Improvements continue at Northgate Mobile Home Park

The new owners of the Northgate Mobile Home Community continue to check off the mandatory improvements the Board of Public Works and Safety and the Building Inspector are requiring. 

Last week, Abraham Anderson attended the meeting online and said fixes have been made to the sewer lines, the two homes that were expelling gray water onto the ground have been corrected, and they continue working to track down water leaks. He said they will be installing individual meters on the homes, and that will assist in locating the water leaks. 

Anderson said they have removed 50 cats with the assistance of the South Bend Cattery, and the local Humane Society is assisting in a spay and neuter program. 

The demolition of homes was discussed, and Anderson agreed to demolish three homes, 22, 24, and 222.  Anderson believes two additional homes, 140 and 150, can be rehabbed for about $20,000, creating additional low-income housing in the community. He wanted to board up the homes for repairs in the not-too-distant future.  The building Commissioner thinks repairs and improvements will cost much more than feasible and feels the homes need to be demolished.  The city is giving the new owners an additional 30 days to analyze the rehab cost before making a final determination. 

City Building Inspector Dennis Manuwal said licensed contractors for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC must be hired to complete the work.  They also have to be registered with the city. 

Manuwal said if a contractor has to open a wall, then the utilities must be upgraded to meet state code. 

The attorney for the new owners, Ferd Niemann, questioned the city’s requirements to improve the windows, insulation, electricity, and such if a wall is opened.  He said older homes in the community are not required to meet new insulation codes, as remodeling work is being completed.

Manuwal said mobile homes have to be brought up to HUD standards and be recertified before they can be sold. 

City Councilman Don Ecker expressed concern about trying to update a 50-year-old mobile home. He didn’t believe spending $20,000 would make the necessary repairs.   

Abraham Anderson will report back to the Board of Public Works and Safety at their next meeting on Monday, July 28^th.