DEMHRA Report for DMHOA Nov. 14th Meeting

Information from October 17th DEMHRA Meeting and November 17th Minutes.

Executive Director's Report: 

Mr. Sutton attended the Affordable Housing Production Task Force meeting on October 7, 2024. There were several people in attendance, and about 20 others attended via Zoom. The Task Force was established by HB 442 for the purpose of recommending ways that state and local governments can increase the supply of affordable housing in Delaware. There are several subcommittees and Mr. Sutton is a member of the Manufactured Housing Subcommittee, representing DEMHRA. Additional information can be found at the Task Force Website: https://www.destatehousing.com/about/housing-production-task-force/

The next Manufactured Housing Subcommittee Meeting will be held on December 18, 2024 10:00 AM at Legislative Hall. See above website for more information.

Legal Counsel Report: (information from October 17th minutes)

Of the seven delinquent parks assigned for legal action at the September meeting, all have paid except Lakeside Homes, and they are working with Ms. Hambleton at the Division of Revenue. Spring Creek Rentals have not contacted our legal counsel. From the list that was referred to our legal counsel in August, only two remain (Spring Creek Rental and J&J MHP), and they have been advanced to the next step for legal action.

Arbitration: (Update on Status of Open Dockets):

• Docket 04-2019 - Wild Meadows HOA vs. Wild Meadows LLC - Mr. Cahall – Arbitration - As of 11/12/24, no change - the parties have agreed on terms of settlement and are working out the exact details.
• Docket 02-2021 Ridgewood Manor vs Ridgewood Manor II LLC - Mr. Sharp- Arbitration - As of 11/12/24, no change – the arbitrator cannot begin his review. He is still waiting for the contents of the docket.
• Docket 03-2021 - Canterbury Crossing HOA vs. Canterbury Crossing MHP - Mr. Panicoia - As of 11/12/24, the case records have been delivered to the proper authorities, per our legal counsel.

Rent Increase Certification Requests:

There were 36 rent certifications sent out in October. See § 7051A. Rent increase; health or safety violations in Title 25 for additional information.

Update on Parks for Sale:

• Country Acres – Park is no longer for sale.
• Holly Oak Park – Park is still up for sale.
• Dalton’s MHP - Park is still up for sale.
• Hedgerow Hollow - The new owner’s contact information was received.
• Mt. Pleasant MHP - A settlement was scheduled for 10/16/24.

Update on Parks Going Through Change in Use:

• Lakeland MHC - New on the list. (17 tenants)
• Lazypine Retreat – One non-relocatable payment approved for $12,000 plus $300 appraisal fee.
• Pine Haven – There were no new applications. 
• Timberlane - One non-relocatable payment approved for $12,000 less $905.15 in back taxes plus $300 appraisal fee 

Financial Matters: (as of October 2024)

• The Trust Fund assessments collected during October totaled $248,530.00, plus interest of $66,416.00. and paid out $0.00 in relocation assistance. The Trust Fund as of October 31th is $14,323,596.00
• The 2024 Legal Fund Year-to-Date is $121,419.00
• The October CPI/U is 3.428%, effective November 14th. This would equate to an increase of 5.21% for one-year leases beginning on March and April.

Our next meeting is scheduled for Thursda,y December 12th, 2024 at 1:30. 

Our address is 1979 S. State Street in Dover and is opened to the public.

Please visit our website for additional information at demhra.delaware.gov.