IRVINE, Calif. (March 6, 2024) — Comunidad Nuevo Lago, Inc., a resident-controlled nonprofit, closed escrow on its purchase of Shady Lakes Manufactured Housing Community (“Shady Lakes”) for $7.625 million on Thursday, Feb. 29. This acquisition, which will ensure long-term affordability for residents, marks a significant milestone after several years of organizing to purchase the park. The Community & Economic Development Clinic (CED) at the University of California, Irvine School of Law (UCI Law) represented the community in its purchase of the park.
UCI Law students who worked on the matter include second-year students Ariana Alemi, Kenneth (Kenny) An, Jacob Ghandour, Craig Guzman, Courtney Le, Alexandria (Allie) Lee, Kyle Lewis, Esteban Nam, Michael (Mike) Shloub, and third-year students Jacob Britton, Angela Duan, Alex Kerr, Tara Leuenberger, Michael Paganelli, Donald (DJ) Swartz and Wenny Zhu. UCI Masters in Urban and Regional Planning student Natasha Victa also worked on the project. CED students worked on the matter under the direction of UCI Law Professors Carrie Hempel, Adam Cowing, who co-direct the clinic, former co-director Robert Solomon, visiting co-director Camille Pannu, and UCI Law Lecturer Ana Marie del Rio, who serves as director on the board for Steadfast Apartment REIT, Inc.
“Without UCI Law’s assistance, this purchase would not have been possible,” said Juanita Perez, a Comunidad Nuevo Lago board member. “Prior to UCI Law coming on board, the possibility of purchasing the land seemed like a far-fetched dream. However, after we heard from the attorneys and students at UCI Law, the tide turned. With their expertise, I felt confident as a board member to encourage community members towards the purchase and reassure them that we were in good hands.”
Several miles from downtown Fresno and nestled within farmland, Shady Lakes has been a longtime home to over fifty families, many of whom are immigrant farmworkers from San Miguel Cuevas, a city in the Oaxaca state of Mexico. These residents settled in Shady Lakes due to family ties, a strong sense of community, and a shared culture and language. The transition to resident ownership came as a response to growing concerns over deteriorating conditions and rising rents, which could have led to displacement of the community.
In early 2022, the CED clinic began representing the residents in their efforts to purchase the park from the for-profit owner and turn it into an affordable housing community. CED students set up a resident-controlled legal structure to own the park, successfully negotiated a purchase and sale agreement, and helped secure financing for the ultimate purchase.
ROC USA, a national nonprofit dedicated to scaling resident-owned communities, provided a “bridge,” or short-term loan, and the California Department of Housing & Community Development will provide permanent financing. With help from CED, the community was able to navigate the complex legal and regulatory process of acquiring the mobile home park.
“The board was indefatigable throughout the process,” said second-year UCI Law student Jacob Ghandour. “After a long day, they would show up, making tough decisions and thinking through legal and financial concepts most students would struggle to grasp. Knowing the board’s sacrifices will give community members a greater opportunity to provide for their families for generations to come made this project especially meaningful.”
“I was struck by how careful, dedicated, and patient Comunidad Nuevo Lago was to bring the deal to a close. The stakes are very real, but it was easy to stay motivated because of the clients,” added second-year UCI Law student Courtney Le.
“As the president of the board of directors of Comunidad Nuevo Lago, Inc., I’m forever appreciative of the attorneys Adam and Carrie, and all the law students for all the help they provided to the community,” shared board president Jesus Sierra López. “[T]heir help was vital to all of us during the purchase.”
CED plans to provide Comunidad Nuevo Lago legal assistance in the months ahead, as it moves forward with park improvements and fostering an inclusive environment where all residents have a voice in the management of their community.
Comunidad Nuevo Lago’s successful purchase of Shady Lakes Mobile Home Park is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together to secure its future. It stands as an inspiring example for other mobile home parks across the country, showcasing the strength and feasibility of resident ownership.
Learn more about the UCI Law’s Community & Economic Development Clinic and acclaimed experiential learning program.
About the University of California, Irvine School of Law
The University of California, Irvine School of Law is a visionary law school that provides an innovative and comprehensive curriculum, prioritizes public service, and demonstrates a commitment to equity within the legal profession. Nearly half of all UCI Law’s J.D. graduates are people of color, and almost a third are first-generation students. At UCI Law, we are driven to improve our local, national, and global communities by grappling with important issues as scholars, as practitioners, and as teachers who are preparing the next generation of leaders. The collaborative and interdisciplinary community at UCI Law includes extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, dedicated staff, engaged alumni, and enthusiastic supporters. Connect with us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Threads, and sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest news and events at UCI Law.
