 homes. As with other parks in the metropolitan area, this manufactured home community serves a vital demand for affordable housing. Residents typically own their home but not the land. Units are more affordable than smaller single-family homes or townhomes where land is a portion of the housing cost. Currently, Dayton Park operates on an aging community septic system. Due to the system’s age and the possibility of failure, it is anticipated that water and sewer will be expanded to the park in the near future" (3-3). "Rural Residential: Residential purposes including mostly one-family homes and manufactured homes may include some two-family homes and land used for agricultural purposes. Single Family Residential: Residential purposes including mostly one-family homes and manufactured homes. May include some two-family homes and open space within or adjacent to or related to a residential development. Mobile Home Park: This area consists of manufactured homes within Dayton." (4-5) "RESIDENTIAL LAND USE CATEGORIES Currently Dayton’s residential land use consists of single-family residential, multi-family residential, mobile home park, and rural residential uses. These land uses currently account for approximately 18% of the City’s total net area. However, this figure is misleading as density in rural residential areas is very low. Therefore, this land use category accounts for a significant area of the community but relatively few housing units" (4-17).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Tina Goodroad
City Administrator/Planning Director
tgoodroad@cityofdaytonmn.com
Phone: 763-421-3487

Links to Dayton's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://cityofdaytonmn.com/?SEC=6521B4BC-26AA-4A2A-9AEC-0B900449C3A5

Fridley Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Fridley Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 1-855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Comprehensive Plan Website:

http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/567/Comprehensive-Plan

Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing

“Mobile Home Units, 397, Percentage of Total 3.42” (5-46). “The 2007 housing condition survey shows that 85% of Fridley residential properties rank as being in excellent condition. Only 11% were ranked in good condition, only 4% in fair condition, and less than 1% in poor condition. This ranking included all housing types except manufactured homes, which were not evaluated” (5-48). “Whereas in 1998, 69 percent of Fridley’s single family housing stock was valued under $100,000, less than eight percent is now, and this is including the values of 397 manufactured homes, which appear to have been omitted from the 1998 study. Further, in 1998, only two tenths of one percent of Fridley’s homes were valued over $250,000. Now, nearly 13 percent are valued that high” (5-49). “Assessors data for 1998 indicated a mean value of approximately $94,000 for all single-family homes that have been assigned a state tax code of homestead (1A), partial-homestead (.51A, .51AB, .51B), blind homestead (1B) and non-homestead single family homes (4BB). In 2006, the median home value for the same classifications was $209,116, not including manufactured homes. The mean value is $199,348 if manufactured homes are included, but for comparison purposes, the higher number should be used as 1998 data did not include manufactured homes. The average Fridley home sale price in 2006, according to the Minneapolis Association of Realtors, was $218,337.” (5-50). “There is a continued long-term (four decades) trend of a reduction in the percentage of owner-occupied housing. If we eliminate the inclusion of manufactured homes in Table 5.4, owner-occupied is really down to 63% and rental is up to 37%” (5-63). “The City of Fridley has one private water service within its limits, which serves a private mobile home park. It is anticipated that the City of Fridley will begin to provide service to these 365 customers between 2010 and 2020” (11-181). “R-4 District Allowed principal use includes: Mobile Home Park Districts” (14-215).

Link to City's Comprehensive Plan Chapter on Housing

http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/DocumentCenter/Home/View/662

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Planning & Zoning
Main Number: 763-572-3592
Fax: 763-571-1287

Scott Hickok
Community Development Director
Scott.Hickok@FridleyMN.gov
Ph: 763-572-3590

Julie Jones
Planning Manager
Julie.Jones@FridleyMN.gov
Ph: 763-572-3599

Links to Fridley's Comprehensive Plan Draft
http://www.ci.fridley.mn.us/567/Comprehensive-Plan

Hastings Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Hastings Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/city-departments/planning-zoni...

http://www.hastingsmn.gov/residents/hastings-2040

http://www.hastingsmn.gov/city-government/commissions-task-forces/compre...

Hastings' Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

Manufactured Housing Park Units/Acre 6; Per Unit: 3; Flow Per: 100 Flow/Acre 1,800 “Land uses allowed in the residential zoning districts: A range of detached and attached housing types are allowed in six districts, including a manufactured housing district” (4-22). “Plans for potential annexation areas depicted in the 1982 Comprehensive Plan were to increase the area of the City by 1,200 acres by 2000. Until 1993, when the Comprehensive Plan update was adopted, the City had annexed only 410 acres from Marshan Township (located to the south of the City). These included 382 acres located south of 31st Street East between the Three River Mobile Homes Park and TH 61 for the County Crossroads and residential development, and 28 acres to the west between Cannon Street and Leroy Avenue for residential development” (2-24). “Single Family Housing Generally, the single family residential category is defined as detached homes (including manufactured homes) located on lots of five acres or less and served by municipal sanitary sewer and water services. In 2006, single-family residential land uses (1,887 acres) comprised nearly 25 percent of the total land area of the city (7,658 acres)” (2-20). “R-6 – Manufactured Home Residence – Primary Use: One Family Minimum Lot Size: 2,500 sq. ft. “Mid-Density Housing Small-lot detached houses, duplexes, townhouses. 4-, 6- and 8-unit buildings with individual exterior entrances. The density is expected to be in the range of 5 to 22 dwelling units per acre with a maximum average of 8. Includes places of worship. R-2 and R-3, Medium and High-Density Residence., R-6 Manufactured Home Residence” (2-54). SEE TABLE 6.1 and Figure 6.1 for new units over time (6-3).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Justin Fortney
City Planner
jfortney@hastingsmn.gov
Phone: 651-480-2381

Links to Hastings' Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.hastingsmn.gov/residents/hastings-2040

Hilltop Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Hilltop Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Website

http://www.hilltop.govoffice.com/

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Ruth Nelsen
City Clerk - Treasurer
rnelsen@hilltop.govoffice.com
Phone: 763-571-2023

Inver Grove Heights Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are an Inver Grove Heights Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Comprehensive Plan Website:

http://www.ci.inver-grove-heights.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=334

Inver Grove Heights' Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing

“Existing connections to Eagan are primarily the mobile home park and some residential development in the vicinity of Cliff Road. There is a small overlap in the Eagan and Inver Grove Heights service areas. While Eagan or Inver Grove Heights could serve the area south of Highway 55 and north of the mobile home park with water, it is not the City of Inver Grove Heights practice to use the City of Eagan for water service” (8-6). “Multi-Family/Mobile Homes The first 2,000 gallons or less $6.10 per unit/per month 2,001-7,000 gallons $2.12 per 1,000 7,001-13,000 gallons $2.45 per 1,000 13,001 and more gallons $2.64 per 1,000 The minimum charge per unit per month shall be $6.10” (8-21). ““R-4” Mobile Home Park District 1 unit per 5,000 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft. per unit” (11-7). “Urban Single Family Residential & Manufactured Homes – Existing residential uses include single-family, detached housing, which on the basis of land consumption, is the dominant land use category in the community. Multi-Family Residential – Multi-Family Residential includes all categories of attached housing such as apartments, condominiums, townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, quadhomes, senior housing, and manufactured housing.” (2-2). “Single Family/ Manufactured Homes 145 - 145 1%” (TABLE 2-1).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Tom Link
Community Development Director
Phone: 651-450-2546
tlink@invergroveheights.org

Links to Inver Grove Heights' Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.ci.inver-grove-heights.mn.us/703/2040-Comprehensive-Plan

Lake Elmo Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you were a Lake Elmo's Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.lakeelmo.org/planning-growing/comprehensive-plan

http://lakeelmoplan2040.com/

http://www.lakeelmo.org/planning-growing

Lake Elmo's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

Chapter IV. Housing Element 1. Maintain and improve the condition of the Cimarron Manufactured Home park; facilitative future access to the regional sewer and water systems when these services are available to the park. 2. Enforce the existing housing maintenance requirements for residential properties within the City. 3. Provide for a mix of housing types and densities within the sewered development areas. Promote mix-used housing opportunities where appropriate in the Village planning area. 4. Incorporate connections to transportation facilities and jobs as part of new development proposals. 5. Review the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances to ensure that there are not any impediments to affordable housing. 6. Ensure that all new housing, including higher density developments, adheres to the highest possible standards of design and construction” (VII-4). “(6) Travel trailers, travel vehicles, and manufactured homes are prohibited in the flood plain district” (5-11). “Regarding the existing stock of housing that remains affordable, Lake Elmo does have some housing that meets the Metropolitan Council’s standards of affordability. According to the 2011 Met Council standards, a family making 60% of the area median income ($50,340) can afford the purchase of a home valued at $171,500 or less. Additionally, the 2011 Met Council affordability standards deem a two-bedroom rental unit at $1,134/month or less as affordable. Conducting an analysis of the existing housing stock in Lake Elmo reveals that there are 567 such properties that are affordable by the Met Council standards, which equates to 20.4% of the occupied housing units in the city. These properties can be found in Map 4-1. Four hundred-thirty (or just over 76% of the City’s affordable units) are found in the Cimarron Manufactured Home Park where there is a mix of affordable ownership and rental opportunities. The remaining 137 affordable owner-occupied housing units are mostly located in the Western portion of Lake Elmo near County Road 6, as well as within the Old Village” (4-4). “Urban Medium Density – This category current defines areas within Lake Elmo dedicated to manufactured home parks. The Cimarron development is currently the only such area within Lake Elmo” (3-6). “The existing units in the Cimarron manufactured home park will be served by regional sewer between 2020 and 2030. This flow is included in the forecasts. Cimarron will need to install a lift station in order to be served by regional sewer. The existing homes and businesses in the Village Planning Area of Lake Elmo are assumed to be served by regional sewer between 2013 and 2030. That flow has also been included in the forecasts” (6-1). “Cimarron Manufactured Home Park operates and maintains a packaged treatment plant with a capacity of 0.15 MGD. There is a State permit for this facility” (6-6).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Emily Becker
Planning Director
ebecker@lakeelmo.org
Phone: 651-747-3912

Links to Lake Elmo's Comprehensive Plan Draft
http://www.lakeelmo.org/2040-comprehensive-plan-update-project-website.h...

Lakeville Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Lakeville Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website

http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/434/Planning-Commission

Link to City’s Comprehensive Plan

http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/572

Lakeville's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing

“Manufactured housing is also allowed as a conditional use within residential zoning districts allowing multiple family dwelling units as required by State Statute subject to specific minimum lot requirements and setbacks. Ardmore, Country View and North Creek manufactured home parks are all properly zoned RSMH, Residential Single Family – Mobile Home Park District. Ardmore and Country View are fully developed whereas North Creek has additional vacant land for future expansion. Future expansion of North Creek and continued operation of Ardmore and Country View manufactured home parks is guided by the 2030 Land Use Plan to continue and will be regulated by the RSMH District. The Queen Anne and Connelly manufactured home parks located along the I-35 corridor exist as legal non-conforming land uses with regard to both use and design. The location of these two manufactured home parks within one of Lakeville’s primary commercial nodes at I-35 and CSAH 50 creates potential land use compatibility issues, while the individual layouts of each site create public health safety concerns with regards to emergency access. The 2030 Land Use Plan continues to guide both the Queen Anne and Connelly parks for future redevelopment as office park and commercial land uses respectively. As non-conforming uses, these manufactured home parks can continue to exist at the same size as they exist today, but no expansion will be permitted. Furthermore, a proposal to redevelop the Queen Anne or Connelly mobile home parks in the future with uses consistent with the 2030 Land Use Plan would be anticipated to be a privately initiated effort and not a the result of direct action by the City of Lakeville” (97). “City of Lakeville 2008 Existing Land Use Manufactured Housing Acres 252.41 Percent 1.0% … Man. Housing 997 252 6 0 0 0 246 4.1” (78). “Manufactured housing 977 5.2%” (91). “Promoting continued maintenance of existing single family dwellings, townhouses, multiple family units and manufactured housing aids in meeting Lakeville’s affordable housing goals” (92). “Land Use Manufactured Home Park Density 4.0 to 7.0 du/ac. Allowed uses Manufactured home dwelling units” (95). “There are five manufactured home parks in different areas of Lakeville. Manufactured housing is an important component of the community’s housing supply with respect to affordability. The Zoning Ordinance was updated in 1994 and 2000 to address regulations for the various developments in relation to State Building Code definitions and nomenclature, design standards regarding individual lot size and structure setbacks to allow for larger house styles, establishment of accessory building, outdoor storage and fence regulations and design standards for utility connections, internal driveway design, guest parking, and landscaping. ” (97). “2030 Land Use: Manufactured Homes 197.29 0.8% 197.29 0.8% 197.29 0.8% 197.29 0.8% (105)” “Connelly Manufactured Home Park exists as a non-conforming use and the 2030 Land Use Plan anticipates its future redevelopment for commercial uses … Queen Anne Manufactured Home Park is planned for future redevelopment as an Office Park land use based on proximity and access to I-35 at CSAH 50.” (109). “Continued development of the North Creek Manufactured Home Park shall occur in a manner consistent with the performance standards established by the Zoning Ordinance” (159). “RSMH, Single Family Manufactured Home Park District. The RSMH District is a separate district with performance standards for manufactured home parks. Allowed uses include single family dwellings and manufactured home parks. The density allowed in the RSMH District is less than six dwelling units per acre. The minimum lot requirements of the RS-4 District apply to all single family development. For manufactured home parks established after January 1, 1995, the minimum park area is five acres. Individual home sites within the park must have a minimum width of 65 feet and minimum depth of 120 feet” (174).

