Review
ROC NW determined that Alonda Villa Park is “not feasible” for residents to purchase at the current price. Canyon Terrace, our sister park, has been given the same determination. ROC NW has indicated it would reconsider if the price were reduced. The owner is not lowering the price at this time, is not seeking other buyers, and still wants to sell to the residents.
The committee believes that very little of what ROC NW claimed to do on its website was actually done. For example, the site stated that ROC NW negotiated with the owner — no such negotiations took place. The owner was shocked to learn this had been claimed.
Both their process and their communications were unprofessional. Ultimately, ROC NW would not disclose what factors made the park “not feasible” — not to the residents, and not to the owner.
Both the Alonda Villa Purchase Committee and Canyon Terrace have decided to proceed without ROC NW.
Current
I. Research
- Park market value — We have contacted an appraiser specializing in commercial mobile home park properties and obtained a cost estimate. He comes with references.
- Nonprofit formation specialist — Still being sought. We have identified a few candidates and are making contact.
- Affordable housing entities — We have made initial contact with several organizations whose mission is to preserve affordable housing (e.g., Homes First). Further outreach is ongoing.
- Legal counsel — We have a meeting scheduled with a lawyer to advise us on how to legally formulate the co-op, accept donations, and handle all official communications with the owner.
- Park costs research — We have conducted significant research on future city annexation. After numerous calls and attendance at public meetings, it appears the current situation will remain stable for the next 8 to 10 years.
Other ongoing expenses to account for:
- Water
- Insurance
- Power
- Garbage
- Management
- Taxes
II. Funding
Funding is needed for operations, the appraiser, and legal counsel.
Last week, the Financial Sub-Committee — John Setterstrom, Karen Slyter, and Tim Dean — opened a bank account. We have already received seven donations.
Receipts will be issued for every donation, and financial reports will be provided at each meeting. All checks will require two signatures. Our initial fundraising target is $10,000.
With 129 units, it would take only $80 per unit to reach that goal. Some residents may be able to give more; others may not be able to give anything. Every contribution will be needed and appreciated.
III. Sub-Committees
There is more work to be done than the core committee can handle alone. Five functional areas have been identified, each with a forming sub-committee:
- Communications — Co-chaired by Jessie Gold and Harry Hansen
- Branding
- Website and bulletin board
- Fundraising — Chaired by Kathleen Craig
- Grant research and writing
- Fundraising events
- Outreach — Chaired by Kathleen Craig
- Politicians
- Media/news
- Community
- Logistics — Chaired by Jim
- Meeting setup
- News distribution
- Table staffing
- Treasurer — Chaired by Karen Slyter
There is something for everyone. More volunteers are needed — and ideas and expertise are just as valuable as physical help or financial contributions. Each of us brings something unique to this effort, and everyone is needed and wanted. The more people who join in, the greater our likelihood of success. Find your passion and get involved.
In closing, the committee is not giving up. Is the purchase feasible at the current listed price? No. But ask yourself: what would make it feasible? Why not find out, build a business case, and sit down with the owner as equals — business to business? Why can’t we do that? It will take some money to put together, and it will take significant time and effort. But would it be worth it to advocate for ourselves and have a real say in our own futures? The committee and many supporters say: absolutely yes.
“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker
Kathleen Poague, Unit 1302 Committee Chairperson