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County considers mobile home rules

By Jodi Rogstad
jrogstad@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE -- Laramie County is looking into setting standards for mobile homes.

The commissioners recently voted in temporary rules for manufactured, modular and mobile homes. Before, there were no standards.

Now someone wants to bring in or move one of these dwellings to unincorporated Laramie County, it must be inspected and certified by the federal Housing and Urban Development that it is safe and structurally sound.

The homes also must be no older than 10 years.

But don't worry: If you happen to live in one that's older and doesn't meet HUD standards, it would be grandfathered in.

"We're not putting anyone out of their homes," Laramie County Commissioner Jeff Ketcham said. "That's not what we do."

Added county planner Gary Kranse, "It's going to eliminate older homes from being installed. Any new ones coming in will have to meet these regulations."

After a public comment period, the commissioners will decide on a final set of rules with another vote. The emergency rules expire in 120 days.

Subdivision showdown

The reasons for these standards are twofold, county officials say: public safety and, as Ketcham put it, "regulatory self- defense."

That latter strategy targets a landowner on Chalk Bluffs Road.

Twice, Butch Marlin's preliminary plat for Chalk Bluff Estates, a housing development on his land southeast of Cheyenne, was turned down by the County Commission.

So Marlin hauled in four older mobile homes. He arranged them in a row, right next to Chalk Bluffs Road.

He put up a sign saying the structures and their 35-acre tracts of land were for sale.

Marlin could be stopped from putting 72 houses, each on a 7-acre lot, on half his land.

But he cannot be stopped from dividing the land into 35-acre lots. Under state law, this can be done without any county approval or oversight.

His neighbor across the road, Ed Prosser, didn't like the looks of the mobile homes.

"These are four uninhabitable, junky-looking trailers," Prosser said. "It would take a tremendous amount of refurbishing before anyone could live in them. I'm not saying it couldn't be done -- you'd have to see them."

As Ketcham eyeballs Marlin's mobile home arrangement, the structures sit 1,000 feet apart on mile-deep tracts of land.

With a short laugh, Ketcham said, "Who'd live in them?"

Clearly, Ketcham said, it's an in-your-face act of defiance by Marlin.

"He didn't get his way."

Marlin said Friday he didn't want to discuss his struggles with the county and his neighbors.

But before Chalk Bluff Estates went to the commissioners, the Cheyenne-Laramie County Regional Planning Commission had recommended that they approve it -- both times.

Marlin went through the plat approval process twice, in 2006 and 2007. He had test wells drilled, he met with neighbors, he said the development was designed to preserve open space, and he had an attorney working with him.

The commissioners said Chalk Bluff Estates did not fit within the Laramie County Comprehensive Land Use Plan -- there were too many houses.

But Marlin's attorney said that document was not law, it was guidance. Marlin pointed out there was a subdivision built just a few miles west of Chalk Bluff Estates.

The neighbors opposed Chalk Bluffs Estates. They brought attorneys to that meeting who said a subdivision would tax the road and water supplies.

Prosser said Friday, "We just thought that was an awful lot of density that far out," he said.

If the more than 900 acres were fully developed, it would be like having a town larger than Albin in the middle of nowhere, he said.

Prosser said since then, things are strained between him and Marlin.

So Marlin's mobile home alternative to Chalk Bluff Estates went up. And Prosser took his concerns to the commissioners.

They voted in the emergency rules, which took effect Feb. 5.

Improving health and safety

While Marlin declined to discuss the Chalk Bluff Estates controversy, he did want to talk about the county's proposed manufactured home regulations. He said the rules could hit low-income people hard.

If something happened to their homes, they wouldn't be able to replace them with an older, affordable mobile home, he said. They would need $50,000 in cash or financing to buy one that meets the standards and build a foundation for it.

The regulations would also make it harder for people to build a house, Marlin said. Many people buy land, plunk down an inexpensive mobile home and live there until they have enough to build a house. If they're forced to buy a newer model, that costs more.

But county officials say the new regulations will improve the overall health and safety of its residents.

Built to HUD standards, these structures would be zoned for different parts of the country. They must be strong enough to withstand certain gusts of wind. The roof must be able to bear the weight of snow.

And they must be built to fire standards.

Laramie County Fire Warden Dave Thompson said older mobile homes are prone to catching fire. Things like aluminum wiring and wood walls, opposed to the standardized copper wiring and drywall, are fire hazards.

There's no statistics on just how many people living in these older, "substandard" homes were victims of fire.

A search of the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle archives in the past five years shows a high number of fires have occurred in mobile homes.

Like Marlin, Thompson pointed to the low-income people.

When a mobile home burns, Thompson said, the most tragic thing is that the victims are usually renters who have no insurance, and so they lose everything they own.

Another problem the new rules are meant to cure is abandonment.

"Some people just haul them out to the country and dump them," Kranse said.

Added Ketcham, "Right now, there's no standard. We need to get these regulations to protect the health and safety of the people."

Reader Comments

Concerned wrote on Apr 24, 2008 7:04 PM:

" Wyocrazee, any update? "

Concerned wrote on Apr 16, 2008 9:40 PM:

" Wyocrazee, I am sincerely sorry to hear about that. As contrary to your instincts as it may seem, it may help to get the commissioners involved. I honestly believe that they've been looking out for the "common guy" in all of this the whole time and are on your side, even if their efforts didn't always show it. Please keep us updated. "

wyocrazee wrote on Apr 4, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Howdy all,

Just thought you would love to hear of the recent developments of Butch Marlin and Alice Baumfalk. After Butch offered to return my $2000.00 with the commissioners demands. I have not heard from him. I have emailed, called ,left messages, written, and short of staking out his home address he is ignoring me.

If anyone has any information on Butch's whereabouts or Alice's whereabouts please contact me at wyocrazee@hotmail.com

To those who will say "I told you so" well noted and agreed!

I do not agree with the commissioners decision but I also now can see that Butch is something more than honest, in my humble opinion. "

K. D. Dennis wrote on Mar 14, 2008 10:54 PM:

" I FEAR THAT THE COMMISSIONERS WILL POSSIBLY MESS WITH THE INDIVIDUAL OWNERS AFTER THE SALE AND THEY TRY TO SET-UP THEIR HOMES. I AM WONDERING HOW THEY WILL DO IT. PROBABLY THROUGH THE BUILDING INSPECTORS DENYING PERMITS. "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 11, 2008 11:27 PM:

" Well, this blog seems to have taken a bit of a hiatus.

Just thought that those who truly are interested should download the new revised mobile home standards.

It is good to stay informed. Please for all that are owners in Chalk Bluffs Estates stay connected with this issue and let your voices be heard.

It appears that some of the "restrictions" have been revised.

I would recommend that we stay vigilant in our efforts.

"

K. D. Dennis wrote on Mar 7, 2008 11:28 AM:

" THANKS WYOCRAZEE.

THE COMMISSIONERS ALTERED THE REGS ON MOBILEHOMES TO BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH THEIR REGIONAL SPECS. HUD DOES NOT CERTIFY HOMES BUT THE RATE REGIONS IN THE U.S. HOWEVER, ALL MOBILE HOMES HAVE FOR YEARS BUILT ALL THEIR MOBILE HOMES TO FIT ALL OF THE HUD REGIONS IN THE LOWER 48 STATES. SO, EVEN IF YOU HAVE A 20 YEAR OLD MOBILE IT WILL COMPLY. YOU JUST NEED TO GET THE BUILDERS CERTIFICATION FOR YOURS. HOPEFULLY, THEY HAVE NOT GONE OUT OF BUSINESS LIKE FUQUA. THEY BUILT THE BEST QUALITY OF ALL AND WENT UNDER BECAUSE THEIR HIGHER COST PEOPLE BOUGHT CHEAP WITH COMPRESS PAPER SHELVES, ETC. FUQUA HAD PLASTER WALLS, SOLID WOOD SHELVES, ETC.

I ALSO MET THE GUY THAT IS TO DO THE RENOVATIONS ON THE UNITS ON CHALK BLUFF AND ALL PEOPLE THAT HAVE HIRED HIM STATE THAT HE DOES FIRST RATE WORK AND IF THEY NEED ANY ADDITION CONSTRUCTION THEY WILL CALL HIM.

I HAD HIM DO A SMALL JOB FOR ME AND I DON'T SEE HOW IT COULD HAVE BEEN DONE ANY BETTER EVEN IF I HAD BOUGHT THE WHAT NEED TO HE BUILT.

I-UNDERSTAND-A-LOT-OF-PROGHORN-ARE-ON-THE-PROPERTY. "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 6, 2008 5:23 PM:

" To: K. D. Dennis

I would have to wholeheartedly agree. The hill that is behind (south) the road on my tract will most likely never be used for anything but riding horses and such. I personally want the wildlife and open areas. That is the point of owning more than a couple acres. THANK YOU for all your great information. Nice to see that some on this blog have an intelligent way of thinking.
"

K. D. Dennis wrote on Mar 6, 2008 11:25 AM:

" ONE THING THAT THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE IS PROHIBITED ALL MOBILE HOMES BEING SOLD OR ERECTED IN LARAMIE COUNTY. HUD DOES NOT CERTIFY MOBILE HOMES. SO EVEN IF YOU BOUGHT A NEW ONE IT DOES NOT CONFORM. I BELIEVE THAT THE COMMISSIONERS DID THE EMERGENCY RULE TO HINDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN. I THINK THAT THEY ARE TRYING TO BANKRUPT MR.MARLIN. I KNOW THAT ALL THE MONEY HE HAS RECEIVED THUS FAR HAS BEEN PLACED IN ESCROW. NOT A PENNY HAS BEEN SPENT. I HEARD, BUT DON'T KNOW, THAT SOME OF THE MOBILE HOME DEALERS ARE NOT HAPPY WITH THE RULING EITHER. NONE OF THEIR MOBILE HOMES COMPLY WITH THE HUD REQUIRED CERTIFICATION. I THINK THAT EVERYONE THAT IS MOVING OUT TO CHALK BLUFF IS PLANNING ON BUILDING AT SOME POINT. I WOULD HOPE THAT THE NEW PEOPLE WOULD BE WILLING TO ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT TO FENCE ON THE HOUSE AND CORRAL AND LEAVE ALL OF THE BACK OPEN FOR GRAZING AND THE KIDS TO PLAY. "

Lauthas wrote on Mar 5, 2008 5:20 PM:

" Hello Rick,

I am also one whom has bought a lot from Mr. Marlin. I look forward to being neighbors too. It is quite unfortunate that those that do not understand the issues are commenting. If it does not affect you why post. Is all I see on this blog is how much Mr. Marlin is making on us poor people that cant even afford propane in our run down shacks, sad really that people can not understand that educated individuals made the decision to live as they wish to and can think for themselves as to how that can happen, without the lovely commissioners thinking that they have to implement a law because they think one person needs to be made an example within the community, while those that are currently under contract wait for them to iron out there issues. I am angry that I can not go forward as planned because selfish nasty people want to control MY life and Mr. Marlins. Whether it is lot 22, or lot 5 im moving in. I look forward to meeting you. "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:32 AM:

" To: K. D. Dennis

I think you are correct! Thank you for pointing out the legality of such nonsense.