Link to Lakeville's Citizen’s Guide to the Comprehensive Plan

http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/575

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Daryl Morey
Planning Director
dmorey@lakevillemn.gov
952.985.4420

20195 Holyoke Avenue
Lakeville, MN 55044

Links to Lakeville's Comprehensive Plan Draft
http://www.ci.lakeville.mn.us/762/2040-Comprehensive-Plan

Landfall Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Landfall Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://cityoflandfall.com/

http://citcms.cityoflandfall.com/FileUpload/2040%20Comp%20Plan%20Update%...

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Mr. Edward J. Shukle, Jr.
City Administrator/HRA Executive Director
eshukle@cityoflandfall.com
Phone: 651-739-4123

Links to Landfall's Comprehensive Plan Draft
http://citcms.cityoflandfall.com/FileUpload/2040%20Comp%20Plan%20Update%...

Little Canada Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Little Canada Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.littlecanadamn.org/index.asp?SEC=4E91F096-B583-4C0B-A928-3263...

Little Canada's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“Little Canada’s long history has lead to a complex pattern of development which consists of converted lake cabins, large lake homes, mobile home parks, low-density residential neighborhoods, apartment and condominium complexes, large and small industrial areas, small commercial developments and designated park and open space areas” (2). “This neighborhood consists primarily of single family homes and is virtually fully developed. The only significant vacant developable property sits between Twin Lake Boulevard and the Vadnais Heights municipal boundary. Abutting this property to the north in Vadnais Heights is the Five Star Mobile Home community. The land use plan designates this property for low density residential. Medium density residential may be appropriate as a transitional land use between the lower densities to the south and the mobile home park” (22). “The southeast corner of the community is dominated by commercial uses along Rice Street, including revitalized commercial areas near the Rice Street/TH 36 interchange, and institutional uses including a school property and the corporate campus site for St. Jude Medical. There is a limited amount of residential use in this district, including a small twin home development, and a mobile home community which is zoned for eventual commercial uses. With the ongoing development of the St. Jude campus, this area is also fully developed” (26). “These land use categories are implemented by the City’s five residential zoning districts: Single Family Residential (R-1), Medium Density Residential (R-2), High Density Residential (R-3), Mobile Home Park (R-4) and Residential-Business (R-B)” (38).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Jessica Jagoe
Code Enforcement Officer & City Planner
jessica.jagoe@ci.little-canada.mn.us
Phone: 651-766-4046

Links to Little Canada's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.littlecanadamn.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/203?fileID=478

Maplewood Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Maplewood Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website

http://maplewoodmn.gov/567/Comprehensive-Plan

Link to City’s Comprehensive Plan Housing Chapter

http://maplewoodmn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1479

Maplewood's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“Communities must plan to accommodate lifecycle and affordable housing. Lifecycle housing refers to the mix of housing types that meet the housing demands of individuals and families throughout their lives, such as single family detached, townhomes, condominiums, manufactured housing, apartments, and senior housing” (1-4). “Table 4.1 Housing Units by Type, 2000 Manufactured Housing 783 5.6%. Multi-family housing consists of 33.1 percent of the City’s housing stock and manufactured housing consists of 5.6 percent. ” (4-3). “There is a diversity of styles and price ranges in the homes in Maplewood. Older homes on smaller lots provide opportunities for first-time buyers in the Western Hills, Parkside and Gladstone neighborhoods. Opportunities for low- and moderate- income households are available in manufactured home parks and in a variety of types and locations of multiple dwellings. The move-up housing market is strong with these choices available throughout the City. Buyers can find more expensive housing in the Hillside, Vista Hills, Highwood and Kohlman Lake neighborhoods.”(4-4). “Medium Density Residential (6.1 – 10.0 units per net acre) The City intends the Medium Density Residential land use for moderately higher densities ranging from 6.1 to 10.0 units per net acre. Housing types in this land use category would typically include lower density attached housing, manufactured housing and higher density single family detached housing units.” (5-15).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Name: Michael Martin, AICP
Title: Economic Development Coordinator
Phone: (651) 249-2303
Email: Michael.Martin@maplewoodmn.gov

Links to Maplewood's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://maplewoodmn.gov/1718/2040-Comprehensive-Plan

Mounds View Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Mounds View Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website

http://www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC=%7B076ED731-8...

Link to Mounds View's Comprehensive Plan

http://www.ci.mounds-view.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B9DACB450-86B3-4304-946...

Mounds View's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing

“MHP: Mobile/Manufactured Home Park: Land under single ownership that has been planned and improved for the placement of mobile/manufactured housing for dwelling purposes; or land that has been planned, improved and subdivided for the placement of mobile/manufactured housing for dwelling purposes” (3-19). “TABLE 2 Large [water] Volume Users - List the top 10 largest users; Customer, Gallons per year, % of total annual use; Towns Edge Terrace Mobile Home Park 17.61 3.5% Mounds View Mobile Home Park 10.64 2.1% Colonial Village Mobile Home Park 9.60 1.9%” (3). “In addition, the City should consider the current Townsedge Terrace Manufactured Home Park and the adjacent Skyline Motel site along Old Highway 8 as possible sites for future industrial expansion.” (3-25). “Manufactured Homes (MH) Housing Units Per Acre: Min 1.0 Max 8.8 2000 71.5 2010 71.5 2015 71.5 2020 71.5 2025 71.5 2030 37.2 Change -34.3” (3-27). “TABLE 12: Total Number and Percent of Dwelling Units by Type. Manufactured Homes Homestead 508 Non-homestead 77 Total 585 Percentage11%” (4-7). “There are 5,267 dwelling units in Mounds View, with 1,601 units being rental housing (2008). The majority of Mounds View’s housing stock is owner-occupied single-family dwellings (52%). Apartments make up 29% of the housing stock. Manufactured homes comprise 11% of the total dwelling units, which exceeds the overall Ramsey County percentage of 3%. Overall, 70% of the housing in Mounds View is owner-occupied while 30% is rental” (4-7). “Redevelopment possibilities include manufactured home parks and single-family lots adjacent to commercial and high-density residential properties. Project costs, land assembly, infrastructure needs, financing and other factors can complicate redevelopment projects.” (4-16). “Mounds View Manufactured Housing Program offers loans” (4-23). “R-5, Manufactured Home: The purpose of this district is to provide for the planned regulation of manufactured homes. Such homes are grouped together due to their particular space requirements, construction and style” (9-10).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Jon Sevald, Planner
763.717.4022
jon.sevald@ci.mounds-view.mn.us

Links to Mounds View's Comprehensive Plan Draft
Not available as of January 25, 2019.

New Brighton Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a New Brighton Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.newbrightonmn.gov/new-brighton-comprehensive-plan-update/

http://www.newbrightonmn.gov/departments/community-assets-development/co...

New Brighton's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“Medium-Density Residential. Medium-density residential areas are intended to accommodate densities in the range of 6 to 12-units per acre including such housing types as attached and detached townhomes, rowhouses, two-family dwellings, manufactured housing and apartments. These are primarily infill areas where medium-density housing already exists and more can be anticipated. The intent will be to make these areas integral parts of the neighborhood rather than edges or buffers to it” (5-8). “On the other hand, New Brighton has a total of 362-manufactured home units, which comprise a total of 47-acres located in two manufactured home parks. The existing density for manufactured housing is 7.7 units per acre” (5-1). “Policies The City’s policies for places to live are to: 1. Maintain the current mix of single-family and multi-family housing over the next 20-years. 2. Integrate, wherever possible, places to live, work and shop particularly within the Old Highway 8 corridor. 3. Mix densities and housing types within the Old Highway 8 corridor in an effort to improve housing diversity. 4. Ensure that infill development (filling in areas surrounded by existing housing) is compatible in architectural character and scale with the adjacent housing. 5. Employ a scattered site approach to affordable and group housing rather than concentrating them in one or few locations. 6. Continue to actively enforce housing maintenance code requirements. 7. Create opportunities for reinvestment in the existing housing stock in cooperation with Ramsey County” (5-9). “Housing As demonstrated in the table below, nearly 64 percent of the housing stock within the City of New Brighton is single family residential, whether it be detached or attached housing. Multiple family residential housing (10+units) makes up 29.5 percent of the housing stock. The remainder includes manufactured housing at 3.6 percent, and townhomes (2-9 units at 3.1 percent.) Table 3 - 4 Housing Types Manufactured Housing Units 334 Percent 3.6%” (3-6). “New Brighton's housing stock is primarily single family residential (64 percent) and multiple residential (29.5 percent). The remainder includes manufactured housing (3.6 percent) and townhomes (3.1 percent)… New Brighton's labor force is predominately management, professional and related occupations (43.5 percent) and sales and office (29 percent). The median family income in New Brighton is above the median family income for communities in the region. New Brighton's median household income is also among the highest of these same communities. The percentages of low income (or below poverty) New Brighton households falls in the middle when compared to surrounding communities and lower than Ramsey County as a whole.” (3-26). “Mobile Homes acres 47 percent of total 1” (5-3). “Table 5 - 3 Comparison of Existing (2008) to Future (2030) Land Use: Mobile Homes 2008 Acres 47 % 1 2030 Acres NA % 0” (5-6). “Table 6 - 1 Housing Units by Type (2008) Mobile Home Park Total Units 364 Percent of Total 3.9% Percent Owner Occupied 80.8%.

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Janice Gundlach
Community Assets & Development, Leadership
Janice.Gundlach@newbrightonmn.gov
Phone: (651) 638-2059

Links to New Brighton's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.newbrightonmn.gov/departments/community-assets-development/c...

Plymouth Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Plymouth Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website

http://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/community-development/planning/com...

Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“As of January 2007, detached homes, including single family, mobile homes, farmhouses and seasonal homes, represented 54 percent of the housing stock” (Appendix 4A -4). “TABLE 4A-4 2007 HOUSING STOCK Mobile Homes 59 0.2%” (Apdx 4A-5).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Barbara Thomson, Planning Manager
bthomson@plymouthmn.gov
763-509-5452

Planning Division
Plymouth City Hall
3400 Plymouth Blvd.
Plymouth, MN 55447-1482
P 763-509-5450
F 763-509-5407
planning@plymouthmn.gov

Links to Plymouth's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.plymouthmn.gov/departments/community-development/planning/20...

