PARKERSBURG -An eviction notice sent to about 30 residents of a city trailer court has left them stunned and scrambling to find new accommodations.
Residents of the Chalfant trailer court, located between the Memorial Bridge approach and the Parkersburg Utility Board, were sent eviction notices late last week.
According to the notice, residents and their trailers have until June 1 to vacate the tract. If the trailers aren't moved by June 1, they will be considered abandoned and dilapidated and torn down, according to the letter. The owners would be charged for the costs of demolition and removal.
With a limited income, Larry and Patricia Wilburn are unsure what they are going to do.
"We don't have any idea," Larry Wilburn said.
The Wilburns have lived on the lot for almost four years. They have a prime lot in the back of the court, bordering the approach.
Patricia Wilburn said she grew up in Chalfant's court, which is about 40 years old. She and her husband, who are both disabled, moved into her parents' trailer in 2006, after her dad died and they lost their home on Tracewell Road in a flood.
"I've got history here," she said.
Patricia Wilburn said their situation is similar to many residents who are either older, disabled or both.
Robert Black, the attorney representing John Chalfant, said they have no choice. Black said Chalfant has been involved in litigation with the heirs of his departed sister over the property. A judge recently ruled the property was owned by both Chalfant and his sister's heirs.
"They have asked the property be sold, and the proceeds will be divided," Black said.
"I sympathize with the people who have lived there a long time, but if (the heirs) want it sold, it has to be sold."
Originally owned by Chalfant's father, the trailer court is about 40 years old and was originally a 10-acre tract, according to Black.
Chalfant, who owns a realty company in Parkersburg, is retiring, according to Black.
"If John had his way, and he owned it, it would have gone on," Black said.
Black said the site, listed as commercial property, will be sold. He said several parties have expressed interest.
Will Shaffer, who lives in the court with his family, said many were already looking for available trailers or apartments. A few had already moved out.
Shaffer said many of the trailers are immobile. They aren't equipped with wheels or axles.
"So they'll have to pay extra to make them mobile," he said.
And due to the age- many are 1960s or 1970s models - other trailer courts won't accept them.
"It is a sad thing," Shaffer said. "A lot of people have owned some of these trailers for a long time."
Wilburn said it's unlikely their trailer, which is an early 1970s model, would move without sustaining serious damage. And the couple is unsure if they have the income to attempt a move. They are considering selling their car.
"It is unfortunate, but there is nothing else that can be done," Black said. "It is not going to be a trailer park."
