Wheeling to use $4 million in federal money to raze mobile home park
The Wheeling village board Monday approved the use of $4 million in federal money to buy Fox Point mobile home park, clear the area and relocate residents who live there.
Located along the Des Plaines River, the mobile home park has been under distress for several years due to flood damage.
"There are multiple units that were damaged beyond repair," said Wheeling Village Attorney Jim Ferolo.
After the land is cleared, the land will remain open space because it frequently floods, officials said.
The village will receive the money from the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program administered through the county and funded through a federal grant.
"The county recognizes the danger of the park being located so close to the Des Plaines River, the poor condition of the homes and value of having open space in flood-prone area has deemed the area qualified for assistance," Ferolo said.
Ferolo says he expects each family will receive about $28,000 to relocate.
The mobile home park was built as a 42-unit community ago about 50 years ago. Now, authorities estimate about 20 of the mobile homes are occupied.
Two years ago, several residents filed a lawsuit against the village after an April 2013 flood. They argued Wheeling was using its building code to discriminate against residents who couldn't afford to fix damages.
Both the village and the representatives for the Fox Point residents came together in March to discuss the future of the homes, said Kelli Dudley, an attorney for the Fox Point residents.
"It's wonderful to see an outcome where people can be put in a good position and possibly move into homeownership," Dudley said.
Emma Cruz, 21, has lived in Fox Point for 13 years. She lives in a mobile home with her younger sisters Gloria, 9, and Victoria, 3. She grew up with a lot of people in the neighborhood and says it would be sad to move away.
"We've had friendships for a long time, and most of us grew up together," Cruz said. "It's really a quiet, friendly neighborhood. Nothing goes on here."