Shakopee Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Shakopee Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.shakopeemn.gov/business/development/planning-zoning/2030-comp...

St. Anthony's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“The northern part of the study area is developed with a lumber yard and a used auto facility. Land uses west of CR 69 include industrial development and a manufactured housing park” (3-8). “In looking at these land use features, an issue that must be addressed in the future is the existence of two manufactured housing parks. The larger manufactured housing park sits west of TH 169 in an area that is primarily designated for future industrial growth. As an interim use, it is anticipated that this manufactured housing park will continue to exist; however, long range plans should anticipate its future redevelopment and the relocation. A smaller manufactured housing park exists east of TH 169. This area is also identified for either commercial or industrial land use. Again, the manufactured housing park is likely to remain as a long term interim use until such time as redevelopment is possible. However, the ultimate plans for this district suggest that this manufactured housing neighborhood is not an appropriate or compatible use with the more intense commercial and industrial land uses that are proposed” (3-10). “In looking at the proposed commercial areas, the City should focus on land uses that will complement the existing in-place commercial businesses. Two areas of specific concern in this vicinity is the existing manufactured housing park (Valley Haven) located north of First Avenue and immediately west of Dangerfield’s Restaurant and the automobile dealership south of First Avenue. The manufactured housing park is in a state of decline. The structures are showing deterioration and the grounds are not well maintained. The overall impact of the manufactured housing park’s existence is a negative impact on the surrounding commercial uses. The future relocation of the manufactured housing park will be essential for the future success of this commercial area” (Draft Section 3). “Examine opportunities for the relocation and redevelopment of the manufactured housing park located north of First Avenue and west of Dangerfield’s Restaurant” (3-24).“In addition, since future growth may occur in areas that are currently in adjacent Jackson Township, which is currently home to a number of manufactured housing parks (Bonnevista Terrace, Mobile Manor, and Jackson Heights), the City will, at the time of annexation, need to evaluate the role of housing in the overall housing mix for the City” (10-1). “Of the six potential corridors studied in the DEIS, five would impact existing manufactured housing parks on one or both sides of the Minnesota River. None of these parks are currently within the City of Shakopee. The easterly alignments would impact the largest number of homes in these parks. Given that funding for the new river crossing is not expected to be available for the next twenty (20) to thirty (30) years, the City (as well as Scott County) requested that MNDOT and the Metropolitan Council join with it and with the residents of these parks to identify strategies that would provide either minimize the impacts on these residents or provide them with like housing alternatives in the future.” (10-4).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Michael Kerski
Director of Planning and Development
mkerski@shakopeemn.gov
Phone: 952-233-9346

Links to Shakopee's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.shakopeemn.gov/business-development/planning-development/pla...

St. Anthony Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you were a St. Anthony Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Links to City’s Planning Website

http://www.savmn.com/254/Comprehensive-Plan

http://www.savmn.com/DocumentCenter/Home/View/557

St. Anthony's Comprehensive Plan Language Regarding Manufactured Housing:

“Consider the long-term redevelopment of the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park into new housing at a medium density” (1-7). “Housing •Equal percentage of vacant (or occupied) housing units •Slightly lower rate of the total housing stock being owner-occupied. •Higher percentage of the housing stock in multi-family buildings •Slightly lower percentage of owner-occupied housing units Higher percentage of rental housing. •Older housing stock, on average (median year built 1966 vs. 1971•Approximately equal median value of owner-occupied housing o Median mobile home value is lower.” (1-9). See “Table 1-2 Housing Data (1-11) and Table 2-2 Housing Composition” (2-10). “The City’s forecast was prepared using figures for the number of housing units approved in Silver Lake Village since 2000 (a total of 798) plus an estimate of additional net new housing units gained through redevelopment of St. Anthony Shopping Center and Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park (790)” (1-12). “What should the City do, if anything, to continue to improve conditions and appearances in the Kenzie Terrace corridor, including the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park, the St. Anthony Shopping Center and the road itself. Is the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park an appropriate land use for the long-term future? If redevelopment of that site occurs, what should the City do, if anything, to help ensure that the residents are resettled into housing that is affordable and decent?” (2-8). “The Lowry Grove mobile home park is the one major instance of aged and deteriorated housing in St. Anthony. However, it is also the major source of affordable housing for population with incomes less than 50 percent of the community median” (2-11). “The only areas of housing in the city that might be considered substandard are the Lowry Grove mobile home park and a pocket of townhouses along the north side of 39th Avenue east of Silver Lake Road” (2-14). “Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park. The mobile home park was opened in the 1940s and now has nearly 100 mobile homes and several seasonal recreational vehicles. The mature trees give it an established and comfortable appearance. The mobile homes themselves are a component of the city’s stock of affordable housing, and many of the residents have lived in this location for decades; some are elderly. Unfortunately, most the mobile homes are equally old and most would not meet current federal standards. There is no central amenity such as a swimming pool and only a rudimentary and dilapidated meeting center and severe weather shelter. Given the value of residential properties in the vicinity, mobile homes on the site represent an underutilization of the land … In the future, the Kenzie District could evolve into a southern hub for the St. Anthony “suburban village.” To some extent, the district already plays that role, but the problems noted above with the shopping center, the mobile home park and Kenzie Terrace itself detract somewhat. While protecting the stable and attractive residential neighborhoods to the north and south, the older commercial, office and mobile home land uses could undergo redevelopment and/or remodeling. ” (2-21). “The Comprehensive Plan is a guide to the general future use of land, which is regulated by the City’s zoning ordinance and zoning map. However, it is the role of the property owner to propose any changes, to design a new plan for the property, to finance the redevelopment or remodeling and to address the subject of tenant relocation. (Tenant relocation at the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park is regulated by City ordinance 2006-005 and State law 327C.095.) It is highly unlikely that the City would wish to – or even be legally able to – use eminent domain powers to buy the property for redevelopment. Redevelopment design would be regulated by the City’s zoning ordinance subject to public comment through the City’s established review process. ” (2-22). “The Mobile Home Site The Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park could be privately redeveloped into townhouses and condominium apartments. Examples of these types of housing are illustrated by the photos below. The bank building on the corner of Kenzie Terrace and Stinson Boulevard is sound and should probably remain. If redevelopment of this site occurs, the City of St. Anthony will ensure that the residents of the mobile home park are assisted in their relocation to other housing that meets their needs in terms of cost, location, handicap access and other provisions as required by State law (M.S. 327C.095). That law requires, among other provisions, that: There be a public notice of the owner’s intent to convert the mobile home park to another use. There be a public hearing before the City Council on any needed zoning change. That a displaced resident be paid reasonable relocation costs if he/she cannot relocate his/her mobile home to another manufactured home park within 25 miles. That residents be given the opportunity to collectively purchase the mobile home park for the same cash price as the seller would have received from the actual prospective buyer (the redeveloper). To ensure that adequate and affordable replacement housing is found for the park residents, the City may work on its own or in cooperation with the redevelopment company and/or the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority or a private non-profit housing corporation. The relocation housing would ideally be located in St. Anthony, either in the form of existing or newly-constructed units. Potentially, some of the new housing for displaced residents could be located on the site of the redeveloped St. Anthony Shopping Center.” (2-24). “Redevelopment and infill will be pursued as opportunities become available. The trend has been for redevelopment to occur at the northern and southern ends of the city (e.g., Apache Plaza becoming Silver Lake Village) while its central single-family neighborhoods remain largely unchanged. Additional redevelopment supported by this Comprehensive Plan may add housing units in the southern part of the city near Kenzie Terrace at the Lowry Grove mobile home park and the St. Anthony Shopping Center … St. Anthony is essentially a fully developed community. The land use changes proposed in the Land Use Plan are fairly local in nature. Changes that may occur as the plan is realized include: Redevelopment of the Lowry Grove mobile home park to higher density housing … In order to support transit ridership, the City will adopt a land use plan and zoning amendments that allow redevelopment of the St. Anthony Shopping Center to a more intensive, vertically mixed-use residential and commercial configuration, along with redeveloping the Lowry Grove mobile home park to higher density housing” (3-15, 16). “Consider the long-term redevelopment of the Lowry Grove Mobile Home Park into new housing at a medium density” (1-7). “Moreover, 49 percent of the city’s housing stock is considered “life cycle housing” –units other than single-family detached (including manufactured) housing. By fostering the development of single-family attached and multi-family housing, the City has helped to meet residents’ needs as their circumstances change” (2-13).

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Breanne Rothstein
City Planner
planner@savmn.com
Phone: 763-231-4863

Links to St. Anthony's Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.savmn.com/254/Comprehensive-Plan

Vadnais Heights Comprehensive Plan Resource Page

Community Liaison Contact Information

If you are a Vadnais Heights Manufactured Housing Resident and would like to get involved, please email info@allparksallianceforchange.org or call APAC at 855-361-2722.

Link to City’s Planning Website

http://www.cityvadnaisheights.com/615/Comprehensive-Plan-Update

City Community Engagement/Planner Contact Information

Nolan Wall
Planning and Community Development Director
nolan.wall@cityvadnaisheights.com
Phone: 651-204-6027

Links to Vadnais Heights' Comprehensive Plan Draft
https://www.cityvadnaisheights.com/615/Comprehensive-Plan-Update

Ways to Become Involved in Your City's Comprehensive Planning Process

We recommend that residents and stakeholders band together to engage with cities in the comprehensive planning process. Residents and advocates can help cities use more supportive language towards manufactured housing and create strategies and awareness that enable manufactured housing communities.

Ways to get engaged:

  • Review your city’s Comprehensive Plan (Google your city’s name and “Comprehensive Plan” to find their website) or follow links to specific cities below, if available.
  • Attend comprehensive plan public hearings and meetings to voice your concerns and desire for more constructive language towards manufactured housing in the comprehensive plan. Review our advocacy letters to help formulate your requests.
  • Write letters to your City Council and elected representatives (they assume that one letter from you is representative of many more voices in your community who did not take time to write, so even one letter can go a long way).
  • Call your City Council Member, City Planner, Community Engagement Representative, and elected representatives and ask for changes in comprehensive plan language and policies towards manufactured housing.
  • Inquire about joining your local planning commission.
  • Get on your planning commission’s email lists to receive ongoing updates.
  • Engage with your neighbors and organize local groups – schedule meetings and get the word out!
  • Start a resident association for added impact.
  • Identify additional elements of the comprehensive plan (like parks and recreation, etc.) that you find important and engage with the committees who oversee them. This will give you added leverage and additional legitimacy when advocating for language and policy change regarding manufactured housing.
  • Identify a community liaison and teams that organizes resident engagement with the planning process across parks. Activities could include delivering flyers, setting up meetings, maintaining contact lists of actively engaged residents, engaging with the planning commission, and developing proposals to submit to city council.

Please review the links below for further information and feel free to contact us by email (info@allparksallianceforchange.org) or by phone (651-644-5525) for additional guidance on how to get involved.

Links to Planning and Organizing Resources

Link to APAC Community Organizing Manual
http://allparksallianceforchange.org/?q=organizing/manual

Link to Arden Hill’s Citizen’s Guide to Planning
http://www.cityofardenhills.org/DocumentCenter/View/168

An Activist’s Guide to Land Use Planning
http://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce/north-star-chapter/pdf/activistsGuideToLandUsePlanning.pdf

American Planning Association Citizen Planner Handbook
http://www.planningmn.org/vertical/sites/%7B90040865-D256-42F0-9D0D-9C70F73691EF%7D/uploads/Citizen-Planner-Handbook_Nov20121.pdf

Minnesota Environmental Quality Board - A Citizen’s Guide: Community Decision-Making Basics
https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/files/Citizen's%20Guide-ER%20and%20LGUs.pdf

Minneapolis Community Planning & Economic Development – Neighborhood Guide for Developing Planning Documents
http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/www/groups/public/@cped/documents/webcontent/convert_265104.pdf

Evaluation Schema for Comprehensive Plan Language

After drafts of comprehensive plans were released for review in the last half of 2018, APAC created an evaluation schema to help city planners improve their draft language towards manufactured housing, describing when language fit into the following categories:

Negative

Mention of manufactured housing in the Comprehensive Plan draft is negative, whether furthering stigma, calling for closure, or describing plans for redevelopment, zoning, or land use changes that reduce protection of manufactured housing communities.

