Folsom may ban installation of modular homes

No more modular homes for Folsom.

At least that's what Mayor Marshell Brumfield and the aldermen have agreed upon, but it's not official until the board votes on the decision at the April 14 Board of Aldermen meeting.

A special meeting was held at Town Hall Monday to introduce a new ordinance that would ultimately ban the installation of modular homes in Folsom.

This ordinance comes after a recent pre-fabricated home installed on Austin Street crushed street signs, cracked streets, destroyed culverts and even broke a major water main shutting off water to residents in the area.

"This was our first experience with them, and we wanted to allow it at first to see how it would go," Brumfield said. "But the streets are not wide enough, and they can't handle the heavy load of the cranes used to lift the homes onto their foundation."

He also said three permits were initially issued for installation of modular homes, but the first one did not turn out so well and he fears the remaining homes brought in to the tiny village will wreak more havoc on their infrastructure.

"There's nothing wrong with the homes that I see," Brumfield said. "They're sturdy and look good, but at this time we're just not equipped to allow them."

He added the streets are too narrow and their weight capacity is unable to bear the crushing pounds of the house-moving equipment.

Before any hasty decision can be made, the board will host a public hearing directly before the April board meeting where Brumfield expects the aldermen to adopt the new ordinance.

Brumfield hopes after their ongoing comprehensive plan is completed, improvements to village streets can be made allowing the homes to become a regular sight in the village's growing community.