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Potential Rezoning Of Springfield Mobile Home Park Has Tenants Worried

Brian Bull
/
KLCC

The vote on whether or not to rezone a Springfield mobile home park has been put off until possibly later this month. 

 

 

Springfield City Council members are weighing the matter as it pertains to the Patrician Mobile Home Park.  Its owner, Urban Transitions LLC, wants it rezoned for commercial use, which it says can stimulate job growth and provide new and diverse housing options. 

 

Opponents say rezoning would lead to its residents becoming homeless. Most of the submitted testimony opposes the proposal, with critics arguing tenants have lived there for decades. Some consider the proposal unconstitutional or a violation of Oregon law.

 

In written responses, city staff note that the park owner can close the site regardless of what comes of the rezoning vote. They add the City of Springfield bears no legal role in a park closure, which would not have public hearings or land use approvals.

 

For now, the council has left the matter open, which means no decision yet.  Its next meeting is scheduled for September 16th.

 

Copyright 2019, KLCC.

Brian Bull is an assistant professor of journalism at the University of Oregon, and remains a contributor to the KLCC news department. He began working with KLCC in June 2016.   In his 27+ years as a public media journalist, he's worked at NPR, Twin Cities Public Television, South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Wisconsin Public Radio, and ideastream in Cleveland. His reporting has netted dozens of accolades, including four national Edward R. Murrow Awards (22 regional),  the Ohio Associated Press' Best Reporter Award, Best Radio Reporter from  the Native American Journalists Association, and the PRNDI/NEFE Award for Excellence in Consumer Finance Reporting.