TUSTIN : Mobile-Home Group Seeks to Buy Land

Residents of Villa Valencia Mobile Home Park appealed to the City Council Tuesday night for help in their effort to purchase the property on which their homes sit.

Dunex Inc., an Irvine-based mobile-home management company, leases the 147-lot property from the Irvine Co., a real estate development company and builder based in Newport Beach. Last year, the Irvine Co. decided to sell the property and Dunex expressed interest in buying it.

When residents were informed that the 16.7-acre parcel of land was for sale, they formed a group in an effort to buy the land, said mobile-home park resident Jay Felgar. Residents say if Dunex, whose lease expires in 1994, buys the park, lot rental will increase $50 a month the first year and incrementally for the next four years.

“If we can’t buy the park, we’re losing out on our future,” Felgar said. “If the rent goes up we can’t pay it.”

At the meeting, Mayor Leslie Anne Pontious said the city would help residents seek state funding to enable them to buy the property. But Councilman Thomas R. Saltarelli said the city’s only role would be to direct park residents to public agencies that might be able to assist them.

Bryan Alexander of Dunex defended the company against residents’ complaints. “Our rents are lower than most, and we are not usurers,” he said.

Dawn McCormick, a spokeswoman for the Irvine Co., said offers from Dunex and the residents will be considered on an “equal playing field.” Irvine officials met with residents Nov. 4 and asked them to submit a proposal within 45 days.

Felgar said 75% of park residents are in favor of buying the property.