To: ALL

I hope all concerned have truly and actually looked over the "proposed amendment" the section 60.030 (C) states that the mobile home that are "non-conforming" cannot be relocated on YOUR own land.

What does this have to do with "safety" or "affordable" or "protection of property values"?

Everyone who lives or intends to to live in the county needs to become aware of the entire amendment. "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 5, 2008 9:23 AM:

" To: Rick

Howdy neighbor! The you will be living with decent neighbors who care about the aesthetics of their property and care about more than what shape the land.

We are hard working people who are also planning to build a strawbale home on the tract in Chalk Bluffs Estates. We believe that making less of an impact on the land and the resources is a good thing for Laramie County. But of course I will need a home to live in while we build. Not that the commissioners care about what I can afford now so that I am able to build.

Like I stated before I would welcome all my neighbors both pro and con to see my refurbished mobile home.
"

rick wrote on Mar 4, 2008 2:04 PM:

" to all my new neighbor's hi, I'm lot 11 looking forward to have good decent people living next door.
not like the self righteous .... ones who seam to be posting on something that doesnt affect them. "

K. D. Dennis wrote on Mar 4, 2008 10:59 AM:

" WHAT MANY OF YOU FAIL TO REALIZE WHEN IT COMES TO MAKING LAWS IS THAT IF YOU ARE BOUND BY THEM THEN YOU ARE LIVING BY THE PRIVILGE OF THE STATE. IN THIS CASE THE COUNTY. ANOTHER FACT THAT YOU HAVE OVERLOOKED IS THE COMMISSIONERS HAVE NO AUTHORITY OVER WHOLLY OWNED LAND. THEIR AUTHORITY ENDS WITH COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND FINANCED PROPERTY. IF A LAND OWNER THAT WHOLLY OWNS HIS PROPERTY HE CAN BUILD OR PUT WHATEVER HE WANTS ON IT, PERIOD. THAT IS A RIGHT AND RIGHTS CANNOT BE CONVERTED TO A PRIVILGE AND THE GRANTED UPON THE PAYMENT OF A FEE. ANY GOOD COUNSELOR OF LAW WILL TELL YOU THAT. ATTORNEYS WILL WITH HOLD INFO SO THAT YOU ALWAY NEED THEIR HELP. THAT IS HOW THEY MAKE THEIR MONEY BY PLAYING THE LEGAL GAME. THE COUNSELOR ON THE OTHER HAND CHALLENGES THE LAW.
BUTCH WAS FORCED TO MAKE THE LOTS INTO 35 ACRES SECTIONS. HE DID IT IN THE MANNER IT WAS DONE TO HELP SAVE BUYERS MONEY ON THEIR INGRESS/EGRESS. I CANNOT FAULT BUTCH. IT COMES BACK TO PROSSER AND THE COMMISSIONERS FOR THIS MESS, END OF STORY. I PERSONALLY DON'T FEEL THEIR ACTIONS ARE LEGAL. "

charles hockenberger wrote on Mar 3, 2008 8:30 PM:

" I was wondering if there are any ethics or values anymore? I was raised to honor thy neighbors, treat others with respect, and to not judge others. All I want is a chance to homestead like my fore fathers before me, what is so wrong with that? Should it matter what kind of home I put on it just as long as I maintain its integral value or have the means provided for me in a contract? We all work hard for what we have whether rich or poor, we all put our pants on the same! "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 3, 2008 5:49 PM:

" To: CVM

I think that county commissioners should have a time limit. But I can think of a few more "limits" that could be placed upon them as well. "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 3, 2008 5:43 PM:

" In love with crazee

Oh my dear I never left!! So happy to hear you missed me. AWWWWWW so sweet and kind. I love you too, my darling. Can't wait till our next meeting.

"

In love with crazee wrote on Mar 3, 2008 2:30 PM:

" I am so happy wyocrazee's back! It makes idiot look good! "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:41 PM:

" To: Joe
"Mr. Marlin should be beaten"

WHAT? I guess all the land owners in America should be beaten as well. Are you a landowner?

Do YOU intend to sell your property at a profit? If you sell your property at the same cost as it was purchased I guess you truly are better than every American who buys a home or land and WANTS it to appreciate in value so that they can "MAKE MONEY".

Mr. Marlin is making money, though not as much as he could have with the original plat plans. Of course, he wants to make things as best for himself. Wouldn't you?

Those who have bought this land have no illusions on the size, shape, or conditions that encompass the actual living there. Actually, I do not care if Mr. Marlin makes TONS of money on me and the other residents. All I am concerned with is MY land, MY happiness, and MY families well-being.

My needs/desires are being met with this property and the needs/desires of Mr. Marlin's as well.

"

CVM wrote on Mar 3, 2008 12:06 PM:

" I don't what everyone thinks, but I believe it is time for term limits for county commissioners. What do you think? "

Concerned wrote on Mar 2, 2008 7:03 PM:

" To Butch,
You said that you chose the shape of these lots to utilize the existing road, obviously to save you from having to build roads to more normal shaped lots. The people buying your lots do know that they're not going to just be able to access the county road directly from their lot, right? No way they allow 27 access points. Are you going to make them pay for the service road? And are you going to reduce the cost of the lots to compensate them for their lost property as the road cuts through their land? Who's plowing this road in the winter? Who's building the fences? "

Lauthas wrote on Mar 2, 2008 5:16 PM:

" Rage,

You are quite an amazing person. I have sat here looking at ALL the posts and find yours to be quite amusing. I find that ones educational background does not equal ones status, or sociological standing among ones peers, that is quite evident when it comes to your posts. most of your posts are that of low class, even more low class than those that are "hillbillies" or "drug dealers". I'm just wondering if you are a family member or actually Prosser himself with a cute little stage name of "RAGE". Do not care really, but if you are I do understand your "rage" with the issues, but being that we are all in the United States of America, and last I checked we have rights just like you, I feel that you are just a miserable person that has to jump up and down like a little child when he does not get his way. Please keep posting and stick with the issues, not your stone age tongue lashings. Sorry Butch that you are in the position that you are because of narrow minded people like "Rage Prosser". "

Nurse Hatchet wrote on Mar 2, 2008 4:07 PM:

" Alright I already wrote about how are you dumb down americans getting your idiotic suggestions.
Listen nobody is judging the wrong doers...just read some other ppl's comments and remenber you can't get out faster then me because it's the stinky loanprogram officers keeping you grounded here and nobody is poor we all make money to support our homeloan roof over our families head and shoulders...Everyday is a new begining to get HUD article 1 asking price costs you just have to apply yourself to getting whatever money is needed to keep us living...have to go rehab is calling me back...to relocate in a nicer climate!!! Thanks (uncle) BUTCH!!! "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:34 PM:

" To: Rage,

You really believe that you upset Cheyenne's people? Well... maybe some might have thought you were a bit Hitler-ish but I for one didn't care that you posted such a "unique" viewpoint. Actually I found it to be amusing and laughable.

The interesting part of this blog is that so many will hide behind those words of hate and yet you will try and bring people into your elitist attitude. Posting rude arrogant remarks about the shape of land or how those who bought are stupid. But no one is asking that YOU live there. No one is asking that YOU LOVE us who bought there. No one is asking for YOU to agree with our purchase or if we might be dead before we pay it off. SO WHAT, WHATS IT TO YOU?

Have you forgotten the reason for this blog? The county is singling out ONE man. The article above states that very fact!

Why is it that no one cares for the substandard mobile homes WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OR THE ONES IN MOBILE HOME "PARKS".

Is safety less important to them? "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 2, 2008 2:21 PM:

" To:To wyocrazee wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:03 AM:

I name called when was that? OH yea, thats right I am the one who said that certain people are ignorant and I also called those who might write my personal email address as "trolls". A common term for those on the Internet that like to stir up stuff.

Rehab...**hearty laugh** sorry never did the rehab thing you see I am not a druggie, unemployed bum. Nor am I uneducated.

I do not have to "shut up" any more than you do. I will continue to fight long and hard for what I believe in. So I have made a choice to fight for what I believe in.

If my posts upset YOU then skip them and continue reading.

No, I am not related to "Ralph in Phoenix" you really are simple minded aren't you? Did you not read his post on THIS blog? He states; "So are any of these same trailers ones that FEMA got rid of after Hurricane Katrina,due to toxic
levels of cynacide
in them prehaps here?"

The word HERE does mean where his is at...DUH! "

wyocrazee wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:51 PM:

" To: outside observer,

You are exactly right and Mr. Marlin has chosen to take the higher road.

Personally, I believe him and will continue to do so until such a time that I am lied to.

I do want my "pencil" of land to have a nice home and to be esthetically beautiful. I want safety for ALL home owners not just those who live on Chalk Bluffs. Those are to include those who are currently living in substandard mobile homes in mobile home "parks".

People on this blog tend to ASSUME too many things regarding what my contract says or what I am all about. It is none of their business yet they have made it their business.

So in closing, I agree that this should/could be discussed and a happy ending to all.

Thank you for seeing through the muck of those who are mean, hateful individuals. "

Joe wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:42 PM:

" Continued...Mr. Marlin should be beaten. If anyone thinks he's doing this to help people, you are wrong. He's lining his pockets with cash and creating another dump. The county should also create park standards, and require the owners of these parks to keep them clean and safe. Take a look at some of the parks down south. They are terrible. They charge at least $250.00 per month for lot rent, times 200 spaces...Heck, $600K a year is going where??? I'll tell you right now, it's not going into the park. Set the standards higher, create better living opportunites for the citizens of Laramie County. "

Joe wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:26 PM:

" I think most people are missing the point. Building a new mobile home park and placing mobile homes that are safe and sound into an area that will be affordable for residents is a great idea. If the park is kept up and children can be safe, then great. This man isn't doing that. He's bringing in junk homes which have failed inspection from other states. He's building a slum, not acceptable for adults, and clearly not acceptable for children. I commend the County for finally taking a stand on this issue. Residents who need low income properties should be shouting for joy. Someone is finally saying "if you are poor, you don't have to live in an un-safe home or environment." The standards for low income housing should be raised. Residents of Cheyenne should not have to pay rent for something that is uninhabitable. Cheyenne's children shouldn't have to live in another states junk. "

Another County Resident wrote on Mar 2, 2008 1:15 PM:

" Why are some of you taking personal shots at Ed Prosser? He is only protecting a way of life that he deeply values. I live in the country, as well. I understand that other people want to live in the country, but many people are not prepared to do so, and don't have the money/necessary experience to do so. People get stuck in the mud and snow with vehicles not intended for country conditions. Then get upset if we can't stop feeding, or whatever, to pull them out; as if it were our responsibility. They allow their dogs to run free, and then get mad when we tell them the dogs absolutely have to stop chasing our livestock. We don't threaten to shoot their dogs, as we love our dogs, too, but it is very frustrating, especially during calving when the mother cows are vulnerable. Some people move to the country, then complain that they can't pay their heating bills. People: do your research. Also, it's true what someone else said, don't expect to have city cell phone or internet use. It's different living out here. Isn't thatwhatyouwanted? "

Common sense needed here wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:25 AM:

" County Commissioners:
Please do your homework before passing laws that would place a hardship on those who CHOOSE to live in mobile/modular homes. There are two types of modulars: HUD ( units built on steel beams that remain in place) and UBC/IRC
(stick built,not site built except to assemble and add structures such as porches, decks and walkways. The UBC/IRC is built to the same standards and requirements as a site built house,and are placed on permanent foundations, and bolted to those foundations by means of a sill plate as site built houses are anchored.
There are many HUD/UBC homes throughout the county, and they have been set up in beautiful surroundings, well cared for, and are affordable for families who cannot afford the $200,000+ homes being built in Laramie County. Age is not a factor in mobile homes: upkeep, repairs and remodeling provide a safe and comfortable home for many people throughout the world.
This is a dangerous, slippery slope. If 10 year old mobile homes cannot be moved, we will then ask people with vehicles over 10 years to trade them in for newer models? Please use caution. "

former English teacher wrote on Mar 2, 2008 11:01 AM:

" "PRIVLEDGE"
Dear Rage,
Which Ivy league college graduates people with no spelling skills? Perhaps you need to go back to LCCC and take a basic English class.
"people benefiting from MY money to live the way I tell them to live "
Since you benefit from the tax money I and other taxpayers pay that maintains roads and city services, then that road goes both ways, Rage. I guess according to your belief, YOU should live as the rest of the taxpayers tell YOU to live as well since our tax monies benefit you. Your reasoning and argumentative skills are well below average (and you are an Ivy League grad? ) You should have taken my Argumentation Class when I was teaching. You could have benefited from the information found there. Have a nice day in your ivory tower. "

A retired teacher wrote on Mar 2, 2008 10:32 AM:

" "Sorry, I won't be getting laid off since I work in a demanding profession where job security is permanent for ME."

