If there’s one thing those over 55 years old have learned in their many decades of life, it’s how to advocate for themselves.

A group of more than 100 people in Cranberry Township is doing just that. The issue is the result of a planned lot rent increase at Oak Springs Mobile Home Park off Route 19.

The neighborhood, which is for those older than 55, changed hands Nov. 17.

Officials at Miami-based COARE Communities, which is the new owner, alerted their new tenants two weeks later via a letter that a 42% lot increase will be implemented Feb 1.

Oak Springs resident Linda Carranza sent a return letter Dec. 17 to COARE Communities headquarters saying the company is not living up to its mission statement of maintaining affordable housing at their locations.

The letter included a petition with the signatures of 118 folks who live in the neighborhood.

Carranza said affordable housing should represent 30% of a household’s income, and the new increase would exceed that benchmark.

An email to residents dated Nov. 30 saw base rent for Oak Springs residents increase from $480 to $630 per month, plus the addition of $31.34 for water and $20.36 for trash, which were previously included in the base rent.

Also, a $10 discount for paying rent before the first of each month was eliminated by the new owners.

COARE Communities did not return calls made by Eagle reporters who wanted to hear the company’s reasoning for the changes.

According to COARE Communities’ website, the company’s “investment thesis” focuses on “solving the challenges of affordable housing through the acquisition and preservation” of manufactured housing communities.

The 118 residents facing an expense increase that could cripple their budget — some in their 80s and 90s — might feel like David taking on Goliath, but the Eagle respects their fortitude and conviction in fighting for what they feel is right and just.

Time will tell if their concerns will be heeded by COARE Communities.

— PG