Mobile Home Park Residents Get a Reprieve

Residents of a mobile home park in Piatt Township, Lycoming County, have a little more time before a frack water operation moves in to their neighborhood. The Williamsport Sun-Gazette reported last week that Riverdale Mobile Home Village residents received notice that they would have until May 1 to move out. Aqua PVR LLC  had purchased the land and plans to build a water withdrawal facility to supply natural gas drillers. But the residents protested, saying they weren’t given enough time, or resources, to make the move.
Aqua spokeswoman Donna Alston says her company wasn’t aware that the former owner hadn’t informed residents of the impending sale. Alston says Aqua changed its design, so only three of the 37 lots have to be vacated by June 1. They’ve offered a $2500 incentive to all residents if they’re gone by that deadline.
“We’re hoping that everyone would be able to move,” says Alston. “But that clearly is not the case right now.” Alston says Aqua has also hired a local realtor to help the trailer park residents find new homes.
Alston agrees that $2500 would not cover the entire cost of moving a trailer, which can run between $6,000 and $10,000. But she says “it is something.”
Residents say they need more help. They’re holding a vigil and town hall meeting Wednesday night in Jersey Shore, a nearby town. A press release sent by the environmental group Protecting Our Waters, lays out their case.

“The residents hope to achieve a fair solution with Aqua PVR LLC, the subsidiary of Aqua America that plans to install a 3 million gallon per day water withdrawal facility to service Marcellus shale wells. An ideal solution compensates all 32 families for the full costs of moving or allows them to remain living in the park without the disruption of an industrial water pump. Attorneys for the residents will be present as well as residents available for interview.”

To view the residents speaking about their situation on YouTube, click here. 

Editor's Picks