ME, ME, ME is the operative word here it seems. I pray you are not in the medical profession or one that provides services to the rest of us. And I hope you are not a teacher!
"PS it starts with a college education. Ivy league is preferred. "
It appears you didn't take any classes in sociology or manners, Rage. You are a prime example of the saying,
"You can dress 'em up, but you can't take 'em out". I suspect I have more degrees than you will ever have; too bad yours didn't come with a love for people and compassion for those who are less fortunate than you. I hope you don't have children: God knows we don't need another generation of jerks spewing your venom. Do us all a favor. Crawl back under the rock from which you came! "

A senior citizen wrote on Mar 2, 2008 10:20 AM:

" "POOR PEOPLE ARE POOR BY CHOICE"
You have to be kidding! No one chooses to be poor! You must have inherited your money or been blessed with health and no unfortunate circumstances to be so judgemental of the folks who struggle every day to maintain a living, much less a lifestyle. Many people have climbed the difficult ladder of success, only to be knocked off by unexpected illness, job loss, economic disasters or other unexpected happenings that brought them crashing to the financial ground. It is obvious that what is on the "outside" is more important to you than what is on the "inside" of people or homes. Many of us began our adult lives in mobile homes because it was something we could actually "own" and not, as my father said, "have a string of rent receipts that wouldn't buy a cup of 5 cent coffee"! To say that only a select few "deserve" to own a home and land is vicious and mean spirited. I think the the County Commissioners need to meet with Mr. Marlin and work out a plan for a "planned community" as he asked them to do. Reason, people, reason! "

DMata wrote on Mar 1, 2008 11:09 PM:

" To Rage,
First of all, if your ‘Goal’ in life is to upset the poor residents in Cheyenne you really need to get a LIFE. Secondly, with all of the ignorant comments you have made, I find it hard to believe that you are either educated or employed. The fact of the matter is, we live in the United States of America, and because of that, we do have the right to collect food stamps and live in a trailer house if we choose to, just as you have the right to make IGNORANT comments. Thirdly, I can not imagine that ANYONE poor, stupid, or otherwise would be jealous of you, my guess is that you meant to say EMBARRASSED , which I am. Lastly, you have neither upset me nor made me change my viewpoints. "

Outside Observer wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:56 PM:

" Continued: There are other examples as well such as when homeowners have to sell their property to their city or county so the property can be converted to another use. I have read of many examples of this being done, people forced to sell the home to the city at a price set by the city, the home being bulldozed down and a Walmart being constructed in it’s place. And yes, it is legal. This is not indigenous to Laramie County alone or even indigenous to Wyoming alone. It happens all over our country at various times. I would hazard a guess that the county commissioners do have the right to prevent Mr. Marlin from going through with his plans if the laws say it is within the right of the county to do so. It is not too late for them to do this either. These mobile homes are not inhabited yet.
There has been a lot of hostility exhibited in the postings on this matter. Perhaps it is time to stop calling names, slandering each other and start working on a solution so that a peaceful solution can be reached. "

Outside Observer wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:55 PM:

" continued: With regards to the legality of what the county commissioners are doing I would like to point out a few facts. I do not know how many of you were here or remember the Kornegay case but I do. He owned land surrounding Artesian Road and he used it to store materials from his demolition business. This included various building sections, railroad cars, stacks of used lumber and even old automobiles. He had been doing this for many years and was therefore grandfathered in. However, in time it was determined that it was a health hazard and he was ordered to clean up the property or the county would do it for him at his expense. Since he did not do as ordered the county went ahead and had it cleaned up and billed him for it. When he did not pay that bill his land was seized. This whole thing ended up in the courts and the county was found to be within their rights. I am not suggesting that Mr. Marlin is attempting the same thing but I relay this story to bring home a point. There are certain laws, regulations, and rulings that the county has. "

Outside Observer wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:52 PM:

" Continued: It is sad that Mr. Marlin is being made into the first case on these matters but this is a problem that is long overdue in being addressed. So, since Mr. Marlin states that he will be reconditioning the mobile homes, perhaps this is a matter that could be resolved amicably by overseeing and ensuring that the reconditioning includes replacing those things that are a health, fire and safety hazard. Perhaps these and other items brought up here on this board regarding the conditions of the trailers could also be addressed and resolved before any parties would be allowed to take up residence. I am sure that each potential buyer truly has his/her family’s best interests at heart and has no real desire to place their loved ones at risk. If Mr. Marlin cannot produce on the promises he made then I doubt that many of the buyers would be interested in purchasing those lots with the trailers on them at the prices he is asking. "

Jason wrote on Mar 1, 2008 10:01 AM:

" What ever happened to home is what you make it? I for one,as said in a previous post, own a 32 yr old DW mobile home. I am now a crack dealer. Illegal alien or a criminal. I have taken a three bed 2 bath house and turned it into a 4 bed 2 bath house fully sheet rocked house total cost of improvements around $6500.00 I could have taken that and put it into a new home chose not to because I to have a family, and would like them to have the things that I can provide for them. I make an honest living working sometimes 60 hrs to 80 hrs a week. I live well within my means and will continue to do so I am going to move my house onto land out at chalk bluffs whether any one tells me I can do so or not my house is well above code when I bought my home it was trashed. Now it is my families and I's castle just remember Prosser if it walk and talks like a duck must be a duck "

TJ wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:12 AM:

" I do not believe that this piece of land is divided up very good and the shape of it is ridiculous. I also world never live in a run down roach motel (or trailer) which is a fire waiting to happen. Why pay 750.00-950.00 a month depending on the loan period 30-50 years for life or until you win the lotto (wishfully thinking) and pay it off when you can pay the same price to finance a land home package and live in a nice new home on a square piece of land that isn't the shape of a ruler? Personally, I would rather not spend all of my money on land for the rest of my life. I have a life to live and I plan on enjoying it to the fullest. To each his own. Good luck to everyone and I hope your plans work out for you. "

To wyocrazee wrote on Mar 1, 2008 4:03 AM:

" Your name states it all.Take a pill OR go back to the rehab.
On another note,I saw this "land" which is a block wide and mile long for $110.000.It is not worth that much money as far as I am concerned but I suppose it works for individuals with a poor credit rating who can not get financing. I personally would not live in a run down trailer but to each his own.Do I believe that there should be a standard for housing in Cheyenne? Yes of course I do. Especially if children are going to be raised in one. It needs to be safe and structurally sound. The age of the home really shouldn't matter as long as it is fit for living in and if the parents can not afford something that is safe to live in then they shouldn't have any kids bottom line. As far as the pre existing neighbors on chalk bluffs are concerned,I can understand where they are coming from however,I see where a lot of other folks are coming from as well.The whining has got to stop, And so does the name calling. You call yourself an adult? Grow up.
"

rage wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:24 PM:

" I hope they DO pass the law. We need to meet a certain standard in this country. I am tired of people being allowed to look and live like trash. It is a disgrace to this nation and if my taxes are going to pay for people's food stamps and subsidized housing (which HAS to meet a standard also) then I expect the people benefiting from MY money to live the way I tell them to live otherwise, stop stealing from me and start making your own money. NO NOT EVERYONE deserves to own their own land or homes. That PRIVLEDGE should be reserved for those of us who EARN it. Not all of us were given a free ride. Many of us have had to struggle and sacrifice everything to get the education and the jobs that we have. I don’t care who I offend here. POOR PEOPLE ARE POOR BY CHOICE. The rest of us CHOSE a better life and worked harder than any of you can imagine to climb the ladder to salvation and for that, I deserve to boast about it. Jealousy will get you nowhere in a hurry.
"

rage wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:19 PM:

" Ha ha. I see that I have met my goal by “upsetting” Cheyenne’s poor residents. So sad that all of you have no money to buy a piece of land without making payments over 50 years and never really owning anything. Too bad that you chose to live in a run down stick shack rather than investing money into something that will be worthwhile. You people are what make WY look like a hillbilly state and now the government wants to lay down a law and you want to cry and moan. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA. Yes, it is all about jealousy that poor bums want a piece of the American pie but don't want to get off of their lazy butts and earn it and make it LOOK nice. Sorry, I won't be getting laid off since I work in a demanding profession where job security is permanent for ME. If you would like to live a comfortable lifestyle rather than envy those of us who do then I would be happy to assist you in the right direction. PS it starts with a college education. Ivy league is preferred. Losers need not apply.Chalk bluffs crack corner will be a wasteland. "

To wyocraze wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:07 PM:

" I am assuming that you have chosen the 50 year plan at 750.00 a month. Too bad for you that you will die before you pay off the land that you so much love. You are a sucker. The next people to get it will already have it half paid off. You will not enjoy owning anything since it won’t be yours until it is paid off and unless you are 20 something, I see that as not happening before you die. You stated your endless babbling blasphemy. Now it’s someone else’s turn. Talk about a loser. You have spoken, and not very many people really care what you have to say. Are you related to ralphinphnx by any chance? Do us all a favor and shut up. "

K. D. Dennis wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:16 PM:

" AT THE STORE AND RAN INTO A RELATIVE OF BUTCH'S. THIS RELATIVE WAS TELLING ME THAT BUTCH HAS OFFERED TO DO A FORUM AND ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS ASKED IF THE COMMISSIONERS DID THE SAME.

AFTER REVIEWING THE BLOG I FOUND WHERE BUTCH OFFERS JUST THAT.

IF BUTCH IS OFFERING THIS AND THE COMMISSIONERS AREN'T THEN I GUESS WE REALLY, REALLY KNOW WHOM TO BELIEVE.

AGAIN, IF YOU WANT TO BUY ELSEWHERE, DO SO. BUTCH IS NOT HOLDING A GUN TO ANYBODY'S HEAD.

