Council denies expansion request

HARRINGTON — City council denied a request to expand North End Mobile Home Park from three units to four at a regular meeting Wednesday, May 10.

Owners Mike and Virginia Fries asked for a variation in the number of units after saying they found a way to put in a fourth unit without exceeding regulated distance between them, according to meeting minutes.

Councilman Stephen Hardy said the city ordinance concerning the related procedure wasn’t up to date, and the city doesn’t have precedence for the expansion of a mobile home park. Councilman Joe Armand said he was concerned about fire safety and wanted a fire marshal’s input on expansion plans.

Additionally, the original application was under Gerald Fries, not Mike and Virginia Fries, further complicating matters, according to meeting minutes.

Hardy, Armand and councilman Levi Schenk voted against the expansion, while councilmembers Kris Moritz and David Buddrius abstained.

The Fries were told they could re-apply under a new application in their name, according to minutes.

During public comment, Jim Sackett and Lynn McGowan voiced concerns about the image new trailers would perpetuate as visitors enter the city. The Fries said they will work to fix up the homes for a pretty and updated appearance, according to minutes.