Sandalwood Pass-Through Association, 155 Oakwood Dr., Petaluma, CA 94954
Contact Person: Peggy Day, 707-766-9750 Email [email protected]

PETALUMA SENIORS SAY THEY WON’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!
August 5, 2008, Petaluma, CA The residents of Sandalwood Estates, an over-55 mobile home park in Petaluma, CA, have been notified of an expensive rent increase by Bill Feeney, managing member of Sandalwood Estates, LLC. In a letter dated June 20, 2008, he writes, “…new pool/spa and final phase of the clubhouse remodel … expenditures … will be added to your next scheduled rent increases.”
The total amount of the expenditures is $410,000, which he is passing through to the residents along with a 10% interest rate. In accordance with lease provisions each affected homeowner will pay $49.22 a month for 5 years or select a 15 year option.

This pass-through came as a complete surprise to resident homeowners who had received a letter from Mr. Feeney on March 14, 2003 stating, “Here is the best part—it’s FREE!!! There will be no capital improvement pass-through for any portion of this major project.”

Additionally, those who attended a park meeting with Mr. Feeney last year, were told the cost of the new pool would not be passed through. The old pool, which just needed some repairs, was removed to make room for seven additional spaces for the management to develop and replace a beautiful park green area, much loved by the residents

A majority of the affected homeowners in the park gathered in force at the clubhouse on July 27, 2008. They voted to hire attorney, David Grabill, of Santa Rosa, to help them fight the increase. At the same meeting, members were elected to serve on the newly formed “Sandalwood Pass-Through Association” Board. Plans are being made to raise funds for legal expenses.

Some residents, living on very fixed incomes, have already tightened their purse-strings as far as they can. For them, this unexpected rent increase literally makes it impossible to remain living in the park. In order to move away, they would have to sell their mobile homes, almost impossible in today’s market, and find more affordable housing. This may mean they would have to move away from their beloved Petaluma.

Remarked one resident, “My husband and I moved here thinking this would be our last move and we would live out the rest of our lives here in peace.”

Contributions to the legal fund are welcome. Payable to Don Pidd, c/o Peggy Day, 155 Oakwood Dr., Petaluma, CA 94954 707-766-9750