THIS IS SIMPLY ELITE CRONYISM NOT WANTING THE WORKING CLASS AS NEIGHBORS.

MAYBE A MILK COW ALONG WITH THE HORSE. I CAN'T DO THAT IN CHEYENNE.

READERS ALSO NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT BUTCH WAS FORCED INTO MAKING THE LOTS AS THEY STAND NOW. FROM THE PLANS I SAW FOR NEW HOMESITES IT WAS A NICE COMMUNITY WITH SPACE FOR WILDLIFE.

I WILL ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH MY NEIGHBORS FOR WHATEVER IS NEEDED TO HELP US AS A GROUP AND TO ENHANCE OUR PROPERTY ON CHALK BLUFF HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION WITHOUT DUES. "

Jason wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:12 PM:

" My Mobile home is thirty two years old guess I better not talk to Butch about moving it out there...even though it has been totally remodeled including plumbing and wiring...MY CHOICE is to get with Butch about this and move out to a piece of land I have been in Wyoming my entire life and have never seen such bull. I will be voting in the next election and these BONEHEADS won't be re-elected after my remodel my house is now built better than most "stick-built" houses out there just because you live on Yellowstone does not make you rich...means your sucked down in debt..my house and all improvements are PAID FOR so ha ha suckers as for moving out to Chalk Bluffs I am all for it and am taking a drive out to look at the remaining lots tomorrow..ENJOY YOUR HIGH HOUSE PAYMENTS you yuppies on the north side "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 7:56 PM:

" To all who would like to peruse the actual amendment please do so at http://www.laramiecounty.com/departments/planning/Regulations_and_Standards.asp

To all those who who may not be sure this is COUNTY WIDE and we also will not be allowed ANY mobile home that does not meet HUD specs for even storage.

Also, if your mobile home is not conforming now you also may not "upgrade" it to a newer model unless that model is HUD approved.

You must all read the "purpose" statement. "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:56 PM:

" To: charles hockenberger

My sediments exactly thank you for your words.. a bit of good feeling are needed not only on this blog but within Cheyenne. "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:53 PM:

" To: Butch Marlin,

I for one would be happy to sit down with any of the neighbors or the commissioners to hammer this out. It appears that some are willing to hide behind nameless blog names and throw daggers of anger over mobile homes.

If I owned a 500,000 dollar home in any area I for one would be proud to have some of the people whom have bought your land as neighbors mobile home or stick built.

Some people are ignorant and mean-spirited and hate the world. I feel quite sorry for them having so much hate and rage...Too bad they actually have money (or think they do) because I doubt they put it to good use.

Thank you Butch for trying to help those who are helping themselves. Some people can't see the forest for the trees.

"

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:45 PM:

" To: Call Me A Dreamer

Hey...your going to start a day care, and horse boarding...I think I will use mine as a private airstrip and offer free space rental.

But I would have to rescind this if we actually do not have to fight for what is legally ours with NO covenants.

Imagine the traffic on Chalk Bluffs Road.... and the noise... WOO HOO **devilish grin**

"

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:41 PM:

" To: all Chalk Bluff Estates soon to be residents!

I think the time has come to join forces and actually meet in person. I also think it is about time that we start get our voices heard at the commissioners meetings. I for one will not belly up to Prosser or any other good ol' boy.

I think we can start by taking a poll in ALL mobile home parks to find out how old each lots mobile is. Then start searching the records for mobile homes 10+ years old on private land county wide.

We need to start a petition, go on the local television stations and get those commissioners to see solidarity and commitment.

Please email me at wyocrazee@hotmail.com for further information.

Please include your name that you used upon closing with the escrow company and your tract number. This is necessary to weed out those emails that are from the nasty people who inhabit this blog. Better known as "trolls" on the Internet.

"

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:22 PM:

" To: To chalk bluffs resident

Hummmm get a job and THEN you will back off...well start backing as the owners of tract 22 and possibly tract 5 is employed! In fact, has been since age 14.

Honestly you are not trying to offend anyone yet you ASSUME the people who are buying the tracts are unemployed or on welfare! Do you actually KNOW what welfare pays? Certainly not enough to make a 750.00 dollar a month mortgage.Don't forget to add in all those costs that were written down in the earlier posts...you know the ones that we blindly did not "know" because we are all stupid and ignorant.

What makes you AGAIN ASSUME that this is our first time at buying property?

"

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 29, 2008 5:10 PM:

" To: Rage,

Well how sweeeet you are with all your name calling and ignorant forms of speech! I love it when someone like you is enraged.

And to sit here and think you are calling us as stupid. AMAZING!!

Jealousy is not this is about, you see "rage", we are Americans first with certain inalienable rights.If I chose to write my thoughts here on this blog I can say whatever I wish to within the guidelines of this newspaper. You may also do the same. But to name calling isn't about intelligent conversation and lively debate.No one stoops so low as when name calling begins.

But since you started the name calling I guess I should say... I am rubber you are glue, whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you...LOL...LOL

So..."rage" are you even more enraged yet? After all, isn't your rage nothing more than being irritated at something you cannot control?

Come play with me again sometime...OK????

"

reply to Yellowstone wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:43 PM:

" to Yellowstone bigot.
if i wanted to live on Yellowstone i could, but i find the neighbors are a little high and mighty with there self righteous attitudes, didn't want my kids growing up thanking real people were like that. "

rick wrote on Feb 29, 2008 4:11 PM:

" to rage.
I get neither food stamps, or subsidized housing. I make a decent living, neither rich or poor, pay my taxes, and MIND MY OWN BUSINESS! I don't make broad generalizations about people that I don't know. My question to you is, how many of "the 27" lot owners have you met? If the answer is none, then you're just being an arrogant (cant say it family newspaper). "

Call me a dreamer wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:24 AM:

" You know JD, I don't attack anyone here, why would you? I guess that is your opinion that I am argueing, I am simply stating my opinion, and BTW this affects me directly, so I will stay involved. "

DMata wrote on Feb 29, 2008 10:56 AM:

" Rage, you should be ashamed of yourself and your ignorant comments. Maybe you should live in Cuba, if you dont appreciate your rights. I dont know what you do for a living but I can certainly guarantee that you do not feed all of the poor by paying your taxes, nor would you or should you have a say in how anyone chooses to live. you say you are educated but all your comment shows is your ignorance. where did you go to school???? POOR people are not poor by choice, just as you are probably not ignorant by choice. And when you get laid off or you lose your job and need to get foodstamps, you should call me and maybe i should say what groceries you should buy with them!!! Life, happens and sometimes circumstances cause people to need help, and it will happen to you or someone you know, and hopefully when they come for help the person helping them does not have the same ignorant viewpoints as you!!!!
DMata "

No Joke wrote on Feb 29, 2008 9:14 AM:

" This all sounds really stupid after looking for a new park to live in ourselves. Did you know that almost every park in this town has at lease one sexual offender living in it ? We all have a lot more to worry about then how our yards look nowadays, we have to worry about being safe and keeping our children out of the way of molesters and our women away from rapists. www.wysors.dci.wyo.gov "

charles hockenberger wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:33 PM:

" Also I would like to add that after I closed on my property from Butch I am only paying $63 more than I am paying to live in a trailer park. I also have the ability to pay it off early if I so choose. Add the fact that I am able to itemize the interest. WOW now that does seem to be a good deal. Thank you Butch for giving me and my family a chance to be a county land owner! I think that those uninformed people who think they know really dont. So to all the residents of chaulk bluffs I am glad to call you neighbors way to welcome my family and I into the neighbor hood. And to think I live in the equality state. What is equal about what I choose to do with my land and what you choose to do with your land? Why dont you explain to my kids why the 1974 trailer i live in now is better then a refurbished trailer we will get from Butch? To those who try to discourage only makes people fight harder to show u yuppies we belong to! "

charles hockenberger wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:11 PM:

" First off I would like to thank all Butch for allowing my family and I a chance to own more then 150ft. of land my trailer sits on now.I know some of you out there think that what he is doing is wrong or unethical, however what he is doing is what any business professional would do if they owned that kind of land to. I commend those who have bought land from him and are trying to give themselves and there families more than a trailer park does.When I moved into the trailer I currently live in there was no county commissioner to say it was unsafe for me and my family even tho it was!!!! I have lived in it for three years and it still doesn't meet codes. All that tells me is it's okay as long as you don't own the land to go with it . Mr. Prosser is afraid his land will depreciate cause mobile homes are to close to his place is a sign of greed. What about all the other trailers out there? How come no one has mentioned the mobile home park being built on the same road? "

future neighbor wrote on Feb 28, 2008 5:55 PM:

" All I can do is shake my head .... we live in one of those trailers that needs a lot of work. Matter of fact, our toilet sits crooked because the floors are rotted. If you take everything out of a trailer you have a metal frame which you can rebuild from just like a house. If someone wants to take the time to refurbish these trailers, let em or they'll just end up in our land fills. When your fancy homes flood in the basements do you throw them out or rip up the floor and repair? With several member of my family in construction, it's cheaper to fix old homes than to purchase new ones. As far as Butch, he's a business man of course he's trying to make money. I think it's a killer idea and Prosser should of purchased the land himself instead of paying off the politicians. This is a small town. I had no idea Prosser had so much influence. Don't run for office ..... we can vote!!!! "

wowwee wrote on Feb 28, 2008 5:41 PM:

" it amazes me how everyone wants to tell someone how to spend there money whats a good deal and what a bad deal sounds like alot of people need to get off there high horse and let people do there own thing right or wrong! its there life and there money "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:11 PM:

" To: Concerned

Yes...I think asking "the commissioners" if Butch is 100% percent telling the truth is like asking the cat if he ate the canary with feathers sticking out of his mouth.

Ok...ya.... I'll ask the commissioners who thought THIS was an EMERGENCY! Last I looked emergencies were life threatening...oh that's right.... my children's lives or mine own are at stake because a mobile home is older than 10 years.

But then again...if these mobile homes are in a park that's all good!!!They are "safe" right? "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 28, 2008 1:04 PM:

" BTW... I am from "Cali" as you put it, born and raised... and now...I actually live in Arizona. WOW what a shocker there huh???

I have lived in Cheyenne but moved away (hated living by the Interstate)... But in the infamous words of Arnold Schwarzenegger "I'll be back" when my pencil/airstrip land is complete.

I love California and Arizona, and even Colorado, but more importantly I LOVE Wyoming because of the quaint ways of thinking....thinking that by making "emergency" rulings that they will keep people out...sorry fellas the times are a changin' and your unpopulated state is PRIME for all us who want some wide open spaces for awhile.Here we come!

Oregon tried to make ruling also to keep "those Californians" out. It didn't work there and it won't work in Wyoming. So get scared and place all the restrictions you want.They will fall as well the "good ol' boys" club will.

The term "white trash" is interesting to me. Are you ASSUMING once again all that bought Chalk Bluffs Estates tracts are "white"? Could this be a bit of racism?