Invisible

Little or no mention of manufactured housing or relevant data exists in the Comprehensive Plan draft, or clear opportunities to provide meaningful data on manufactured housing are present but not acted upon. Similar to the category, “Purely Descriptive,” described below, the category, “Invisible” applies to Comprehensive Plans that fail to substantially engage with strategies that support a city’s manufactured housing. Engaging with and supporting all residents ensures that the entire community is strengthened in the long-run.

Purely Descriptive

Mention of manufactured housing is limited to statistics related to how much manufactured housing exists in the city, or other basic facts without discussion of improvement. The Comprehensive Plan draft provides an important opportunity for describing methods of supporting manufactured housing in the City as an unsubsidized and primarily owner-occupied affordable housing resource, and an important source of affordable housing. The City can go further in describing tangible support strategies for these communities.

Identifies manufactured housing as affordable housing

Comprehensive Plan language clearly states that manufactured housing provides affordable housing in the City.

Identifies clear strategies to support manufactured housing

Comprehensive Plan language describes tangible methods to improve manufactured housing.

Identifies funding sources to support manufactured housing

Comprehensive Plan language describes funding sources that can be used to improve manufactured housing.

Connects improvement strategies to funding

Comprehensive Plan language describes both clear strategies to improve manufactured housing and identifies funding sources that can be applied towards them.

"BEFORE YOU SIGN: A Consumer's Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities"

Welcome to “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to

Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities”



Download a Copy (PART 1, CLICK HERE) (PART 2, CLICK HERE)

Read the Press Release (CLICK HERE)



All Parks Alliance for Change, a statewide manufactured (mobile) home owner association has released the second edition of its “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities” with a detailed analysis of rent levels in the metro area. The annual guide provides information consumers need before signing a purchase or rental agreement, including the rules of mobile home living and important details about each park’s city and county. The heart of the guide though is detailed park-by-park information, such as size of communities, vacancy rate, utilities, rents, and amenities.

“There comes a point, for some people, when renting seems pointless and wasteful,” said Dave Anderson, APAC Executive Director. “You are sinking money into a place that will never be yours. If you've decided to look for something a little more permanent, you may have considered the option of buying a manufactured home, which is more commonly known as a mobile home.”

This second publication of “Before You Sign” contains updated park-specific information, accounting for changes in vacancy rates, park policies, and contact information. It also incudes an expanded range of useful information, including lot rents, utilities and fees, parking, and other amenities. Furthermore, APAC has taken the opportunity to analyze the data collected about metro area parks to describe patterns in the market related to lot rent, vacancy rates, and ownership. The information in the guide supports three important points about mobile home living:

Mobile Homes Are Affordable

In many cases, manufactured homes can be the most affordable housing option. Used homes usually sell for $30,000 for newer ones down to only a few hundred dollars for older ones. You can buy a mobile home for what you would spend in a month just on rent.

Chances are, if you find a manufactured home that affordable, than it is in a park. That means several big differences from buying one on its own land. You will be paying “lot rent” to the park owner every month. But, even then, the lot rent can still be less than what you would pay in an apartment or house renting situation. So financially, living in a mobile home park can still be a very good option. But, not all parks are the same and not every one will be right for you.

Find the Right Park for You

It is important to fully evaluate which park is the right fit for you, because buying a manufactured home, despite the common name “mobile home,” can become a fairly permanent decision. Manufactured homes can be costly to move and, as a result, only 19% are ever moved from their initial placement. If you decide to move, you have the legal right to sell your home in place in the park, but the process can sometimes take a while.

That is the reason behind “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities.” Before you buy a home and sign a lease in park, make sure it is the right one for you. Is it in the right community? Does it offer the access you need to jobs, schools, transportation, and shopping? Does it provide services and amenities you require? Are the “park rules” acceptable to you?

Do Your Homework

“Before You Sign” likely doesn’t provide all the information you want, but it will hopefully offer a good place to start. It is a first of its kind guide to all the parks in the Twin Cities metro area with standardized information for you to compare, suggestions on questions to ask, and contact information for each of the parks.

Park neighborhoods can provide affordable housing, sustainable home ownership, and a tight knit sense of community. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide if moving into a park is the right choice for you.

We hope you will send us a message to let us know, if this guide proves helpful. If you think of ways it can be improved, we hope you will also let us know. We plan to update it annually. You can send comments and suggestions to info@allparksallianceforchange.org.

"Before You Sign: A Consumer's Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities (2014)"

Welcome to “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to

Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities”



Download a Copy (CLICK HERE)

Read the Press Release (CLICK HERE)



There comes a point, for some people, when renting seems pointless and wasteful. You are sinking money into a place that will never be yours. If you've decided to look for something a little more permanent, you may have considered the option of buying a manufactured home (more commonly known as a mobile home).

Mobile Homes Are Affordable

In many cases, manufactured homes can be the most affordable housing option. Used homes usually sell for $30,000 for newer ones down to only a few hundred dollars for older ones. You can buy a mobile home for what you would spend in a month just on rent.

Chances are, if you find a manufactured home that affordable, than it is in a park. That means several big differences from buying one on its own land. You will be paying “lot rent” to the park owner every month. But, even then, the lot rent can still be less than what you would pay in an apartment or house renting situation. So financially, living in a mobile home park can still be a very good option. But, not all parks are the same and not every one will be right for you.

Find the Right Park for You

It is important to fully evaluate which park is the right fit for you, because buying a manufactured home, despite the common name “mobile home,” can become a fairly permanent decision. Manufactured homes can be costly to move and, as a result, only 19% are ever moved from their initial placement. If you decide to move, you have the legal right to sell your home in place in the park, but the process can sometimes take a while.

That is the reason behind “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities.” Before you buy a home and sign a lease in park, make sure it is the right one for you. Is it in the right community? Does it offer the access you need to jobs, schools, transportation, and shopping? Does it provide services and amenities you require? Are the “park rules” acceptable to you?

Do Your Homework

“Before You Sign” likely doesn’t provide all the information you want, but it will hopefully offer a good place to start. It is a first of its kind guide to all the parks in the Twin Cities metro area with standardized information for you to compare, suggestions on questions to ask, and contact information for each of the parks.

Park neighborhoods can provide affordable housing, sustainable home ownership, and a tight knit sense of community. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide if moving into a park is the right choice for you.

We hope you will send us a message to let us know, if this guide proves helpful. If you think of ways it can be improved, we hope you will also let us know. We plan to update it annually. You can send comments and suggestions to info@allparksallianceforchange.org.

Best wishes,

Dave Anderson
Executive Director

Become an Advertiser -- "Before You Sign: A Consumer's Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities"

Dear Potential Advertiser:

Manufactured home parks can provide affordable housing, sustainable home ownership, and a tight knit sense of community. But not all parks are created equal. They can vary dramatically in appearance and maintenance, services and amenities, “park rules,” and access to jobs, schools, transportation, and shopping.

It is important for families to carefully evaluate which park is the right fit for them. Buying a manufactured home, despite the common name “mobile home,” can become a fairly permanent decision. The homes can be costly to move and, as a result, only 19% are ever moved from their initial placement. If a family does decide to move, they have the legal right to sell their home in place in the park, but the process can be slow and difficult.

That is why APAC is producing “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities.” It is a first of its kind guide to all the parks in the metro area with standardized information for families to make comparisons, suggestions on important questions to ask, and contact information for each of the parks.

Our plan is to produce it as a free, ad-supported publication. As someone committed to manufactured housing, we are asking you to consider advertising in the inaugural edition, which will be published in February 2014.

You can learn more about the publication here:
http://www.allparksallianceforchange.org/?q=beforeyousign

You can download the "Advertising Rates and Contract" here"
http://www.allparksallianceforchange.org/files/Park Guide - Ad Rates and Contract, 2017.pdf

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (651) 644-5525 or dave@allparksallianceforchange.org.

Sincerely,

Dave Anderson
Executive Director

Coming Soon -- "Before You Sign: A Consumer's Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities"

Coming in 2014!

Learn how you can advertise!





Welcome to “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to
Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities”

There comes a point, for some people, when renting seems pointless and wasteful. You are sinking money into a place that will never be yours. If you've decided to look for something a little more permanent, you may have considered the option of buying a manufactured home (more commonly known as a mobile home).

Mobile Homes Are Affordable

In many cases, manufactured homes can be the most affordable housing option. Used homes usually sell for $30,000 for newer ones down to only a few hundred dollars for older ones. You can buy a mobile home for what you would spend in a month just on rent.

Chances are, if you find a manufactured home that affordable, than it is in a park. That means several big differences from buying one on its own land. You will be paying “lot rent” to the park owner every month. But, even then, the lot rent can still be less than what you would pay in an apartment or house renting situation. So financially, living in a mobile home park can still be a very good option. But, not all parks are the same and not every one will be right for you.

Find the Right Park for You

It is important to fully evaluate which park is the right fit for you, because buying a manufactured home, despite the common name “mobile home,” can become a fairly permanent decision. Manufactured homes can be costly to move and, as a result, only 19% are ever moved from their initial placement. If you decide to move, you have the legal right to sell your home in place in the park, but the process can sometimes take a while.

That is the reason behind “Before You Sign: A Consumer’s Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities.” Before you buy a home and sign a lease in park, make sure it is the right one for you. Is it in the right community? Does it offer the access you need to jobs, schools, transportation, and shopping? Does it provide services and amenities you require? Are the “park rules” acceptable to you?

Do Your Homework

“Before You Sign” likely doesn’t provide all the information you want, but it will hopefully offer a good place to start. It is a first of its kind guide to all the parks in the Twin Cities metro area with standardized information for you to compare, suggestions on questions to ask, and contact information for each of the parks.

Park neighborhoods can provide affordable housing, sustainable home ownership, and a tight knit sense of community. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide if moving into a park is the right choice for you.

We hope you will send us a message to let us know, if this guide proves helpful. If you think of ways it can be improved, we hope you will also let us know. We plan to update it annually. You can send comments and suggestions to info@allparksallianceforchange.org.

Best wishes,

Dave Anderson
Executive Director

APAC's "The Alliance" Newsletter

The Alliance is the quarterly newsletters

of All Parks Alliance for Change (APAC)

You Can Download a Copy of the
Winter/Spring 2015 Issue (CLICK HERE)


You can also read plain text versions of the individual stories in this issue online
by selecting an article from the list below.

Featured Stories:

"It's our money!": APAC proposes fixes to the state's Manufactured Home Relocation Trust Fund

Before You Sign: A Consumer's Guide to Mobile Home Parks in the Twin Cities

Dave Anderson: Reflecting on 10 Years as APAC's Director

Rush Line Transit Corridor: Connects Park Residents from Maplewood to Pine City

National News:

APAC Attends 2015 National Manufactured Housing Conferences

Jury Awards $111 million to Park Residents

APAC Renews Outreach to Park Residents in North Dakota

Park Community News:

"Move Roads, Not Homes": 8 Years Later, Residents Stayed While Road Projects and Sports Stadiums Moved On

Twin Cities Metro Region: Trends in Manufactured Housing

Shakopee and St. Anthony Parks Targeted for Redevelopment in Land Use Plans

Parks on the Chopping Block in Waite Park, Elbow Lake, and Winona

Several Parks in Financial Turmoil

APAC News:

APAC's 2014 Annual Meeting and Legislative Summit

APAC Sees Changes, Growth in Staff

APAC Launches Strategic Planning for 2015-2018

Why is APAC Membership Important


You can view older issues (CLICK HERE)

Archived Newsletters


APAC's newsletter "The Alliance" comes out quarterly. Click on the date of the issue to download it in PDF format.

