Editorial: Let the residents speak

Wednesday, March 8, 2006 | 7:25 a.m.

Those who advocate for the rights of mobile home park residents have criticized Clark County officials for opening to the public two meetings in which they hope to hammer out a plan to help residents who are displaced when parks are closed.

County planning officials in February tabled a proposal that would have placed an 18-month moratorium on the practice of buying mobile home parks and closing them for redevelopment. State law requires that park owners buy displaced residents' mobile homes or pay their relocation costs. But many residents say the amounts paid don't begin to cover mortgages or actual moving costs. And they fear ending up homeless.

County officials have scheduled two meetings next week in which park owners and residents will try to come up with compensation plans that all sides consider fair.

However, in a Las Vegas Sun story Tuesday, Bob Varallo, president of the Nevada Association of Manufactured Home Owners, said he was disappointed that the meetings would be open to the public rather than limited to representatives from stakeholder groups. He said testimony from dozens of residents who are angry or frightened about losing their homes will make the meetings "a zoo."

Clark County officials see it differently. They believe such a discussion should take place in the open to make sure all voices and concerns are heard. Planning officials will moderate the meetings, as they are trained to do.

Advocates who don't approve of the format still do have displaced residents' best interests at heart and undoubtedly will raise pertinent issues.

But the dwindling supply of affordable housing is too important to discuss behind closed doors - even among the most conscientious parties.