To: Appropriate Authorities (Bureau of Labor & Industries, Better Business Bureau, Fair Housing Council of Oregon, Senator Tim Knopp, Senate President Rob Wagner, Senator James Manning Jr, Senator Kate Lieber, Senator Daniel Bonham, Measure Liaison McKenzie Barker, Secretary of the Senate Obie Rutledge, Oregon State Legislators, Governor Tina Kotek, Avion Water, City of Bend, Bend City Council, Deschutes County, Federal Fair Housing, Oregon Health Authority, Equity and Inclusion Oregon)

From: Jennifer Johnston, on behalf of the Residents of Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park

Date: July 2, 2024

Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Substandard Living Conditions and Management Practices at Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park (19940 Mahogany Street, Bend, Oregon 97702)

Introduction

This document serves as a formal complaint on behalf of the residents of Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park (hereinafter referred to as "Park") concerning ongoing issues that significantly compromise the safety, health, and overall well-being of our community. We request a comprehensive investigation into these matters and a collaborative effort to implement solutions that ensure a safe and fair living environment for all residents.

Summary of Concerns

The Park's management practices and the current living conditions at Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park fall short of acceptable standards in several key areas:

·         Financial Concerns and Discriminatory Practices: Unexplained and potentially discriminatory rent increases, an opaque rent structure with significant variations between similar units, and unexplained denials of residency applications raise concerns about transparency and fair treatment. Residents who have been here for years are facing rent hikes that disproportionately burden their budgets, while new residents may be initially offered lower rents to entice them, only to face substantial increases later. Additionally, unexplained rejections of residency applications, particularly for white males, suggest a pattern of discrimination based on demographics.

·         Unreliable Amenities: Frequent closures, lack of communication regarding the pool and hot tub's status, and suspected water quality issues render these advertised amenities unusable and raise potential health concerns. Residents are frustrated by the lack of explanation for closures and the inconsistency in pool and hot tub maintenance. Furthermore, concerns exist about the hygiene of these facilities, with residents reporting skin irritation and illness after use, suggesting improper water chemistry.

·         Safety Hazards and Inadequate Upkeep: Overgrown landscaping creates tripping hazards and harbors pests, while inadequate street lighting increases the risk of accidents and criminal activity. Limited staff availability raises concerns about the Park's ability to respond promptly to emergencies or maintenance requests. Additionally, unclear emergency protocols leave residents feeling unprepared in case of critical situations.

·         Unfair and Unhygienic Waste Management: The Park's refusal to accept certain recyclables, questionable extra garbage disposal fees despite a flat-rate dump fee, and inefficient collection schedules create unsanitary conditions and raise environmental concerns. Residents are frustrated by the lack of recycling options and feel they are unfairly charged for garbage disposal when they already pay a landfill fee. The limited allowance of garbage bags and infrequent collection lead to overflowing bins and attract pests.

·         Unusable Recreational Facilities and Potential Discrimination: A significant portion of residents are denied access to advertised amenities like the recreation hall, playground, clubhouse, and fitness center, while others appear to have unrestricted access. This lack of inclusivity and potential discrimination based on ethnicity or other factors creates a sense of resentment and undermines the concept of a community amenity meant for all residents. Residents who are denied access feel misled and question the value of living in the park if they cannot utilize the amenities they are paying for.

·         Water System Issues and Unprofessional Management: Recurring water shutoffs with no notice, suspected poor water quality due to aging pipes, unresolved irrigation leaks, and unprofessional communication from Park management raise serious concerns about infrastructure maintenance and resident communication. The lack of notification for shutoffs disrupts residents' daily routines, particularly for families with young children or those who work from home. The presence of "hard water" and above-ground leaks suggest a need to address the deteriorating underground pipes. Unrepaired irrigation leaks damage residents' homes and highlight the Park's lack of accountability for its infrastructure.

·         Harassment and Unprofessional Conduct by Staff: Targeting children playing in their own yards with emails and taking unauthorized photos creates a hostile environment and disregards residents' privacy rights. Residents have also reported threats and intimidation tactics by staff members, or their family members attempting to manipulate evictions through gossip. Selective enforcement of rules regarding vehicle parking and pet ownership further undermines trust and creates a feeling of unfair treatment.

·         Unethical Practices and Non-Compliance with Regulations: Disregarding occupancy limits creates safety hazards due to potential fire risks and overburdened utilities. The lack of proper lease agreements and background checks further jeopardizes the safety and security of the entire community. Chronic understaffing leads to a backlog of maintenance requests and unsanitary conditions. The Park's failure to maintain streetlights and fill potholes violates city regulations and creates safety hazards for residents. Deceptive advertising with promises of amenities like a dog park and playground that never materialized adds to the residents' frustration. Overall, the Park exhibits a disregard for resident safety, comfort, and well- being. This pattern of unethical practices and non-compliance with regulations creates a pervasive sense of powerlessness and frustration among the residents. We are deeply concerned that the Park's management is prioritizing profit over the basic needs and rights of its residents.

 

Conclusion

The aforementioned issues create a deeply concerning environment at Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park. Residents deserve a safe, healthy, and well-maintained community to live in. We urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough inspection of the Park's facilities and management practices.

We request that the investigation considers the following:

A review of the Park's financial records and rental practices to ensure fair and non-discriminatory treatment of all residents.
A water quality assessment and an evaluation of the overall infrastructure to ensure resident safety and health.
Enforcement of local regulations regarding amenities, waste management, and lighting.
A review of management practices to address resident concerns about unprofessionalism, harassment, and discriminatory conduct.
A clear plan for addressing the backlog of maintenance requests and implementing repairs to ensure a safe and sanitary living environment.
We are hopeful that through a collaborative effort with the authorities and Park management, we can achieve lasting improvements at Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park, fostering a safe and respectful community for all residents.

Thank you for your time and attention to this urgent matter.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Johnston, on behalf of the Residents of Romaine Village Manufactured Home Park