September 2010

Spring 2009

  • Rally for Residents' Rights at the State Capitol
  • Legislative Training Energizes APAC Leaders
  • A Look into APAC's Legislative Progress
  • Arden Manor Resident Association and APAC Save 30 Homes
  • Voice Your Support for Jackson Heights!
  • Burnsville Representative Will Morgan Takes Interest in Parks
  • Park Resident Wins Seat on Township Board
  • Skyline Village Moves Ahead with Rent Increase Case
  • APAC Launches Mobile Justice Training Institute in Winona
  • Reaching New Potential Allies: The League of Women Voters in Winona
  • APAC on the Good Morning Show with Bob Sebo
  • Gaylord Association Moving Forward, Recruiting Allies
  • APAC Teaches Organizing Workshop at Winona State University
  • Fargo Park Residents Want Change!
  • Resident Leaders Join Together for Justice--Midwestern Alliance Conference
  • New Regional Alliances Developing in 2009!
  • The 2009 MHOAA National Convention is Coming Up!
  • APAC Welcomes New Legal & Policy Director
  • APAC Welcomes New Board Members
  • APAC's 14th Annual St. Paul Saints Fundraiser: Saturday, June 20th
  • APAC Partners with Ten Thousand Villages for Benefit Night
  • APAC Membership

Fall and Winter 2008

  • The Fight for Mobile Justice: Elections through the Legislative Session
  • Jackson Heights APAC Chapter Says: "Save Our Homes, Not a Ball Field"
  • APAC Announces its 2009 Legislative Agenda
  • APAC's Annual Membership Meeting Plans for 2009 Legislative Session
  • Arden Manor Residents Influence State Elections
  • Skyline Village Challenges Rent Increase & Organizes Candidate Forum
  • Park Residents Gain Representation on HUD Advisory Committee
  • Woodlyn Court Closes, Residents Compensated Under New Trust Fund
  • Rolling Hills Resident ASsociation Finds Success
  • Regal Estates Residents Working to Set Up Resident Association
  • Leaders and Residents of Manufactured Homes Educate the Community
  • Gaylord Park Under Attack: Residents Organize, Form Resident Association
  • Bennett Park Cooperative Determined to Preserve its Community
  • Lake Village Residents Association Moving Forward
  • Bluffview Mobile Home Court Re-Opens After Flooding
  • Red Top Residents Protect their Rights
  • Sunrise Estates Mourns Loss of Leader, Council Member
  • National Leaders Converge in Minnesota
  • MHOAA Elects New Board of Directors
  • Northwestern State Resident Leaders Build Power
  • APAC Organizing Manual Released
  • APAC News & Updates

Spring and Summer 2008

  • Mobile Justice at the Capitol! Legislative Victory!
  • Bennett Park Cooperative: Residents Take Over Their Park!
  • Skyline Village Residents Push 'Fix-it Campaign,' Oppose Rent Increase
  • Arden Manor Resident Association Remains Vigilant in Battle to Save Homes
  • Future of Four Parks in Chaska and Shakopee Still Uncertain
  • Governor Pawlenty Declares "Manufactured Home Park Week"
  • Sunrise Estates Residents Win New Storm Shelter
  • Residents Work to Gain Control in Madelia Park
  • Minnesota's First Park Co-op Has Another First
  • APAC Opens Northwest Regional Office and Welcomes Sureshi Jayawardene to Community Organizer Position
  • APAC Opens Southeast Regional Office and Welcomes Martha Hernandez to Community Organizer Position
  • Mobile Justice Comes to Lake Village Resident Association!
  • Lobby Day at the Capitol - Sandy Boone, Resident of Lowry Grove in St. Anthony Village
  • 45-Year Old Mother and Community Leader Arrested for Exercising Her First Amendment Rights
  • Freedom of Expression
  • APAC Hosts 2007 MHOAA National Convention
  • Northwest Region
  • APAC Sees Changes, Growth In Its Staff
  • APAC Puts Many Important Resources On Its Web Site
  • APAC Mourns the Passing of Stephen Block
  • APAC Returns to Midway Stadium
  • APAC Invites Your Community to Become a Chapter
  • Why become an APAC Member?
  • Rolling Hills Residents Oppose Rent Increase

Summer 2007

  • They Voted Yes! New State Law Guarantees Relocation Compensation
  • It’s Not A Trailer, It’s My Home: An Intro to Park Prejudice
  • Powerful Leaders in Arden Hills Organize
  • Skyline Village to Challenge Rent Increase
  • Parks on the Chopping Block for Highway Expansion in Chaska and Shakopee
  • Edgewood Park to be Sold to Affordable Housing Non-Profit
  • Organizing Continues in Blaine: Centennial Square Forming a Resident Association
  • Stacy Residents Shake Up City Hall: Five Member City Council Has 3 Park Residents
  • Bennett Park Cooperative, Moorhead: Update - Residents Working Hard to Become 3rd Co-op in Minnesota
  • Expanded Right to Purchase Bill Doesn’t Pass, But Makes Progress
  • Senator Mike Jungbauer: From Park Resident to State Senator
  • Park Week Right Around the Corner
  • Tenants Remedies Action: What is it?
  • Q&A with Margaret Kaplan: In Park Sales
  • Leadership: Build a Vision, a Base, and a Movement: National Convention will be hosted by APAC
  • Five State Summit Held in Saint Paul: Residents Voice Importance of Park Unity
  • APAC Developing an Organizer’s Manual
  • Mark Your Calendars! APAC’s Annual Meeting and Legislative Summit on August 18th
  • APAC Welcomes Jay Clark: He Joins the Fight on the National Level
  • APAC Honored by Headwaters Foundation: Receives Allies for Justice Award
  • Saint Paul Saints Fundraiser: A Success for APAC

Spring 2007

  • Residents Across the State Rally at Capitol
  • Two Bills, One Problem
  • Capitol Update: Both Bills Making Progress
  • Please Support APAC! Call Your Legislators Today!
  • There Oughta’ Be a Law, and Here’s How to Get ‘Em Passed
  • Park Residents Come Together for a Legislative Summit
  • Meet Scott Kranz, a New Politician in Town

Winter 2007

  • Minnesota Celebrates “Mobile Justice” During Manufactured Home Park Week
  • APAC Argues Freedom of Expression Before Minnesota Supreme Court
  • Wave of Metro Area Park Closings Rob Hundreds of Their Homes
  • APAC Returns to Blaine
  • Latino Organizing
  • Saint Anthony Village Passes Ordinance
  • Skyline Village Unites
  • Rosemount Becomes 19th Ordinance
  • Tyranny Makes an Appearance in Glencoe
  • Message to the City of Stacy: There’s a New Group in Town
  • Residents Get Together in Stacy for a Leadership Summit
  • Mobile Justice Comes to Moorhead for Park Week 2006
  • Big Changes to Come in 2007
  • 2006 Elections: Park Residents Had Enough
  • A Change of Scenery
  • Ed Landrum Retires After 10 Years of Dedication
  • Don Pierson Recovers from Auto Accident
  • A Change in Faces at APAC
  • Documentary Sheds Light on the Reality of Park Closings
  • APAC Celebrates 25th Year Anniversary
  • Best of Park Week Pictures

Spring 2006

  • Shady Lane Park Closing in Bloomington Gains Statewide Attention, Reactions
  • APAC Launches “Coalition for Manufactured Home Park Preservation,” 2006 Legislative Push
  • APAC’s First Director, Beth Newkirk, Reflects on the Organization She Founded 25 Years Ago
  • Mora park owned by MMHA attorney goes into foreclosure, residents organize for a better future
  • APAC Highlights Racial Disparities in Parks at Latino Housing Forum
  • Hot Topics in Manufactured Housing with Valerie Sims
  • MMHA president decides to close Maplewood park, sells to nonprofit developer
  • APAC Receives Funding to Support Voter Outreach, Election Organizing in 2006

Fall 2005

  • Paul Revere Community Carries Message to Twin Cities: You Can Own Your Park!
  • Moorhead Residents Face Both Risk of Park Closure and Possibility of Park Ownership
  • APAC Begins its 25th Year of Resident Organizing and Advocacy, Plans Celebration
  • APAC Develops Racial Justice Organizing Approach, Hires First Latino Community Organizer
  • APAC begins evaluation, planning for the next three years
  • APAC expands organizing efforts to Duluth
  • Court Upholds “Right of First Refusal,” but Shady Lane Residents Unable to Purchase Park
  • Hot Topics in Manufactured Housing with Valerie Sims

Summer 2005

  • Minnesota to Gain Second Resident-Owned Manufactured Home Park in Anoka County
  • Brainerd Adopts Park Closing Ordinance
  • Shady Lane Residents Fight to Save Homes, Park Owner Sued for Violation of Park Closing Law
  • APAC Board, Staff and Members Extend Thanks to Former Director Jim Paiste
  • State Capitol Update: 2005 Session Ends
  • Manufactured Home Park Summit Convenes in March 2005
  • APAC Hires Bilingual and Bicultural Organizers for Latino Park Outreach and Organizing
  • APAC Asks for Your Support Through St. Paul Saints Fundraiser and Walk for Justice
  • APAC Annual Meeting Looks "Toward a Future of Resident-owned Manufactured Home Parks"

Winter 2005

  • Minnesota’s First Resident-Owned Manufactured Home Park Co-op Launched
  • State Capitol Update: APAC’s 2005 Legislative Agenda
  • Manufactured Home Park Summit scheduled March 2005
  • APAC Advocacy Gains Park Closing Relocation Funds for Hermantown Park Residents
  • Washington County HRA Announces Closing of Oakdale Park
  • Residents Win Lawsuit Over Water Metering in Lake Elmo, Settle in Apple Valley and Lexington
  • Authorities Lay Siege to Southern Minnesota Mobile Home Parks, Latino Residents Organize to Demand Respect
  • APAC Works with Residents to Pass Park Closing Ordinances in Brainerd, Lakeville and Lexington
  • APAC Welcomes New Staff, Bids Farewell to Familiar Faces

    APAC Launches Strategic Planning for 2015-2018

    St. Paul, MN—In August, the APAC board of directors approved launching a strategic planning and implementation process covering 2015 to 2018. The process will be led by consultant Stacy Becker, executive director Dave Anderson, and board president Henry Miller.

    The goal is to develop a practical plan for APAC that answers three key questions:

    What is APAC’s highest value-added and what activities should APAC pursue to ensure greatest impact?
    What are the options for building sustainable revenue sources; which are likely to be the most successful for APAC; and what is needed to cultivate these?
    What are the key leadership skills and attributes needed to support APAC’s transition into the future?

    This process is being supported with funding from Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Greater Minnesota Housing Fund, and the St. Paul Foundation’s Management Improvement Fund.

Complete List of Manufactured Home Parks in Minnesota

This data was compiled by the Housing Preservation Project from the lists of parks licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health and various county health departments. The list has been updated by HPP and APAC and is current as of July 2009.

Fact Sheet - Manufactured Home Parks in Minnesota

Links to Other Organizations

Minnesota

Other States

National



Minnesota


Resident Controlled Communities

City of Landfall
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landfall,_Minnesota

Landfall was incorporated in 1959. It is a manufactured home park city in Washington County, and is home to approximately 700 people.

City of Hilltop
http://hilltop.govoffice.com

Hilltop was incorporated as a city in 1956. The first manufactured home park had 50 sites, and to this day the family of the original owners still own and operate that park.

Sunrise Villa Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

In Fall 2004, Sunrise Villa a 47-lot park in Cannon Falls became the first resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota. Cooperative home ownership provides security because the park cannot be sold or closed
without resident approval; resident governance; incentives to improve or invest in the park; more
economical park operation; higher resale value; and the opportunity for board members and
committee members to build civic skills.

