Gail Rinehart

A woman stands in front of her home that resembles a log cabin.

My name is Gail Rinehart, and I live in Carriage Way MHC in Chesterfield, Michigan. I’m a licensed professional counselor, and I always wanted to live in a log cabin in the woods but could never afford it. I could afford a mobile home. I was looking at them and had decided that Carriage Way was too close to I-94 when I turned the corner, and there was my log cabin! I’ve been here 23 years.

I have worked like hell and put a lot of money into my place to make it nice. Unfortunately I can’t say that about the group of lawyers who used to own this place or Havenpark who bought it last year. The infrastructure is shot. Last spring we had lots of water shutoffs. The problem is that the residents are the ones to suffer.

The park owners need to be held responsible for the property they charge rent to live on. We are responsible for mowing their grass, raking their leaves, trimming their trees and shoveling their snow. I have been relentless in clearing the gutter in front of my home for the 23 years I have lived here. The park blows the leaves and plows the snow from the street onto everyone's property for the residents to clear. They are raising my rent $57 in May. I don't understand what I can expect for the rent I pay.

But they still charge more money. I’m paying over 60% of my Social Security just for lot rent, and that’s before you add on water and garbage. I’m fed up. Something needs to be done.