TRAILER PARK TENANTS SEEK COUNCIL'S AID

Residents of Rohnert Park's Sonoma Grove beseeched the City Council on

Tuesday to protect them from steep rent increases imposed by the new owner of

the 154-space trailer park.

City officials said the park isn't subject to rent control but there may be

ways to ease the rent hikes. In some cases rent will nearly double in

February.

City Manager Steve Donley said he hopes to convince new owner Teresa

Thurman to increase rents more gradually in the park, which is home to many

students and others with low incomes.

''I agree we should explore options and discussions with the new owner,''

said Mayor Jake Mackenzie, who asked city staff to look into what can be done

and report back in January.

Residents may not be protected against rent hikes, but city officials said

affordable housing funds are available to fix up or buy new trailers for

residents, who would not be required to pay the money back.

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