Paul Revere Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

On October 3, 2005, the Paul Revere Community--an almost 16-acre property that includes 153 manufactured home sites, private streets, and a well--became the second resident-owned manufactured home park in the state. The Paul Revere Cooperative (made up of Paul Revere's residents) bought the park as part of a settlement agreement that resolved a class-action lawsuit that residents brought against the Community's former owners.

Bennett Park Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

In Fall 2007, Greenwood a 79-lot park in Madelia became Bennett Park Cooperative the third resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota.

Madelia Mobile Village
http://www.prcoop.org

On December 22, 2008, Madelia Mobile Village a 65-lot park in Madelia became the fourth resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota.

Park Plaza Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

On February 15, 2011, Park Plaza Cooperative a 90-lot park in Fridley became the fifth resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota.

Stonegate Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

On September 7, 2012, Stonegate Cooperative a 50-lot park in Lindstrom became the sixth resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota.

Five Lakes Cooperative
http://www.prcoop.org

In August 2014, Fairmont Estates a 94-lot park in Fairmont became the seventh resident-owned manufactured home community in Minnesota.


Housing Advocates

Housing Preservation Project
http://www.hppinc.org

The Housing Preservation Project (HPP), founded in 1999, is a nonprofit public interest advocacy and legal organization whose primary mission is to preserve and expand affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

HOMELine
http://www.homelinemn.org

HOMELine provides free legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their own rental housing problems. HOMELine works to improve public and private policies relating to rental housing by involving affected tenants in the process. If you are a tenant in Minnesota and you are interested in your renter rights, you can reach their Tenant Advocates for legal advice.

Minnesota Housing Partnership
http://www.mhponline.org

MHP's mission is to advance the preservation and creation of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income people as a means of strengthening communities and families throughout Minnesota.

Legal Aid
http://www.mylegalaid.org

Legal Aid is the primary provider of general civil legal services to low-income and elderly people in Minnesota.

Alliance for Metro Stability
http://www.metrostability.org

The Alliance for Metropolitan Stability is a coalition that builds grassroots community campaigns with a variety of faith, social justice, labor, and environmental groups. Through its work, the Alliance promotes equitable economic development, affordable housing, public accountability in urban planning, and environmentally responsible growth patterns. The Alliance focuses on eliminating social and economic injustice for low-income citizens and people of color through targeted reinvestment in older urban areas.

Churches United in Ministry - Duluth
http://www.chumduluth.org

Churches caring about people and working for change through programs and efforts that respond to, serve, advocate for, and empower people with unmet needs.

Centro Campesino
http://www.centrocampesino.org

Our mission is to improve the lives of migrant workers and rural Latina/os and to create a strong southern Minnesota Latino/a voice. Guided by our values of faith, hope, unity, and justice, we are a membership organization that was born and exists to create positive social change.

Housing Developers

Northcountry Cooperative Development Fund
http://www.ncdf.org

NCDF is a cooperatively owned and operated financial intermediary which acts as a catalyst for the development and growth of cooperatives in Minnesota, including the conversion of existing manufactured home communities to cooperatives.

The Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation
http://www.gmhchousing.org

The Greater Metropolitan Housing Corporation was formed in 1970 by the Minneapolis business community. GMHC's mission is to preserve, improve, and increase affordable housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as assist communities with housing revitalization.

The Central Minnesota Housing Partnership
http://www.cmhp.net

The organization was created with the goals of preserving, improving, and increasing the affordable housing stock in Central Minnesota. These goals have been achieved over the years through a variety of innovative programs and services offering affordable housing to low- and moderate-income households and they continue to strive to achieve the same goals today that were set from the start.

Family Housing Fund
http://www.fhfund.org

The Family Housing Fund is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and produce affordable housing for families with low- and moderate-incomes in the seven-county metro area of Minneapolis and Saint Paul.

Greater Minnesota Housing Fund
http://www.gmhf.com

Supporting the creation of affordable housing for Minnesota's working families.

Minnesota Community Land Trust Coalition
http://www.clclt.org/

Currently over a dozen organizations are using the CLT model to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in Minnesota. There are CLT's in cities, suburbs, and rural areas.


Homeownership

Home Ownership Center
http://www.hocmn.org

This site has been designed for Minnesotans interested in locating support and services to be successful homeowners. Whether you're ready to buy today, need some time to explore the possibility of owning your own home, or are already a homeowner needing information regarding financial management or foreclosure prevention, feel free to browse this site.


Public Agencies

Attorney General
http://www.ag.state.mn.us

The Office is the state's chief policy maker and law enforcer in the important areas of consumer protection, antitrust enforcement, and charities' regulation. The Office is also responsible for representing residential and small business utility consumers through participation in matters before the Public Utilities Commission. The Office initiates and shapes a legislative agenda, with proposals that include crime and violence prevention, consumer protection, and other relevant issues.

Minnesota Housing Finance Agency
http://www.mhfa.state.mn.us

Committed to meeting Minnesotans' needs for decent, safe, affordable homes and stronger communities.

HUD in Minnesota
http://www.hud.gov/local/index.cfm?state=mn

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.


Other States


State Homeowner Associations

Arizona - Arizona Association of Manufactured Home Owners
http://www.aamho.org

California - Golden State Manufactured-Home Owners League
http://www.gsmol.org

California - California Mobilehome Owners Resource & Action Association (CMRAA)
http://www.cmraa.org/

California - Manufactured Home Owners Network
http://www.mfghomeowners.net

California - League of California Homeowners
http://www.homeowners.org

Delaware - Delaware Manufactured Home Owners Association
http://www.dmhoa.org

Florida - Federation of Manufactured Home Owners of Florida
http://www.fmo.org

Illinois - Mobile Home Owners Association of Illinois
http://www.mhoai.org

Michigan - Manufactured Home Owners Legislative Association of Michigan
http://www.molaofmi.org

Michigan - Manufactured Homeowners Coalition of Michigan
http://www.mocomofmi.com

Nevada - Nevada Association of Manufactured Homeowners
http://www.nvmha.org/

New Hampshire - Manufactured Home Owners and Tenants Association of New Hampshire
http://mota-nh.org

Other New Hampshire Resources

ROC-NH

ROC-NH, a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, provides fair fixed-rate loans and educational and technical support to build long-term value and security for residents of New Hampshire’s manufactured housing communities. ROC-NH is the only statewide program that works with homeowners and landlords to convert manufactured housing parks into communities that are owned and governed by residents. ROC-NH’s financing, educational and technical assistance help homeowners in resident-owned communities build equity, create stability, develop leadership and strengthen their communities.

Cooperative Home Loans

The New Hampshire Community Loan Fund’s Cooperative Home Loan program, the only one of its kind in the United States, provides fixed-rate single-family mortgage loans in resident-owned manufactured housing communities in New Hampshire.

New York - Park Resident Home Owners Association
http://www.prho.com

Ohio - Association of Manufactured Home Residents in Ohio
http://www.amhro.org

Oregon - Oregon Manufactured Homeowners United

Oregon - Manufactured Housing/Oregon State Tenets Association
http://www.mh-osta.org

Pennsylvania - Greenbriar Homeowners Association
http://www.gha610.com/

Texas - Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs: Manufactured Housing Division
http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us./mh/

Utah - Utah Manufactured Home Owners Action Group
http://www.umhag.org/

Vermont - Vermont Mobile Home Owners Association
http://www.vmhoa.com

Washington - Association of Manufactured Home Owners
http://www.wamho.net

Washington - Mobile Home Owners of America
http://www.mhoa.net

Wisconsin - Wisconsin Manufactured Home Owners Association
http://webpages.charter.net/wimhoa


Housing and Legal Advocates

Columbia Legal Services
http://columbialegal.org

Columbia Legal Services (CLS) is a not-for-profit organization employing lawyers and legal workers who provide legal assistance to low-income and special needs people and organizations in Washington.

Vermont Mobile Home Project
http://www.dhca.state.vt.us/Housing/mhs.htm

The Mobile Home Project publishes the, "Guide To Your Rights as a Mobile Home Park Resident," and a newsletter for mobile home park residents in Vermont.


Housing Developers

Georgia Community Loan Fund
http://www.gaclf.org

To foster equity in Georgia's communities, the Georgia Community Loan Fund provides loans, grants, and technical assistance to community groups who do not have access to traditional sources of capital, particularly groups in rural, low-income, and/or minority communities working on affordable housing and other environmentally and economically sustainable community development projects.

Genesis Community Loan Fund - Maine
http://www.genesisfund.org

Genesis provides innovative financing by soliciting low-interest loans from individuals, churches, corporations and foundations, and then re-lending the money to nonprofit organizations developing affordable housing and community facilities in underserved neighborhoods and needy communities. If requested, Genesis provides substantial technical assistances to the sponsors of capital projects that will create housing and community development opportunities.

Community And Shelter Assistance Corporation (CASA of Oregon)
http://casaoforegon.org

Community And Shelter Assistance Corporation (CASA of Oregon) was established in 1988, in response to the housing needs of Oregon farmworkers and their families. Since its inception, CASA of Oregon has worked primarily through local community organizations and housing sponsors to develop housing and to assist in improving the overall quality of life for farmworkers and their families.



National



Homeownership

Ginnie Mae
http://www.ginniemae.gov/pages/default.aspx

Ginnie Mae's special requirements for manufactured housing loan pools and packages, 2003.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development
http://www.hud.gov

The site contains links to housing news; information about home owning, buying, renting, and financing; community data; and pages about how to work with HUD.


National Homeowner Association

National Manufactured Home Owners Association (NMHOA)
http://www.nmhoa.us

National Manufactured Home Owners Association is a national organization dedicated to the protection of the rights of all people living in Manufactured Housing in the United States. This organization is comprised of all volunteers who receive no compensation (save legitimate expenses) and who are totally dedicated to the welfare of its constituency.

The American Internet Society of Manufactured Home Owners
http://www.taismho.com

Insuring that you are counted as part of this united front against the corruption in the National Manufactured Housing Program.


Housing and Consumer Advocates

AARP
http://www.aarp.org

AARP is a nonprofit membership organization of persons 50 and older dedicated to addressing their needs and interests.

Consumers Union
http://www.consumersunion.org/

Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, is an independent, nonprofit testing, and information organization serving only consumers.

National Consumer Law Center
http://www.consumerlaw.org

America's foremost advocate for low-income consumer justice, and its leading expert on low-income consumer issues.

NLIHC: National Low Income Housing Coalition
http://www.nlihc.org

Dedicated to ending America's affordable housing crisis. Weekly news and alerts about affordable housing.

NeighborWorks
http://nw.org/network/home.asp

NeighborWorks America creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities.


Housing Developers

ROC USA
http://www.rocusa.org

An organization dedicated to delivering security and value through resident ownership of manufactured home communities - a program of the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund.

RCAP Solutions
http://www.rcapsolutions.org

RCAP Solutions is a comprehensive nonprofit community development corporation that works with communities of all sizes to address a broad range of needs.

Community Resource Group
http://www.crg.org

Community Resource Group is a multi-state rural development organization established in 1975 to help people in the rural South build hometown futures by seeking long-term solutions to community-wide problems. Their primary areas of expertise are development of water and wastewater systems, lending related to water and wastewater, community transportation, and low-income housing.

PMC Financial Services
http://www.pmcfinserv.com

The mission of PMC Financial Services is to provide financing for manufactured/mobile home resident groups, nonprofit affordable housing providers, and owners through programs which accomplish the acquisition, construction, refinance, upgrade, and/or rehabilitation of manufactured/mobile home parks.

Institute for Community Economics
http://www.iceclt.org

The Institute for Community Economics (ICE) is a national community development organization promoting economic justice through community land trusts (CLTs) and community investment.


Foundations

CFED: Innovations in Manufactured Homes
http://www.cfed.org/programs/innovations_manufactured_homes/

The mission of Innovations in Manufactured Homes (I'M HOME) is to ensure that families who choose to purchase manufactured homes reap comparable benefits from the homeownership experience as do buyers of site-built homes.