"

Tammy wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:59 PM:

" All the negative and look down your nose comments about Chalks Bluff clearly shows all of your closed minds. Was all of your family born into money or did somewhere someone start at the bottom of the barrel? If this wasn't for you...so be it. If your upset about the $750.00 a month I was going to pay for something I wanted...so be it. I don't tell you how to spend your money. Bottom line is people should have choices...Wyoming is the prime example of the "man" is going to law themselves to death. "

K. D. Dennis wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:51 PM:

" I am not sure I want to live in Prosser County anymore, or is it still called Laramie by those that think we live in a republic. As for $$$ aren't you suppose to make $$$ in business or is that disallowed for Butch Marlin. Let see you go and get a 30-50 year mortgage from any bank or lending institution and let me know where. Prosser tried to make money on this deal a couldn't on any phase so he complained to his elite cronies that are also building a subdivision at FULL density not far from here off of Chalk Bluff. I think one of the commissioners also has an interest in a mobile home concern in making or selling them. Nice way to pad the business for $$$, huh? All those that wish to rename the county officially to Prosser say, "Commissioners"! Just because he was refused a partnership by Butch Marlin he is unhappy that he did not make the $$$ he wanted. Just think, I can live there and have a horse and ride for a mile one way and still be on my own land. What's not to want? "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:47 PM:

" To all who ask if "Butch" told us EVERYTHING!

Lets see...I am not uneducated, nor do I do drugs. I do not need anyone "telling" me about the cost of propane...I think I can figure that one out for myself. Lets see...cell service...I walked my personal piece of "air strip" and found cell service just fine with FULL bars. Now for Internet, well hummmm I actually already own satellite Internet and my "payments" are less than some in town.

Ok...now on to having my children
pay-off" my mortgage...that one really makes me laugh... you see I do not plan on paying on the property for 50 years. Did any one of you consider that we the owners of tracts might just pay them off? I mean really...how many people now in current times, actually pay off their mortgages. Most just keep getting more expensive houses...kind like glorified renters.

Funny to me that those who are do not want us that are moving to the tracts ASSUME we will pay them off in 50 years...WHAT?? Have you not heard? There is such as thing as qualifying for a regular mortgage? "

believer in dreams wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:47 PM:

" Many people have purchased mobile/modular homes, that they have put into local parks, or on rented land. They did this in many cases to have a good, sound home, that they could afford, for their families. Many of those same people did it with the intention of eventually moving to their own land. This is simply planning for the future. (BTW there are some VERY nice manufactured homes out there! Definately NOT "hillbilly")

Now the opportunity arises to make this dream come true, and few people are able to completely destroy their plans. How in the world is this fair??

The ramifications of this decision are widespread. The way I understand this (please correct me if I'm wrong), if your home is over 10 years old, not only can you not move to Mr Marlin's land, but you can't move your home to ANY land in unincorporated Laramie County.

What a travesty!!!

I live in a stick built home in NW Cheyenne, and I certainly DON'T have a city block wide lot. That's alot of frontage and lots of room to raise kids. "

K.D. Dennis wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Here is the bottom line: You don't have to buy any of these lots. Go west young man an find what you want. I am not sure I want to live in Prosser County anymore, or is it still call Laramie? You find a better piece of land, buy it and see if you can get up to 50 years to pay it off. Yeah, you raise the total payout for lowering your monthly payment but I don't know of many banks or mortgage firms offering over 30 years with land and most want to limit to 20 or less. The original design was well planned. All agencies reviewing before it went to the Commissioners approved highly. So since Prosser could not make $$$ selling land to Butch, Prosser objects. When Butch uses state law for the lots/outside/of/commisioners/authority Prosser gets the commissioners to ban PART of the plan by trying to limit buyers of the lots to age of mobile homes. Of course, you can buy a new or used less than 10yrs. Even get bank financing until Prosser finds out and gets the bank to refuse your loan. All those wanting to rename Laramie to Prosser/say/Commissioners! "

rick wrote on Feb 28, 2008 12:03 PM:

" to high lonesome;
first of all go talk to your your bank.
they will want 20% down for raw land.
they don't want to loan on improvements unless your are building right now.
so the alternative is 20% down for raw land pay for the improvements cash out of pocket then move your home. or buying with 2000 dollars down with improvements for me its a no brainer.
the lots are 300' wide not 250'.
so one home every city block is not bad most of us will put our homes on the first 400' of the lots
so my yard will be 300'x400' not all bad with open space behind us for as far as we can see.
"o ya a football field is 300' long so 100 yard's" average city lot is 60' to 120' wide and 180' deep so i have no problem having a 300' wide yard! why would you? we will end up with more open space than most of the subdivisions around us. just because the good old boy's have keep the city from growing south and now that is they don't like it. to bad.

"

rick wrote on Feb 28, 2008 11:15 AM:

" to Butch.
You don't know me so before u say trash or hillbilly come meet me face to face i own lot 11 out there.
I'll meet you any day any time to discuss your trash comment's.
by the way between me and my wife we make a decent wage not rich but not poor.
my home has been payed off for 14 yrs
so lets talk about your back woods elitist comment's face to face
be a man and post about why u disagree not some racist slur
that u cant back up. "

rick wrote on Feb 28, 2008 11:02 AM:

" sorry he didn't squeeze an many on there as would fit. if he had made the lots square there still would of been 27 of them.
by the way i grew up in the country so i know all about propane, the drive to town, downed power line due to snow wind etc. that's part of living out of town.
lot 4 miles from this: "and most other lots u can find north west and east of town"
6 ac. for 50K
well to 500" 15k
septic. 4500
elect up to 300' 4500
propane tank 1200
is $75,200*6ac. =
$12,533 per ac
this lot with all the above
$100,000*35ac.=$2,857.
not a bad deal when put that was is it.
and that's before any home is put on it.
as far as the total cash payed back
u better check your mortgage now, it will be about the same.
I'm paying 2% above a prime rate on this, i can live with that. and can refinance in the future when i build at a later date.
And how STUBID is not to thank he's making money on it! why does any one make a development but to make money.
"

chris thurston wrote on Feb 28, 2008 10:11 AM:

" ok
i have read about all i can stand what a mess last i heard this is still the good old USA what ever happened to all of our personal rights and freedoms
lets get rid of all these people in power who want to take these most important basic rights away from us get some in there who understand and respects the constitution and bill of rights both of wich say that we all of us have the right to do what we want with our homes and land no matter what anyone else thinks includeing them "

rage wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:57 AM:

dn wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:46 AM:

" This isn't about one person, this is about all county residents. The county commisioners have once again shown they do not have our best interest at heart. Please vote them out! Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is ours... but only if it fits into their ideas of quality life in the county, according to the commisioners. "

To chalk bluffs resident wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:35 AM:

" I truly feel bad for those of you who have nice places and have worked hard to make your places look presentable. It is sad that so many losers will now be occupying the land close to you. I saw those ugly trailers and there would have to be a LOT of work done to refurbish those dumps. I hardly believe that Butch is going to put MORE money into beautifying those rat holes. I am truly not intending to offend anyone here but c'mon people. If you had a nice piece of land and have put lots of money and hard work into it to make it look beautiful, would you want a bunch of ugly trashy trailers moving in all around you? There is a certain statement that is being made here. You don't see trashy trailers over there off of Yellowstone road where all of the nice mansions are. There is a reason why welfare trash and upper class people don't live near one another. Because the upper class gets their money ripped off to pay a bunch of lazy people who don't want to work. It’s not discrimination. Get a job and we'll back off. "

JD wrote on Feb 28, 2008 9:12 AM:

" I think that "Concerned" said it all. As for "call me a dreamer" I can think of a better word to call you but it wouldn't be appropriate for this blog so I'll just say "keep dreaming." Those of us who saw right through the scheme will still have our money and our lives. When you lose everything or spend the rest of your life paying off that poorly spread out waste land, you will wish that you had woken up sooner. If you wish to not engage in the argument, then stop putting your comments out for everyone else to read. As long as you have something to say, I will have something to say as well. We may never agree but one of us is right and it isn't you. Keep dreaming bone head. This goes for all of you gullible idiots who think that you are “living the American dream.” What a joke. Butch will make a killing off of you stupid people.
"

B.N. wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:20 AM:

" Commissioners - I am SO saddened by what you are planning to do. Jeff, you live in the county. Diane you grew up in the county. All three of you know better than what you are doing!! One person has made you mad, so all of us in the county will be punished. Punished in a way that directly affects our lives. How can you tell me that I cannot put a 10+ old trailer on MY property?? HOW CAN YOU SLEEP AT NIGHT? My, oh my, but you need to look at the WHOLE picture, not just one individual. You three will be in my prayers, because you need them badly. "

Butch Marlin wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:17 AM:

" I would be glad to sit down in a public forum with the county commissioners and the general public and answer any and all questions regarding this matter. Would they be willing to?

Thank you,

Butch Marlin "

Butch Marlin wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:03 AM:

" I would love to know the Subdivision regulations that I defied. The county couldn't give me any.

I was in California for 2 months helping relatives (I didn't live in Cali).

A few facts.

A County Commissioner had their subdivision approved while in office in 2005(conflict?)changing the zoning so their property went from 12 lots to 26 lots.

A county employee (Planning/zoning coordinator) had a development approved four miles west of me on the same paved road in 2006.

I told the neighbors in August of 2007 exactly what I was doing with the property after I had been denied the subdivision and offered it to them before I did it.

The fact is when you have $1.5 million total with cash and collateral (my house) plus another commercial loan of $1.0 million invested in something you cannot just walk away no matter who it upsets.

As far as the density goes, I could have put in 27 lots no matter what shape. I just choose to utilize the existing road, there was no act of defiance it was an act of SURVIVAL.

Thank you,

Butch Marlin "

Concerned wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:19 AM:

" To those of you have bought into the snakeoil that Butch is selling: Somewhere in the back of your mind you know that what he's offering is too good to be true, and you know what they say about that. It's clear that Butch has very little interest in helping you out. Look at his original plan for that land and you'll see that those were lots that most could never afford. It was a way for him to make money. As it turns out, the plan defied important regulations. Angry at "The Man", he's figured out the best way to squeeze as many people onto that land as possible. Why? Not to make your dream a reality, my friends. No, it is purely $$$ Then he comes to you and woos you with "The Dream". Please realize that you're going to be paying for this dream for the rest of your lives and then pass on the burden to your children, all while he moves back to Cali and reminisces about how he fleeced a bunch of backwater Wyoming rubes. Ask the commisioners if he's telling you the truth 100%. "

Call me a dreamer wrote on Feb 28, 2008 7:06 AM:

" To Chalk Bluff Resident:As a matter of fact, Mr. Marlin did tell us everything. "Lower income" doesn't mean broke! My family makes $45,000 a year or more, and yes I live in a 14 year old mobile home. I work very hard for what I have, and always have since 15! I will be raising my bills by over $500 a month just to live out there. Now what???? What do you have to have to say? I'm sure this argueing is making some of you feel good, I for one, just wanted to be left alone in peace, and have nice neighbors, clearly as residents out there we will only have each other to rely on. That's okay with me, 27 lots can mean 27 good people. "

high lonesome wrote on Feb 28, 2008 3:06 AM:

" Let's do some simple math. If you buy one of Butch's airstrips which are 250 feet wide and one mile long, you will pay $2000 down and $900 per month for 50 years. That means at the end of that period of time you will have paid $542,000 for your 35 acres. Why would you do that? There are numerous 35 acre tracts of land in this county that you could purchase with a 30 year mortage and pay $465 per month which would be a total purchase price of $167,400. Let's see, $167,400 for a square 35 acre tract of land with roads already built or $542,000 for a 35 acre tract of land that is 250 feet wide? I guess Butch's deal isn't too bad, if you own an airplane. "

Concerned wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:12 PM:

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 27, 2008 5:28 PM:

" To:County Dweller,

Sooooo, let me get this straight, YOU moved to the county for wide open spaces? Now, there are mobile homes all around you and your "house" is devalued. How old are these mobile homes? Any of them LESS than ten years old?

