The Maurice Village Council is denying a veteran’s request to move his trailer one block to a new location.
“I thought I was good to stay here as long as I wanted,” said Vietnam Veteran Donald Graham.
His trailer is the only one remaining at a former trailer park on LA 92. A new owner bought the property back in 2012 and they told Graham he would have to move when they were ready to develop it.
“I had a little ache in my gut for awhile,” said Graham. “At first, I was devastated, now, I’m starting to get angry. The whole process of grieving to move.”
Maurice Mayor Wayne Theriot said, “I feel for the individual, but we have to look at the good of the community as a whole. There are certain things that we have to enact that are for the betterment of the community.”
Maurice has a mobile home ordinance. Trailers brought in or moved in the Village must be 10-years-old or newer, have a minimum value of $20,000 and meet the Federal Mobile Home Code.
“Being he is a veteran, we fully understand it, there is nothing against the individual,” said Theriot. “It’s what he was trying to do with the mobile home.”
Theriot said he understands there is a need for various types of housing to meet the needs of people.
“If we grant an exception for that, we may end up being liable if something does happen,” Theriot said.
We reached out to the property owner who says Graham has known for years he would have to move.
“I’m trying to get another trailer and move somewhere else,” Graham said. “I’m trying to get someone to buy this one, but I haven’t had any success.”
Maurice residents concerned about Graham have setup an account at Gulf Coast Bank. If you would like to donate to help Graham find other living arrangements, mention his name at the bank.