Ford Foundation
http://www.fordfound.org

The Foundation's goals are to strengthen democratic values, reduce poverty and injustice, promote international cooperation, and advance human achievement.

Northwest Area Foundation
http://www.nwaf.org

Northwest Area Foundation identifies, shares, and advocates "what's working" to reduce poverty for the long term. The Foundation partners with select communities in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, providing technical assistance and financial resources through the Ventures, Horizons, and Connections programs. The Foundation also cooperates with other organizations and communities to gather and share practical knowledge.

Mobile Justice Week

Celebrate Manufactured Home Park Week

September 24, 2006

The State of Minnesota has officially recognized the importance of manufactured (mobile) home parks through a proclamation by Governor Tim Pawlenty declaring the final week in September (24th - 30th) as "Manufactured Home Park Week." Park residents, housing advocates, and public officials geared up for a week filled with events and celebrations across the state.

"This week will help to focus statewide attention on the vital role of manufactured home parks in the state. Manufactured homes provide affordable housing and an opportunity for low-income Minnesotans to become homeowners," said Edward Landrum, former president of APAC's board of directors. "Parks are also thriving neighborhoods. They are places where people form communities, raise families, and often retire. We hope this week will help the broader public begin to see this face of parks."

Currently more than 180,000 Minnesotans live in over 900 manufactured home parks. They provide decent, safe, and affordable homeownership to families in almost every county in Minnesota. Parks present one of the largest sources of unsubsidized affordable housing in the state. With over 50,000 units of housing, manufactured home parks make up 5% of the state's overall housing
stock.

APAC expects "Park Week" to raise the public awareness of manufactured home parks and their importance as a source for homeownership and affordable housing. "Park Week" also sheds light on the increasing trend in the number of manufactured home park neighborhoods that have been demolished for redevelopment. At the local level, APAC and residents from parks across the state have been working to engage local public officials to commit resources to safeguard residents from the threat of redevelopment. On April 1st, 2006, Shady Lane Mobile Home Park, located in the city of Bloomington, closed due to redevelopment and consequently 50 families were displaced.

"Park Week is about Mobile Justice," said Ned Moore, Park Week Coordinator at All Parks Alliance for Change. "In the past 6 years, 15 mobile home parks have closed in the State of Minnesota. We are losing more parks every year, and hundreds of families are losing their homes."

Reports by Other Organizations


Office of Minnesota Attorney General Manufactured Home Park Handbook
This handbook explains the Minnesota laws concerning manufactured home park residents and park owners. A right or privilege guaranteed by law cannot be waived.

Complete List of Manufactured Home Parks in Minnesota
This data was compiled by the Housing Preservation Project from the lists of parks licensed by the Minnesota Department of Health and various county health departments.

Manufactured Housing: A Home that the Law Still Treats Like a Car
The Consumers Union looks at how manufactured homes are subject to repossession laws written for cars and couches, and how these laws lack the protections offered conventional homebuyers in the foreclosure process.

Raising the Floor, Raising the Roof: Raising Our Expectations for Manufactured Housing
This report is intended as an introductory resource for non-profit developers, lenders, housing counselors, and advocates who wish to "raise the floor" of manufactured housing.

What's it Worth?
The Consumers Union looks at how murky pricing hurts consumers in the manufactured housing industry.

Moving Home: Manufactured Housing in Rural America
This HAC report includes a data analysis regarding manufactured housing in rural America plus short pieces written by local rural housing providers, national organizations, and a representative of the manufactured housing industry illuminating some of the pros and cons of using these structures to provide affordable sustainable homeownership.

Is Manufactured Housing a Good Alternative for Low-Income Families? Evidence from the American Housing Survey
A study by HUD that contradicts several preconceived notions regarding manufactured housing. This paper employs the American Housing Survey (AHS) between 1993 and 2001 to compare owned manufactured housing to rental housing and traditional owned housing as a tenure alternative for low-income households.

Why Advocates Need to Rethink Manufactured Housing
Richard Genz lays out a clear agenda to "reinvent manufactured homes." His article also outlines the multiple challenges: a hodgepodge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations; financing issues; negative stereotypes; and minimal consumer protection.

Manufactured Housing Community Tenants: Shifting the Balance of Power
Owners of manufactured (or 'mobile') homes face unique problems as consumers when they rent a lot in a community for manufactured homes. This report by the AARP Public Policy Institute presents a model statute that addresses these problems.

Manufactured Housing: Not What You Think
This report is part of the Affordable Housing Project of the National Conference of State Legislatures and received funding support from the Fannie Mae Foundation.

Focus: Manufactured Housing
This issue of fedgazette focuses on Manufactured Housing and features six articles covering topics such as: understanding the difference between mobile, manufactured and modular housing; secondary markets for MH loans; MH dealers; and industry statistics and trends.

Appreciation in Manufactured Housing: A Fresh Look at the Debate and the Data
As a step toward a more complete understanding of the equity-building opportunities in manufactured housing, Consumers Union assessed the financial appreciation of manufactured-housing units, by examining the relative appreciation rates of manufactured housing and site-built housing, as well as the factors affecting the appreciation rate of manufactured housing.

Examination of Manufactured Housing as a Community- and Asset-Building Strategy
This report assesses the primary issues that affordable housing advocates interested in the asset-building implications of MH should consider: characteristics of the housing stock, finance issues, MH's role in affordable housing, examples of community development strategies using MH, and challenges for practitioners interested in the housing stock's asset-building potential. The report also includes a comprehensive literature review, classified by topic.

Housing Facts & Findings
This issue of Housing Facts & Findings focuses on Manufactured Housing and features articles by I'M HOME Director Dave Buchholz, I'M HOME partner Paul Bradley from the New Hampshire Community Loan Fund, and I'M HOME grantee Skipper StipeMaas from the Georgia Community Loan Fund.

HUD User - Manufactured Housing Publications
HUD USER is HUD's Policy Development and Research information service. The site lists all of HUD's manufactured housing-related publications which address technical, regulatory, financial, and other practical aspects of working with manufactured housing.

Innovations in Manufactured Housing: Six Case Studies in Affordable Manufactured Housing Development
In June 2004, NeighborWorks America issued a request for proposals for its first Manufactured Housing Design Innovation Pilot Program. The goal of the pilot program was to support development using manufactured or modular housing to demonstrate that both housing types can be part of a viable affordable housing strategy. The six pilot projects cover different geographies and different approaches to development. This report presents the six case studies in an effort to inform interested organizations and individuals about the project specifics, as well as the challenges and lessons learned.

Partnership for Advancing Technology and Housing
PATH is a public-private initiative, supported by HUD, that promotes the development and adoption of innovative new technologies in the housing field. The site includes a range of research focused on both specific technical aspects and the broader implications of MH development. The recently released Factory Built Housing Roadmap may be of particular interest. The report proposes research priorities for the factory-built housing industry in 6 areas: the Home, the Plant, the Site, the Market, the Consumer, and Energy Performance. It also provides some background on market forces that are helping to shape the industry's research agenda, such as the confluence of the modular and HUD-code industry segments. Building asset value for owners of manufactured housing is listed as one of the top six research priorities, with I'M HOME cited as an example of initiatives pursuing this goal.

Section 502 Loans
USDA website on section 502 loans which include loans for manufactured housing.

Twin Cities Transit Project

APAC has launched a new project to engage with local planners and officials to improve their city’s transportation options to support the wellbeing of manufactured housing residents. Our particular focus is on the new light rail and bus rapid transit lines that are currently under development.

Transportation is very expensive for many families, particularly those who own a personal vehicle. Access to affordable and reliable public transportation is crucial to providing opportunities to everyone in the Metropolitan region. Currently there are two light rail lines (the Green and Blue Lines) operating in the Twin Cities. In addition, there are three bus rapid transit lines (the Red Line, A Line, and C Line).

Projects in various stages of planning and construction include:

o Blue Line extension
o Green Line extension (Southwest Corridor Project)
o Orange Line
o Gold Line
o Rush Line
o Riverview Line
o B Line
o D Line
o E Line

The expansion of the Metro transportation system presents an important opportunity for APAC and park residents to engage in shaping city policies regarding manufactured and affordable housing. This is an important chance for resident to get involved in the planning process and advocate for the importance of equitable transportation opportunities.

Public transportation is important for residents of manufactured home communities to access:

- Education
- Employment
- Grocery stores
- Entertainment
- Social and Professional connections

General information on upcoming transit lines can be found at:
https://www.metrotransit.org/metro-network

Links to Organizing and Transportation Decision-making Resources

Link to APAC Community Organizing Manual
http://allparksallianceforchange.org/?q=organizing/manual

Council on Environmental Quality, Executive Office of The President - A Citizen’s Guide to the NEPA: Having Your Voice Heard
https://ceq.doe.gov/docs/get-involved/Citizens_Guide_Dec07.pdf

Minnesota Environmental Quality Board - A Citizen’s Guide: Community Decision-Making Basics
https://www.eqb.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/files/Citizen's%20Guide-ER%20and%20LGUs.pdf

Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision Making
https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/planning/public_involvement/publications/techni...

APAC Report: Resident Opinions on the Rush Line Corridor
http://www.allparksallianceforchange.org/?q=Rush-Line-Report

MnDOT Seeks Input from Highway 169 Users

Highway 169 Mobility Study



If you are a park resident who lives or works in the west Twin Cities metro area, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is seeking input on how mobility and transit options can be improved on Highway 169. This information will help MnDOT make decisions about the future design and operation of Highway 169. All participants who complete this survey will have a chance to win one of two $25 VISA gift cards.

Your feedback is needed!

Participate in the survey online.

For additional information, here is the link to the study website.

Rush Line Corridor

What is the Rush Line Corridor?

The Rush Line corridor is an 80 mile distance between Hinckley and St. Paul slated for increased public transit service. The 24-member Rush Line Corridor Task Force has been assembled to examine the options available to expand transit based economic development, community preservation, and environmental protection. The Rush Line Corridor ultimately connects suburban communities and rural cities with metropolitan areas.

Proposed Rush Line Route

How does the Rush Line Corridor affect manufactured home park residents?

Transit based development in the area can provide much needed access to employment and local businesses at a much lower cost for consumers. The Rush Line Corridor has the potential to benefit manufactured home park residents in several ways, however, the short answer is that it’s up to you. Public involvement within the manufactured home park community along the proposed Rush Line Corridor is an essential component in maximizing the positive affect for residents. The population along the corridor is expected to increase by 43% between 2000 and 2030. Learn more about the Rush Line Corridor

How do I get involved?

Regardless of the method you choose, you must get involved in the Rush Line initiative as your participation is essential in shaping the direction of the project. Conventional and creative opportunities will be available for residents to participate in the Rush Line planning process. Traditional options include open houses at existing transit centers whereas more creative methods include web-based feedback. Please visit Rush Lines get involved page or contact APAC for additional details. Get Involved!

REPORT: Resident Opinions on the Rush Line Corridor


Rush Line Corridor:
Connecting Manufactured Home Parks to Opportunities

Download a Copy (CLICK HERE)

Download a PowerPoint Version Copy (CLICK HERE)

The Rush Line Corridor is an 80-mile travel corridor between St. Paul and Hinckley, consisting of 23 urban, suburban and rural communities linked by a common need to be mobile and connected. The Rush Line Corridor Task Force is a 23-member board of city, county and township elected officials. The task force is now conducting a Pre-Project Development (PPD) Study to analyze bus and rail alternatives within the 30-mile segment between Forest Lake and Union Depot in downtown St. Paul.

As the planning process develops, the transit habits and potential needs of people living in manufactured homes along the corridor should be considered. The full corridor runs through 10 cities with 27 park communities and 2,779 households. The 30-mile segment under review run through five cities (Forest Lake, Hugo, Little Canada, Maplewood, and Vadnais Heights) with 8 parks and 1,133 households. This is generally a marginalized group of people with low incomes and limited access to resources.

