MnDOT representative talks about relocation efforts of the East Acres manufactured home park
WORTHINGTON -- A multi-faceted update on the four-lane expansion of Minnesota 60 was given by Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) representatives during the Worthington City Council meeting Monday night.
Among the topics discussed were issues pertaining to housing, the project's timeline, the possible closure of Flower Lane and the feasibility of a pedestrian underpass. The MnDOT officials' presentations --and subsequent questions from council members -- accounted for about 80 minutes of the two-hour meeting.
MnDOT's Scott Thompson was the first to address the councilmen, as he spoke about the relocation efforts involving the East Acres manufactured home park. Thompson explained MnDOT began the relocation process in April 2009, contacting each resident of East Acres to give them details.
"Residents were also informed that if a relocation opportunity did present itself, MnDOT could expedite their relocation basically on a first-come, first-serve basis," Thompson said.
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Of 32 total relocations that will ultimately be necessary, Thompson said 16 are renters and the remainder owners. Only two renters still require relocation, he said, and one of them is the park manager.
Five of the 14 relocated renters have moved out of state, four have moved to apartments within Worthington, four have moved to rental housing and one purchased a manufactured home new located on the Sungold Heights property.
Of the East Acres owners' group, 10 have already relocated, with seven of those 10 purchasing single-family homes existing in Worthington, Thompson said.