If I was to buy a 2000 mobile home and place it on county land Hummmm let's see at Chalk Bluffs Estates and live in it for 20 years would those houses that are built in 1999 be devalued in 2020 because there are simply mobile homes within the area?

Could it possibly be that the maintenance of BOTH mobile and stick built homes make the value less or more?

We keep going round and round about age yet this area has a mobile home communities that is in the county with some gosh awful mobile homes that are built in 2000. This is what I CAN place on this acreage, but it has had renters galore, each taking a toll on walls, floors, windows, and plumbing.

Your home may be devalued due to maintenance not because they are MOBILE HOMES.

"

Butch wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:58 PM:

" It's more like "Chalk Bluffs hillbilly trailer trash central" I hardly believe it is worthy of being referred to as "estates."
White trash said it all. "

to mobile home owner wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:54 PM:

" Learn how to spell you make us all look bad. Not everyone who lives in a mobile home is an imbecile. Some of us just couldn't find anything better for a decent price in this town.

"

TO DM from MJ wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:51 PM:

" You have a great point and I like the way you present it. Sadly though, the government has me in a corner shince I shoplifted at the age of 19 (felony) I can't vote. It has been 13 years since the crime. Pretty messed up eh? Anything to keep us down whether we have straightened up or not. Good luck. I agree with you. "

scooterbug wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:46 PM:

" Yes it did include all of the above (water, septic and propane). The drives on the land that is in question here aren’t paved to the road. You have to pave your own road from the service road to your driveway. I suspect though that you would have to do that with any land that you purchase. I hardly define a block wide as long as a football field but if you say so... 35 sq feet sounds better to me since I don't desire to live on a pencil nor do I desire to live IN town. 8-12 miles out is great and I don't have to worry about nasty neighbors stocking me in my bathroom window. I also don’t want to live in a mobile home for the rest of my life so I made the choice tat was right for me.
"

Chalk Bluffs resident wrote on Feb 27, 2008 4:08 PM:

" For those of you moving into the neighborhood out here on Chalk Bluffs: Did Mr. Marlin tell you that you that if you heat with gas you will need to switch to propane and can expect to pay around $500 per month for that. Many people complain about Cheyenne Light, but they are cheaper than the electric co-op you will be forced to join out here. If you have a landline telephone it will cost you more than double it does in town because the phone company charges a “distance charge” and don’t expect to have Caller ID because the phone lines are too old to handle that. When the wind blows the phones also go out. If you are expecting to use a cell phone as your only source of communication you are making a bad decision because you will rarely ever get a good signal. Oh and the only internet worthwhile is through satellite, which again is much more expensive. I hear today that gas is expected to top $4 per gallon this summer. If you are planning on moving out here you had better not be low income because you "

Hill wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:44 PM:

" County Dweller, why do you have a right to live in the county but I don't? The only reason I haven't rewired my house and sheetrocked the walls is because I have been planning of finding acreage to put it on and I didn't want the drywall to crack when I move it. When I move it, it will be rewired, drywalled and resided. But not until then. "

concerned citizen wrote on Feb 27, 2008 2:35 PM:

" You make it sound like low income people are nothing but drug addicted, low life people who don't care to take care of their own property. So what about us hard working people with a low income, who can't afford a $500,000 stick built home. Where are we supposed to go? Why can't we live our dreams? Why is it only high income people are allowed a real life? Just because our mobile home property may be old, doesn't mean it's not maintained. Not all things old are broken. "

RT wrote on Feb 27, 2008 1:12 PM:

" Whatever wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:15 AM:
" To RT..."He also runs his trucking business from his house in a neighborhood that is zoned "medium density residential", would you rather he earn a living making meth? Put into perspective, yes what he's doing is annoying and if he violates laws, wrong, but perhaps you could commend him for working? "

Sure I commend him for working, but not for turning his property into a junkyard, devaluing MY property in the process..... "

bill wrote on Feb 27, 2008 1:02 PM:

" With all due respect I say to Mr. Ketchum, Mr. Kranse, and Mr. Prosser all you rich fat cats BUTT Out!!!
It is people like you who are regulating the working man to death. For our own good, like we do not know what is good for us. The working man is not uneducated, we are able to determine what is good for us, we are adults. We want a piece of the pie too. We've earned it everyday of our lives. Between the Federal government, who I might add aren't doing all that well with their emergency housing for the victims of the the hurricane; and the State of Wyoming and the counties and the cities we are being regulated to poverty. We keep fighting for our right to pursue happiness every day we go to work we fight for our families. If Mr. Marlin is willing to provide an opportunity for people to have some land and a home I say leave him alone. Mr. Thompson (a.k.a. Fire Warden)you big weiner (a.k.a. hotdog)WE know they're fire prone, but its all we can afford. So leave us alone. Your not protecting anyone with legislation. Help us with fire prevention. "

its not just about u wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:51 PM:

"
to County Dweller
so your saying that's it OK for u to move out of town for wide open spaces BUT not anybody else??? my god they are with in a mile of me!
may be they wanted the wide openview to?
that's why they moved out there. "

County Dweller wrote on Feb 27, 2008 11:49 AM:

" This regulation is a long time coming. I moved into the county so I wouldn't have any neighbors and I could enjoy the wide, open spaces. Now my house that should have doubled in value in 10 years is surrounded by old mobile homes, which devalues my house and the neighborhood, not to mention the view and the hazards that come from being colocated with these places. Maybe there is some hope for recooping the home's value when my heirs liquidate my estate. "

rick wrote on Feb 27, 2008 10:24 AM:

" to RT.
i did read the whole article. my point is that a 30 year mobile home that's been well cared for is a safe a a 30 year old site built. the site builder and manufactured used the same building material at that time, metal siding was common in both as was wood paneling, and i thank it wasn't until 74 or 75 that u could not use aluminum wire in ether type of building. So if u have a sight built before 1975 it probably had everything that a mobile home of the same time frame. so yes 30 year old homes mobile or site built should be treated the same. now both can have improvements made to them, siding Sheetrock, cabinets, carpet, etc. all the normal thing's that people do to there homes over time. "

Whatever wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:15 AM:

" To RT..."He also runs his trucking business from his house in a neighborhood that is zoned "medium density residential", would you rather he earn a living making meth? Put into perspective, yes what he's doing is annoying and if he violates laws, wrong, but perhaps you could commend him for working? "

Call me a Dreamer wrote on Feb 27, 2008 7:10 AM:

" Well, seems that everyone in the town wants "involved" now. I say the bottom line rests with something called decency. Neighbors used to be nice to one another, and help each other out. Now, this is an all out free for all where we are unfit parents and crack addicted???? I am more law abiding and straight laced than most, hows that for you? I just have the unfortune of being a bit lower in income, and BTW don't want to rub it in, but that old saying of people that live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones, stands. Perhaps to afford Prossers way of life with our newer trailers we should all open daycares and horse boarding facilities, and the like to make more money? Would the extra traffic that would cause make him happier, as long as we are "safe" in our homes? Maybe he'd have something to say to the commissioners then too? Put an emergency ruling against us parking on our land, playing there?? Seriously, what's next? Like I said no one cared until.... and grandfathered in? So if I live where I'm at this place is safe, at 20 ft from another even older trailer??? "

Dm to Rick wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:13 AM:

" You don't understand, they are better than we are because they have a stick built house? Is this ordinance going to reflect modular homes as well? What about RV's. I live in an RV and it's getting to the point, unless you purchase a new one every 5 years you can't park it. ALl these laws trying to tell us where we can and can't live. I'll say it again just in agreement with the Declaration....If the goverment becomes corrupt it is our DUTY as citizens to overthrow it and establish a new form of government. So lets do it, take over the city and we can all vote that anyone building a new home has to rebuild it every 10 years! That'll fix um! "

To White Trash wrote on Feb 27, 2008 12:08 AM:

" Dude, if you put in for one of those Home Makovers like the rich people do you might even get your toilets painted to match the siding on your trailer! Now wouldn't that be cool! "

vnea wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:55 PM:

" Hey ralphinphoenix: you need to worry about stuff in Phoenix and we'll take care of stuff in wyoming. In other words MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS. "

vnea wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:48 PM:

" Rick, I agree with you. People go out and buy stuff that they don't need,with the money they don't have to impress the people they can't stand. "

Hill wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:33 PM:

" I plan on moving out on one of those tracks. I live in an old mobile home. Why are you not complainign about my mobile home where it sits. In fact, its a bit more dangerous where it sits if it were to catch fire because my neightbors on both sides of me are within 20 feet of my home. We cannot afford to buy a stick built home on 35 acres anywhere in the county. I keep my eyes peeled for a place I can call home. I own my mobile home, that is what I can afford. I am educated and experienced but I can't make any money. People won't hire me because they think they can't afford me. So much for education. If all of you people had to live in mobile homes you would be more understanding of the fact that we have dreams too. No one is stealing your dream, keep your hands off mine. I want a place to keep my horse, grow my garden and live my life as I should be able to. "

Mobil home owner wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:01 PM:

" I am one of those that live in my own mobil home. it has been in high high winds,been in the deepist snow in Cheyenne and still serviving. it is fulley insured and will more than likely be here after i am gone. however becouse of this ruling, I will not be able to move it onto my land becouse it is too old. so I guess I can not live on my land becouse I am too old too. this ruling effects menney people.and is not right. "

White trash hick is comin wrote on Feb 26, 2008 5:34 PM:

" I'll tell you what by golly, I'm gonna buy some of that there land and move my trailer on the land. I have about 3 dozen old toilets that I'm gonna use as flower beds in me front yard.
I have a home made camp trailer I'll park in me drive way.
I have some old box springs I'm gonna use fer my trampoline but I gotta figure out how to make a swimmin hole. "

mind your own business wrote on Feb 26, 2008 4:12 PM:

" I hate to tell all the dreamers who want your own land you may buy it but you will not own it.Everyone around you,the goverment,even those who do not live by you will control what you do with your land. "

K. ebert wrote on Feb 26, 2008 3:15 PM:

" federal housing adminstration agency should accessthe effects of proposed changes to the manufracted home loanprogam GA0-07-879 January 1,2008

pending legislation to the (FHA) title 1 manufracted home loan program would increase loan limits, insure each loan, incorporate stricter underwriting requirements, and set up-front premiums. GAO was asked to review (1) selected characteris of manufracted housing and the death toll of ppl, (2) federal and state law

consumer protections for owners that maunfracted their homes and (3) the potential benefits and costs of the proposed changes and borrowers and the federal government. In addressing these objectives, GAO analzyed select census data, resreached federal laws and laws of 8 states, interviewed local, state, an federal officials, FHA explained that other among reasons the title 1 program was currently a low-volume effects of proposed were unclear housing HUD title 1 property improvement and manufracted home(s) loan program...would like to know where you dumb down americans are getting your suggestions...so go ahead and stay in your american dream multi-mansions...alone!!! "

RT wrote on Feb 26, 2008 2:15 PM:

" "rick wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:05 AM:
" So what u are saying is if a home is 30 yr old it is now longer fit to live in? Gert lets get the bulldozer and start in down-town and knock down 1/2 of Cheyenne!""

