City Prepares for Court Ruling to Finally Allow Demolition of Shuttered Mobile Home Park

Mayor Bernero: “The neighborhood has put up with this blight far too long.”

The final chapter in the life of a long-shuttered, abandoned mobile home park in Lansing is expected to commence as early as tomorrow, when city officials expect a final ruling by Ingham County Circuit Court Judge Clinton Canady III that will allow the city to proceed with the long-awaited demolition of the former Life O’Riley mobile home park.

“The neighborhood has put up with this blight far too long,” said Mayor Virg Bernero. “I trust that Judge Canady will agree that the city, county and state have given the owner of this derelict property every opportunity to clean up their mess and will now allow the city to remove this eyesore from the neighborhood.”

Judge Canady previously authorized the city to access the property to conduct an environmental review of the buildings and trailers, which was completed in September 2016. If Judge Canady rules as expected tomorrow, the city will immediately proceed with final selection of a demolition contractor, which is now set for Thursday, February 23rd.

The Life O’Riley mobile home park, owned by Whalen Holdings, LLC, was shut down more than two years ago by the Ingham County Health Department under a Notice of Condemnation Order for serious violations of health and safety standards. The State of Michigan suspended the owner’s license to operate a mobile home park, but gave the owner two years to bring the property into compliance. The state finally revoked the suspended mobile home license in June of last year.

“We are anxious to move forward to clean up this site,” continued Mayor Bernero. “I believe this area is ripe for redevelopment opportunities once the way is clear.”