I thought this comment by a guy named Henry Sheldon was rather illuminating:
“The property was purchased by the current owner (per the article) for $5,200,000.00. The 14.14 acre park has 111 lots with an average rent of $400.00. When you do the math, that is $367,750 per acre purchase price, and annual revenue of ~$533,000. When you add in the (unknown) costs of property taxes, debt servicing, utility costs that are paid by the park, fire protection services, liability insurance, etc., they are probably well under water.”
“So, they are probably trying to set the place up to sell it and get the millstone from around their neck(s). With food bank deliveries coming in to several residents, that might indicate to a prospective purchaser that the possibility of rent default (i.e., revenue shortfall) could be a distinct possibility. The spruce up campaign could also figure into the scenario of the current ownership trying to get the park ready for sale.”
Dunno if this guy has it right, but it might explain an otherwise inexplicable (and IMHO, wrongheaded) policy.
The part about turning them over to social services infuriated me. I hate this attitude that is getting more and more prevalent in our country. Meals on Wheels is a well respected program throughout the U.S. It’s not just for the poor. It’s for the elderly who can’t cook for themselves. Many different organizations participate. Churches, civic and social organizations.