Go back and read the WHOLE article. They are just saying that you won't be able to bring in old piece of just trailers. If you are already living in one, you are welcome to stay in it. "

RT wrote on Feb 26, 2008 2:13 PM:

" It's about time the county does something about this kind of landowner, whose apparent main goal is to create disharmony between himself and his neighbors. I have a neighbor like this who after buying about 10 acres on my block has loaded it up with at least 20 junk cars, 3 junk mobile homes and 50 animals (goats, dogs, cats, chickens, etc). He also runs his trucking business from his house in a neighborhood that is zoned "medium density residential". This is at the west end of Orchard Valley BTW. "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:29 PM:

" To: scooterbug

Just exactly where and when did the new residents of Chalk Bluffs Estates imply or state that a "trailer" would be our home "for the rest of our lives"? "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:25 PM:

" Well now...how sweet is this? All of us who want to place older mobile homes on our "pencil" of land are now unfit parents! This message board is forgotten the article and its meaning.

#1 The commissioners have singled out Mr. Marlin with this emergency order.Somewhere I think that may be illegal!

#2 The mobile homes in question WILL be refurbished.

How can anyone have an issue with that?

I will go one step further...

I will open my "refurbished" mobile home that is (notice the word IS) being placed on my tract of land at an open house after moving in!

I welcome all the nay-sayers and negative "neighbors" to come in sit down and have some wine/coffee/water and some good conversation!

I have chosen my tract and if need be I will change my tract to where the mobile home sits now! Remember "grandfathered" in!

To: vnea-bca

WOW...I am truly impressed! Remember Karma also comes back around to you.I welcome Karma of "gripe & moan" rather than the kind that befalls those who abuse power.

"

K. D. Dennis wrote on Feb 26, 2008 11:08 AM:

" I know some of the Marlin family. My understanding Prosser offered to sell land for development to Butch which he did not buy and then Prosser got the Commissioners to block the first program after ALL involved agenies approved the first 7 acre (+/-) sites. Prosser complained to the Commissioners that he thought they were to be 35 acre sites.
After Prosser got the commission to stop the project Butch goes with the 35 acre sites outside the authority of the commissioners. Prosser, from what I heard, approached Butch wanting to be a partner now that he cannot block these sites. Butch refuses. Prosser then, as a single individual, somehow manages to get the commissioners to put a ban on the mobile homes to be refurbished. Gee, one man manipulates the commissioners, WOW! Now those wanting a homesite with older mobile homes must be placed in a Mobile Home Park concentration camp. Nice way to keep the working class out. As for health and living conditions, it's my risk and my family and I will not risk their health. But I want my piece of the American Dream, my own land outside of the City. "

rick wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:13 AM:

" to scooterbug:
did that include well, septic, electrical, and propane hook ups?
i don't thank so.
a city lot goes for 40 to 80 k and your stuck in town.
right down the road 6 ac. is going for 50k so how is this a bad idea.
As far as it being square. whats the big deal?? The front yard is still as big as a football field!!! and its all paved to the land. "

rick wrote on Feb 26, 2008 9:05 AM:

" So what u are saying is if a home is 30 yr old it is now longer fit to live in? Gert lets get the bulldozer and start in down-town and knock down 1/2 of Cheyenne! 1/2 of the homes in Cheyenne are 30 yr old.
if a mobile home is well cared for there is no difference. between it and the 30 yr old sight built. by the way they have copper wiring just like your home. mold is from standing water
so if you have a leak it doesn't make a difference if its site built or factory built.
by the way my kids are the ones who are walking around with all the cool toys because i was smart and bought a mobile home payed it off and Don't have a $2000 per mo. house payment.
as far as what I'm teaching my Kidd's, its figure out what is important in your life and make that your top priority not keeping up with the Jones ' just because your ego say you have to have the biggest home on the block. mine says use that cash to give them the things they want. "

k9 wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:47 AM:

" No Ralph you idiot they are not FEMA trailers. I agree there should be a line somewhere as to what is acceptable for a home to be safe and occipied, this should go for stick built houses as well not just mobile or modular homes. I think the prices of homes here in Laramie county need to come down a bit, who do these builders and realtors think they are making these homes cost so damn much? This is not Colorado it's Wyoming the least populated state and things should be simple and affordable here. Glad there are covenants where I live to keep my housing area looking somewhat nice and clean. "

jake wrote on Feb 26, 2008 1:00 AM:

" I'd like to see some of the older houses on the east side of town bulldozed over and rebuilt. Those ugly houses are a disgrace and it makes the city look like an occupied hillbilly ghost town. (Intended oxymoron). I'm sure that if federal housing and urban development inspected some of these homes they would also be considered condemned and structurally unsound. "

To "proud owners" wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:54 AM:

" I think it is very acceptable to tell people what type of homes that they can live in especially when they have kids. Mold spores and formaldehyde are only two factors that pose health problems. YOU can live in a cardboard box infested with maggots for all I care but if you have kids, there should be a standard to meet or lose your kids. People with your attitude make me sick and honestly, how can you call yourself a proud owner of a dump heap? You don’t impress anyone and if you have kids, what kind of an influence is that for a parent to have on the future adults of America? I can’t wait to read the next trashy comment from the low class morons who don’t even TRY anymore. "

scooterbug wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:03 AM:

" $110,000 is not a good price for 35 acres especially when it is a block wide and a mile deep. I found 38 square acres for 50,000. I would like to pay something off before I die so I have something to leave my kids. I don't find it fair to them to be stuck with my mortgage in 40 years. Plus, what idiot wants to live in a trailer for the rest of their life? And who could afford to build a house when they are paying $900.00 a month just for the land? If you call that low income, then you are doing better than me and I cleared over $70,000 last year. I'd like to have a little spare change to blow on having fun in this lifetime. I guess to each his own. I'm sure Butch's intentions are good and that he needs to profit as well but the pot isn't sweet enough for me. Thanks anyways. "

DIVA wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:28 PM:

" I saw these mobile homes. In fact, the flyer he spread around the mobile home community sounded too good to be true "35 acres of land as a contract for deed for as little as $2000.00 down." Then he expected us to sign a contract and to put our $2000 down BEFORE we were even able to see the trailer that he insisted would be fit to live in. My gut told me not to do it. I don't sign contracts and put my money down on something that I have not seen and inspected especially since I have children who deserve to live somewhere nice. The 35 acres will end up costing $110.000 by the time it is paid off in 30-50 years. That deal just didn't seem to set right with me. When I drove to the site to see the land, not only did the sight of the trashy trailers make me sick, I found out that the tracks were only a block wide and a mile long. That is like living on a pencil. No thanks Butch. "

to tammy wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:00 PM:

" It isn't worth the cost that it would take to fix up some of the trash that is infesting this town. Just take stroll through some of the trailer parks in this city and you will see places that I wouldn't deem fit for a dog to live in let alone a family. It's about time to adopt some standards of living and to eliminate or at least to slow down the spread of the infectious eye sores that infest this city.
Also didn’t you read where they said that they are “grandfathering” in the old existing trashy structures in order to avoid putting people out of their homes? Take a xanax and a nap you clearly are over reacting. "

disgusted WY resident wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:14 PM:

" As an old friend of Butch, i vote no to the trailers! These trailers are old, ran down, and not safe for even the homeless. As for all you people who are participating in the purchase one of these trailers, you must realize that you are putting a 2 thousand doller down payment and are paying 900$ for the rest of your life...In a run down trailer. You have interest to pay for 50 years! So kiss your dreams good by because its a head ache you will never over come after you find that Butch Marlin is sitting fat off your hard earned money. Yes a 30 acre lot with a house sounds good, but walk through the house and your foot falls through the floor, or old pipes bust and mildew collects through the house...and do you plan to fix it with your own money, because Butch wont. Say your family is sleeping. Old trailers like that are powered by old wire. This is how a majority of homes burn down. There are so many things to consider anout your families! Think about the risk your putting them into over a little slice of "heaven"...I vote NO! "

Michael Milliron wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:31 PM:

" To: the ladies and gentlemen who wrote and complained about the commissioner's , I applaude you all.

They , like the council have been abusing their power and authority for far too long and forget who they actually work for. They are not above the law or king's and queen of laramie County even though some have been on the commission as long as the Queen of England has been. "

vnea-bca wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:20 PM:

" I've known Butch Marlin for quite some time. And I know that if he doen't get his way he'll "gripe & moan" until he does. I hope he gets what he gave everyone for so many years. Go ahead Commisioners and hammer him hard. Talk about karma. "

Call me a Dreamer wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:45 PM:

" Prosser said Friday, "We just thought that was an awful lot of density that far out," he said.If the more than 900 acres were fully developed, it would be like having a town larger than Albin in the middle of nowhere, he said. HUMM??? Is Albin in the middle of nowhere? I sort of forget.... I thought if memory served me correctly it was to a degree anyway... What exactly was Prossers' point? Folks that like the way Mr. Marlin has done this will buy, and if you dont like it, don't, no one said Prosser had to live in one of "those" places and all Prosser is doing is making US suffer. We weren't forced into this, WE WANT IT. Why don't you quit worrying about yourself under false pretenses and just leave YOUR neighbors in the peace we thought we were to enjoy. Pretending that you're worried about safety.... looks good, but where was Prosser and Ketcham for that matter when my sister just moved a 25 year old trailer into her park just last year?No one was worried until Mr. Marlin subdivided land that people could place an older home on? Come on, why destroy dreams? "

Larry Vallier wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:40 PM:

" This is how it all starts, folks. I moved to Florida 30 years ago, we had the same laid back, live & let live attitude you have now. More & more people moved in and brought their need for regulation with them. Now you need a permit or license for anything. A simple wooden shed behind my house has to be approved by zoning, the building dept, & fire dept. Then I have to get a building permit and have every stage of construction inspected by these beauracrats. I've had 3 already and will finally be able to use the shed after the next & final inspection. A simple 8' by 12' wooden shed. A house needs 3-4 months to get approved to start construction and average about 35 inspections. And it all started with simple, common sense regulations like this one. When you let YOUR gov't start this foolishness, you want to keep a sharp eye on them. Trust me, they WILL get carried away with it. My suggestion would be, vote these clowns out & control the beauracrats budgets. "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:01 PM:

" A thought just occurred to me...If these mobile homes are so worn down and awful how is it that they are standing right there on Chalk Bluffs Road? After all the wind, snow, and rain...how could they possibly still be in one piece?

I am so glad that the county commissioners want to "protect" me from myself... NOT!!!!

Mr.Prosser would you like me to live in a Tipi with no running water and no restroom facilities...hey I know...I'll just place a porta-potty out there until I have enough money to build. One way or another...I comin' into the neighborhood.

