Management of seniors mobile home park still uncertain

Eric Leake

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2004 | 9:48 a.m.

The management future of the Las Vegas Jaycees Senior Community mobile home park remains uncertain.

The Clark County Housing Authority decided Wednesday to postpone any decision on park management until it is notified if the authority is still on the loan guaranteeing the property.

If not, the park's board of directors may decide to continue their agreement with the authority managing the property. Or it may go with private management.

"It's so unbelievable. I just don't understand the whole thing myself most of the time," said Pat Posey, who organized fellow residents to carpool to the meeting. "We pleaded with them to continue to manage it, but their hands are tied. They have to wait and see all the paperwork before they can make a permanent decision."

Residents of the park at 5805 W. Harmon Ave. are afraid that a change in management could mean an increase in rents. The park is open only to people over age 55 and making less than $26,000 a year. Lots rent for $217 per month.

Gene Lidgett, treasurer of the park board and a resident, said management could change, but residents should not be afraid.

"Things would remain exactly the same," she said.

Lidgett said the property's lease requires it to be an affordable senior living community. There have been two small raises in the past 10 years, she said, and any new raises would follow that example.

"It would be a minimal amount," she said. "We can't make more money and do anything with it because we're a nonprofit."

The definition of "affordable" is at the center of residents' fears.

Authority acting executive director Patricia Sherwin-Lucas said a rent increase is a possibility if the park board goes with different management.

She said the authority is interested in continuing to manage the park if the board will allow it.

Both the board and the authority expect to address the issue in meetings next month.