JEFFERSON (KTBS) - Residents in one East Texas town are hoping to prove there's strength in numbers. More than 300 Jefferson residents have signed a petition to repeal a city ordinance that bans mobile homes within historic areas of town.
The petitioners say they understand the importance of preserving historic areas, but they say many home within the banned areas are in need of change, and could benefit from replacing them with manufactured homes.
15 year old Ashley Lawson used to live in one home in the designated area.But, when the roof started to cave, she and her mother moved to a nearby apartment. Her father stayed behind. The family cannot afford to fix up the place and instead wanted to put up a manufactured home. But, they soon found out that the city council had passed an ordinance back in 2004, banning mobile homes in their neighborhood.
"My mom really wanted me to grow up in a better place that's why we had to move because they wouldn't allow another home to be here," said Lawson. "I'm really used to being with both of my parents. I think it's a shame that we can't even live on our own property."
Another resident, Debra Jordan, helped gather the more than 300 signatures needed to bring the repeal to the city council. She says she understand the idea behind the ordinance, but believes it doesn't fit the reality of many homeowners.
Jordan said, "We don't have affordable housing. It's necessary to have this option. We believe that the success of Jefferson is the historical area. It's okay to preserve that. But, we are a rural area, we're not a major city and we see no problem with bringing in manufactured housing in designated areas such as this."
We contacted Jefferson's mayor, Jeff Fratangelo. He said he believes the ordinance is good.But, he's currently out of town and said he could not comment any more on the issue, until he returns to town next week.