The Rush Line project could be a boon for residents, depending on stop placement, route, and type of transit. The research report has two parts: an analysis of 2013 5-year American Community Survey (ACS) data on resident transportation uses along the proposed transit corridor, and a survey of residents regarding their needs, opinions, and what would encourage residents to use public transportation in the future.

Transit Corridors Under Development

The transit system is rapidly expanding and now includes both light rail and bus rapid transit. Currently operating are the A Line, C Line, Blue Line, Green Line, Red Line, and Northstar commuter rail.

Projects in Engineering or Construction

Riverview Corridor – A 12-mile modern streetcar transit connecting downtown St. Paul to the south loop district in Bloomington. The line will share tracks with the Green Line in St. Paul and link to the Blue Line near Fort Snelling and continuing through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, Bloomington’s South Loop, and the Mall of America. The project is currently in the environmental analysis phase which will continue through 2022.

***Rush Line Corridor – A 14-mile bus rapid transit route connecting Union Depot in Lowertown, Saint Paul to east side neighborhoods of Saint Paul and the cities of Maplewood, Vadnais Heights, Gem Lake and White Bear Lake. The environmental analysis will wrap up in December of 2020.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Woodlund Mobile Home Park 137
Twin Pine Mobile Home Park 134
North Star Estates 209
Terrace Heights Mobile Home 189
Thirty Twenty Estates 75
Maplewood Mobile Home Court 19
Town and Country 120
Five Star Mobile Estates 250
Rush Line Corridor - Total Households: 1,133

D Line – A bus rapid transit upgrade that will substantially replace Route 5, operating primarily on Chicago and Emerson/Fremont Avenues between Brooklyn Center and Bloomington. Construction will begin in late 2020 or early 2021 pending full funding.

Blue Line Extension - Bottineau light rail – A light rail transit line that will extend the existing Blue Line to the northwest metro through north Minneapolis, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, and Brooklyn Park. Construction began on this project in late 2017 and it is scheduled to be opened in 2024.

Green Line Extension - Southwest Corridor light rail – A light rail transit line that will extend the existing Green Line to the southwest metro through Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie. The line will begin operations in 2023.

***Orange Line - A bus rapid transit line that will connect downtown Minneapolis with stations along I-35W in the south metro through Minneapolis, Richfield, Bloomington, and Burnsville. The project includes street and highway improvements, upgraded transit stations, and improved bus routes. The Orange Line is scheduled to open in 2021.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Woodland Terrace Mobile Home Park 70
Southgate Mobile Village 48
Krestwood Mobile Home Park 58
Camelot Acres 1534 319
Rambush Estates Mobile Home Park 223
Sunnyside Acres Mobile Home Park 219
Connelly Community 61
Queen Anne Courts 155
Orange Line - Total Households: 1,153

***Gold Line - Gateway Corridor – A bus rapid transit line that will connect downtown St. Paul to stations in east St. Paul, Maplewood, Landfall, Oakdale, and Woodbury along dedicated bus lanes. The route will run along the I-94 corridor, operating primarily in bus only lanes. The engineering phase, lasting two years, will begin in late 2020.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Beaver Lake Estates 245
Rolling Hills of Maplewood 357
Lanfall Terrace 304
Cimarron MHP 505
Gold Line - Total Households: 1,411

Future Transit Projects

Midtown Corridor – Potential transit investment along either the Midtown Greenway or Lake Street in Minneapolis. This corridor would connect to the blue and green lines at either end, as well as intersecting with the orange line along I-35W.

Nicollet-Central Corridor – Potential modern streetcar investment along Nicollet Avenue and Nicollet Mall in south and downtown Minneapolis, and into northeast Minneapolis.

***Red Rock Corridor – Potential bus rapid transit corridor along Highway 61 in the southeast metro. The project has begun by building an express bus service to build up ridership, with plans to introduce bus rapid transit in the near future.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Southridge Trailer Park 64
Healy Park 39
Skyline Village Mobile Home Park 399
Park Estates 130
Cottage Grove Estates 103
Hastings Mobile Home Terrace 63
Red Rock Corridor - Total Households: 789

Robert Street – Potential transit investment along Robert Street south of downtown St. Paul. Currently both bus rapid transit and modern streetcar projects are under consideration, and communities are considering both options in their comprehensive planning process.

B Line – A bus rapid transit upgrade that will substantially replace the western portion of Route 21, serving Lake Street and Marshall Avenue between uptown Minneapolis and the Midway area in St. Paul. This line will serve one of the slowest transit corridors in the region and improve on regular bus service in the area.

E Line – A bus rapid transit upgrade that will substantially replace parts of Route 6 in the Hennepin Avenue corridor, serving uptown Minneapolis. Busses along the corrido currently make up 45 percent of people traveling by vehicle but only 3 percent of traffic. Construction rapid transit line could begin as early as 2023.

***Highway 169 – Potential highway bus rapid transit providing service to 10 new stations from Shakopee to downtown Minneapolis primarily along Highway 169 and Highway 55.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Sun Valley Mobile Home Park 65
Valley Haven LLP 38
Brandondale 499
Riverview Terrace MHP 236
Bonnevista Terrace 200
Mobile Manor Park 59
Jackson Heights Trailer Park 63
Highway 169 - Total Households: 1,160

***Orange Line Extension – Proposed extension of the METRO Orange Line phase 1 from the Burnsville Parkway Station to the Kenrick Park & Ride in Lakeville, adding two or more stations and approximately five miles to the initial line.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Camelot Acres 1534 319
Rambush Estates Mobile Home Park 223
Sunnyside Acres Mobile Home Park 219
Connelly Community 61
Queen Anne Courts 155
Ardmor Mobile Home Park 339
Orange Line Extension - Total Households: 1,316

Additional Important Corridors being Studied

***I-35W North – This corridor links downtown Minneapolis with communities along I-35W north of downtown Minneapolis. The corridor was studied in the I-35W North Managed Lanes Corridor Study, but the BRT project is not being actively developed at this time.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Arden Manor 285
Lakeside Mobile Home Park 245
Oak Grove Mobile Home Park 121
Townsedge Terrace 236
Mounds View Mfd. Home Community 153
Colonial Village Park 189
Brookside Mobile Home Park 214
Restwood Terrace 276
Paul Revere 156
Baldwin Lake Court 94
I-35W North - Total Households: 1,969

***North Central – This corridor links downtown Minneapolis with communities to the north including Columbia Heights, Fridley, and Blaine. The corridor was studied in the Arterial Transitway Corridors Study by the metropolitan council, but the project is not being actively developed at this time.

Manufactured Home Park Number of Households
Trailer City Park 50
Hilltop Mobile Home Community 170
Hilltop Mobile Home Park 31
SunnySide Manufactured Home Park 35
Fridley Terrace 326
Park Plaza Estates 90
Spring Lake Park Terrace 101
SLP Mobile Home Park 31
Centennial Square 566
Northview Villa 201
Sandpiper Bend 277
Blaine International Village 522
North Central - Total Households: 2,400

Most Influential Routes for Manufactured Housing

All routes which are marked (***) are considered to be the most important for many manufactured home park residents. These routes are planned to run near several communities, and thus have the highest potential to impact a large number of residents. The best way to make sure these projects are serving the needs of everyone is to get involved. Refer to the APAC calendar for relevant project meetings, and come to APAC community meetings to give your opinions and idea

Transportation and Your Community


Who makes decisions about transportation?

Transportation in Minnesota is overseen by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, a cabinet-level agency of the state government. MnDOT is responsible for planning, developing, and maintaining systems of ground, water, and air transportation. The Metropolitan Council also has a significant role in transportation (particularly in the seven-county metro area) since the state's principle airport and almost all north-south through railroads and long-distance four-lane freeways in Minnesota go to or through the Twin Cities.

Launched in January 2011, Corridors of Opportunity is a broad-based initiative involving state, regional and local government, philanthropy, non-profit organizations, and business. It is focused on accelerating the development of the region’s transit system and providing new opportunities for nearby development to connect people of all incomes and backgrounds to jobs, housing choices, recreation and services. One goal of this initiative is to ensure that all residents — particularly underrepresented and marginalized communities (low-income, communities of color, immigrant communities, persons with disabilities) — participate in transitway planning.



[Click on map to enlarge image]


How can transit planning effect manufactured homeowners?

There are a number of impacts transit planning may have on manufactured homeowners, if the planning process reflects your needs and concerns.

Transit takes pressure off of transportation development

  • For an example, in the 1950’s the development of the Rondo neighborhood that went through gentrification and an intrusion of a highway (I – 94) displaced over 10,000 people.
  • At present, many areas with manufactured home parks have also gone through urban renewal and redevelopment project Ex. (input manufactured home park here)

The use of transit may enrich your life and meet basic needs of transportation

  • Work places, school, shopping districts, expanding your communication with your community
  • Connecting with opportunities in a larger community

Getting Your Voice Heard

  • Overcome the park prejudice & stereotypes that has been developed over the years by becoming civically engaged
  • Get involved with transit meetings to have a hand in where future stops should be planted


How to get involved

  • See the list of Transit Corridors Under Development to find transit lines near you. Stay up to date with project meetings which can be found on project web pages or possibly in APAC's calendar located on the right hand side of this page.
  • See our Way to Become Involved in Transportation Planning page.
  • Come to APAC community meetings where we will also find time to discuss how transit and you, as a manufactured park homeowner, can give your opinions and ideas.

Ways to Become Involved in Transportation Planning

Transportation is vital to insuring access to opportunities for all manufactured home residents. With continued improvements in the transportation network in the metro area, now is the time to act. We recommend that park residents and stakeholders band together to engage in the Bus Rapid Transit projects that are currently being planned in the region. This webpage can be used as an initial resource to help residents get started with their involvement with this process.

Easy ways to get engaged:

  • Review the plans for a transit project near you (see upcoming projects on Metro Transit’s website, or visit APAC’s list of Transit Corridors Under Development).
  • Attend transit meetings on relevant projects to voice your concerns, ask questions, and provide valuable input.
  • Write letters to your City Council and elected representatives (they assume that one letter from you is representative of many more voices in your community who did not take time to write, so even one letter can go a long way).
  • Call your City Council Member, City Planner, Community Engagement Representative, and elected representatives and advocate in support of new transit projects.
  • Inquire about joining project committee meetings.
  • Sign up for project updates and newsletters.
  • Engage with your neighbors and organize local groups – schedule meetings and get the word out!
  • Start a resident association for added impact.
  • Identify specific elements of the transit plan (route, station area planning, bus connections, etc.) that you find important and engage with the committees who oversee them.
  • Identify a community liaison and teams that organizes resident engagement with the planning process across parks. Activities could include delivering flyers, maintaining contact lists of actively engaged residents.

Please review the links below for further information and feel free to contact us by email (info@allparksallianceforchange.org) or by phone (651-644-5525) for additional guidance on how to get involved.

Video - American Dream Under Fire: Mobile Home Park Residents Fight to Hold Ground

"Where am I going to go?" wonders Vanessa Ramirez, a hard working mother who lives in a mobile home park facing closure. Her community’s story is captured in a documentary that exposes the challenging future of one of America’s least understood affordable housing options, manufactured - or 'mobile' - home parks.


About the Film

With help from APAC, 'American Dream Under Fire' is a co-production of Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) and Northwest Area Foundation. Released in 2006, this documentary explores the urgent issue of preserving manufactured home park communities in the face of skyrocketing land values and development pressures. The program follows the fight to save a manufactured park community located in a Minneapolis suburb. Other stories, challenges, and solutions are woven into this eye-opening documentary.

Will Vanessa Ramirez and her neighbors remain independent homeowners or have the land sold right from under their homes? Will they become subsidized renters or end up homeless? What options do residents, housing advocates, non-profits, and policy makers have to save these much needed communities? We encourage you to view this provocative documentary, which sheds light on this little known piece of the 'American Dream.'