Mobile Home Park residents frustrated with unresolved issues
"Last month I've been pretty miserable. I don't get upset very easily but I'm frustrated. My back is up against the wall and I don't know what to do.", said Michael Rutledge, who moved into the Villager Mobile Home Park in Warren Township last year.
For a good chunk of the winter, Michael Rutledge and his son have dealt with a sewage smell in their home. After weeks of unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, they were finally able to get a plumber on site.
"The plumbers did a great job for me, what he could do--all to find out there is no pipe, I'm not connected to the sewage.", the New Jersey-native added, leading him to believe that waste has been piling up underneath his home, similar to a man-made septic tank with no where for the waste to go, and subsequently the odor in the home.
He's not the only resident that is frustrated, his next-door neighbor is fed up. Erin Hampton has lived at the park for four years, and over the last year has dealt with a roach and rat infestation, as well as flooding issues.
"I'm moving at the end of the month due to these issues. I found someone who is willing to take over the lease at my house. I'm moving out with my kids.", said Hampton.
One woman tells 21 News, unresolved issues have made things hard on her family.
"My biggest issue is that my trailer fell off of the slab and they said that the ground shifted.", said Brianna Robinson, alluding to property owner FTI Property Management, whose attempts to rectify the issue have been unsuccessful, according to Robinson.
However these residents say the on-site property managers have been helpful, but don't feel the same about the property owner.
Warren Township Trustee Edward Anthony says the board of trustees were unaware of any complaints, and are asking residents impacted to file formal complaints so actions like coordinating with the Trumbull County Combined Health District can be taken. The Health District was unavailable for comment.
21 News also reached out to property owner FTI Property Management, based out of California, for a response to these concerns but as of this writing has not heard back.