Does anyone have the right to tell me I can't bring in trucked in water and have a porta-potty? That will look SWEEEEET, don't ya think?...much better than a refurbished mobile home that Mr. Marlin wants to place out there! "

Call me a dreamer wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:47 PM:

" I am planning on being one of those "unwanted" neighbors in whats considered an "unhealthy" home. I plan on living out there, where I thought the laws were the same for everybody, and not circumvented for Mr. Marlin. In any case.... I have always dreamed of living on my own land instead of the parks that are offered to us as residents, and my 14 year old trailer, is not good enough? What gives? My living conditions are not cared about until some one of my neighbors dont get their way? Why are you trying to hurt us? If you were being harmed your neighbors are supposed to come to your aid, not help harm you. That's not right, last week will visiting my lot... because yes, I am excited to be out there, I collected rocks for my child to turn in his rock tumbler, and now this week I have to tell him that narrow minded people that are mad at Mr. Marlin are trying to stop us from living out there, because I can't afford a brand new place? Even my child at 9 can see that's not right. "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:45 PM:

" To those who oppose the so-called "crack" homes maybe you would rather us live in a 5th wheel until our homes are built...oh...lets see in about 5 YEARS!!!You are insulting and ignorant.

Butch Marlin has done everything that was asked now you back stab? Personally, Mr. Prosser where were you when this property went up for sale? Hummm interesting that the "good ol' boys club" is at it again.

Yes, I vote and believe me I will vote to keep out those who would single out one person. What kind of country is this...oh yeah...I forgot we live in Wyoming where the deer and the antelope play and people who have just a few dollars towards a better life cannot have a mobile home that is 10+ years old even if the owners are willing to refurbish it and make it habitable unless the neighbors agree. You all should be ashamed!

BTW- there are 27 tracts NOT 72 as the paper suggested. Twenty-seven families who would love to have their children be able to say....this land is OURS!!!!

You will not destroy MY dream. I will fight along side of Mr. Marlin! "

John Mason wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:02 PM:

" The action of the county commissioners is an absolute abuse of the power they have. Their refusal to grant the subdivision is nothing but 'politics 101'. Mr. Marlin spent over $1,500,000 of his familie's money. They got the approval of all the government entities that review subdivisions (water, traffic impact, etc.) He was approved 7-0 by the planning commission. He was told by Lou Harmon of D.E.Q. that his subdivision was going to be the new standard for cooperation and following all the rules. It is only because Ed Prosser and a couple of other rich members of the 'good old boys' club didn't want a subdivision in their part of the county that this was ever refused. It is a disgrace to the citizens of Laramie County and Cheyenne that this underhanded crap has prevailed. How many people will be willing to invest $1,500.000 plus to try to make a positive difference in Cheyenne. The only reason the 35 acre trailer park had to occur was because of unethical behavior from Jeff Ketcham, Diane Humphries and Jack Knutson. I wonder how many political chips were cashed in to shaft the Marlin family. "

Michele wrote on Feb 25, 2008 4:02 PM:

" I, too, am thinking about buying out there and think it is an awesome idea...Now as far as the rich folks go that are standarizing the trailers, modulars, mobile homes...We arent all like you that can afford a brand new house house....We live on our means....Our home is paid off and we want out of the trailer court....One people drive to fast and one of our kids could get hit, two the covenants suck, three want our own space.....When we moved into our house it was horendous, but we have completely remodeled except for the siding which we are still working on....But it is a '76 so where does that leave us? I commend Butch for what he is doing and wish more people would step up and do it too.... "

John wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:23 PM:

" Ladies and Gentlemen, There are Laws of the Land called Building Codes. These Building Codes are a National Standard, not just a standard of Laramie County. All have to conform to them. Then you have Zoning Boards and the appeal system to follow. If the County Zoning states one thing and the lawyer is not familiar with the county zoning laws, oops, time wasted. Mr. Marlin has his rights to subdivide his land, as long as it is within the growth plan of the county. If this was not the case, you would be calling for regulations, and I would be very busy trying to put out the fires and making rescues. Planned development works. By the way, if you own a travel trailer, that smell you sense inside is Formaldehyde not Cyanide. You might even smell it in your Mobile or Modular Home. It is commonly given off by manufactured products as in, Panelling, Molding, certain Insulation Products, Furniture. If you get your cloths dry clean, you are being exposed to far worse chemicals than Formaldehyde. "

Tammy wrote on Feb 25, 2008 3:00 PM:

" I have taken the time to write out a more lenghthy letter that I will be mailing to everyone and anyone, praying to be heard. Did Mr. Prosser pick up the phone to Butch Marlin & express to him his concerns? In the eyes of Mr. Prosser and Jeff Ketchum this idea is farfetched, but as we all know it can be done. Are you guys saying that old things can’t be fixed up and made whole again? Once something is old….it is trash??To answer Mr. Ketchum’s question “Who’d live in them?” The answer is ME! My family and I. Today (2-25 @ 3pm) my husband and I were supposed to close on this land.Only to find out that Mr. Ketchum in his opinion thinks Mr. Marlin is only doing this because “he didn’t get his way.” So in turn Mr. Ketchum are you trying to show Mr. Marlin whose boss?Please don't crush my dreams! "

Tonjah Andrews wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:04 PM:

" Mr. Marlin has tried to follow all of the regulations set forth by the county to no avail. The subdivision was beautiful and met all the criteria set forth by the Commissioners. Now, my brother has decided to provide a place for people to obtain land for future generations. He intend to “fix - up” the mobile homes. After I graduated from UW my brother asked me to come back to Cheyenne and sell the houses in the subdivision. This was going to be a way for me to help my daughter pay for Medical School. I have three jobs to ensure my daughter has money for college, but my brother has still not given up and I am proud of him. My brother wanted to help all of his family with the development and provide nice homes to Laramie County residents. Sadly all he has received is a great deal of heartache from a system that has no checks and balances. Our family will be ok, but I can’t ever believe that this county cares about the residents who live here. Thanks for all your hard work Butch. I love you. "

David wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:50 PM:

" What a petty and ridiculous set of commissioners.

Passing a law because they can't settle their squabble with ONE person.

What a bunch of losers.

Since this landowner went through all the work and paid the costs to get this done and approved twice, I would think that if there were too many units, maybe they could bargain and come up with a happy number.

And our local government wonders why nothing new gets built and no new businesses want to move in.

Vote all the incumbents out! "

rick wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:35 PM:

" Just a quick question that was brought to my attention if it wasn't ed prosser who complained would there of been an "emergency rules" put in place. just a comment Ive head form a few people. "

rick wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:20 PM:

" As for who would live out there, I WOULD!!!!
Yes, the lots are 300' wide and a mile deep.
Lots in town are not 300' wide. as far as the mile deep, that gives kids the chance to get a 4 wheeler, or go sledding on the back hills, etc.

As far as the homes he has parked, they are not set up or refurbished at this time. So yes they look bad, but it's not the finished product either. What you are doing is denying a family from having 35 acres, with a home that they can afford, NOT what you think they should have. And just for your info, I'm looking at buying one of these lots to put my existing double wide home on, that's been paid off. So for me it is a great opportunity. It gives my kids 35 acres to play on, without a new house payment. "

county resident wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:33 PM:

" Clearly, Ketcham said, it's an in-your-face act of defiance by Marlin so now the county will do there in-your-face act of defiance and make more rules of what you can and cannot do on your own privite land because of one idiot ! "

The Guardian wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:54 AM:

" Election time is coming. Register your concerns by VOTING.If you don't take the time to vote than please don't complain about the way things are. "

Michael Milliron wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:41 AM:

" I agree that there needs to be a standard when placing a mobile home in a park. There have been 2-4 burned each year in Laramie County for different reasons. It's the older one's with tin siding and poor inner structure around the hot water tank. Also most of these homes are maintained by owners who rent them out who hold no contractors licenses.

For forty percent of the population of Laramie County and Cheyenne however a mobile home or apartment is the only affordable housing that there is. I live in one that was built in 1998 and it's very nice. I am niether a bum , drug user or drinker as some would consider most who live in a mobile home are. It's not the structure that makes a family or person but how they present themselves to society and the integrity inside themselves. Living in Bar-X and other higher class neighborhoods doesn't make anyone better than someone in a mobile home , in fact it just means that they have more headaches and finacial responsibilties and usually they are living beyond their means. "

JAFOA wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:56 AM:

" When I first moved to Cheyenne, I purchased a trailer on an existing lot that I could affors as a recent UW Grad. It was older, but well kept. Perhaps the age of the trailer/modular whatever should not be so much of an issue as it's CONDITION. I have seen newer tailers that were junk, I have also seen HOUSES that were more of a hazard. I eventually sold the trailer, and the next folks are still there because it is a decent place. Affordable housing is a complaint I hear about often. "

Proud Owners wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:36 PM:

" Who are you to tell people what type of house they can live in ? Butt out, there are enough stupid laws being written to control everyone, why can't they just stop this and leave us alone. WE THE PEOPLE. Would ya'll be whining if we put up a Teepee rather then a trailer ? "

Ralphinphnx wrote on Feb 24, 2008 8:40 PM:

" So are any of these
same trailers ones
that FEMA got rid of
after Hurricane Katrina,due to toxic
levels of cynacide
in them prehaps here? "

Home is a Home wrote on Feb 24, 2008 3:13 PM:

" After reading this story I have determined that these mobile homes would make good homes for crack users, low income and welfare bums. So, go ahead set up the homes, let them move in. Then everybody could call the owner of land a slum lord. "

Former occupant wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:55 PM:

" We sold one of the houses to Mr. Marlin, and up until he hauled that house off we were living in it. Sure, it's ugly... but it was all we could afford at the time, and an ugly house still beats living under the bridge in a cardboard box. Tell you what, if you want low income families to live in prettier houses, how about you pay for them?
"

disgusted citizen wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:18 PM:

" I can understand why some mobile homes should be taken down, removed, replaced, condemned, whatever. I don't agree with how picky they are being, however. There are some very nice homes out there that are more than ten years old and still meet the requirements for fire safety. They are not all "eye sores". I personally DO think they are singling out low income families and communities with their new rules. "Way to go commissioners"? I don't agree with "Disgusted neighbor". I'm so tired of things changing around here that do not take lower income families into consideration. I lived here several years ago and was very happy. I moved away for ten years or so and had the opportunity to come back and it was like moving to another country-a COMMUNUNIST country. What's happening to our rights? If anything happens to my home who will be there to appove of and inspect my cardboard box? That will be all I'll be able to afford.... "

wyocrazee wrote on Feb 24, 2008 2:15 PM:

" Safety is a number one concern for those who live in ANY mobile home. It appears that the county is also targeting Mr. Marlin in an "in your face" stance because he circumvented the county. It appears that the neighbors that live on Chalk Bluffs Road want this land to remain unoccupied. Seems after reading many meetings with the county and Mr. Marlin that someone has a certain vendetta that is coming through loud and clear to people attempting to purchase ANY land within the county in this particular area. Some of us would like growth and more opportunities. Some of of the residents here would enjoy more jobs...more diversity and growth. "

Disgusted neighbor wrote on Feb 24, 2008 9:10 AM:

" I too am a neighbor of Mr. Marlin and the trailers he has moved out here are atrocious. I do not see how anyone could safely live in them. I understand he is upset the commissioners did not approve his subdivision, but they are doing what we asked them too…to look out for the greater good of our county. Which is what they are doing now. We need safe homes for our residents and putting in the manufactured homes regulations is a great start. Way to go commissioners! "

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