Since the devastating EF3 tornado that struck Lakeview in March, some of the worst-affected and most vulnerable mobile home residents have found themselves battling not only the destruction left by nature but also the alleged actions of their landlords.
A lawsuit filed in Logan County Common Pleas Court alleges that Colonial Mobile Estates LLC, the owner of a six-acre mobile home park located at 8890 Township Rd 239, began demolishing homes without warning its tenants.
Some of the homes reportedly were beyond repair, but not all of them, according to residents. Demolition of the mobile homes began just a couple of days after the tornados and some families did not have an opportunity to go back and collect anything left.
Kristina Coen, an attorney with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, is leading the legal efforts on behalf of 17 families who resided in the park.
Since the tornado struck, residents there have grappled with significant challenges. including being cut off from utilities. In April, residents received a 30-day notice, declaring the property uninhabitable and mandating their evacuation by the end of May.
The lawsuit seeks damages for the affected families of up to $25,000 in damages for each resident.
ABLE has helped to assist vulnerable families since the tornados. joining community partners and non-profits to offer tenants’ rights information sessions and legal aid assistance.