Imagine waking up one day to discover your entire neighborhood is about to vanish. That's the harsh reality facing over 100 families in Cary's Chatham Estates mobile home park, as the property is slated for redevelopment. These residents, many of whom have called this community home for decades, are now scrambling to find new housing, battling the crushing weight of uncertainty and the daunting challenge of affordability. But here's where it gets controversial... is redevelopment always progress if it displaces long-term residents and disrupts established communities?
Posted on January 2nd, 2026, and updated the same day, WRAL Reporter Kirstyn Clark brought this heartbreaking story to light, revealing the immense pressure these families are under. By June 30th, 2026, every single mobile home and all personal belongings must be removed from the Chatham Estates property. This leaves residents with a mere six-month window to completely uproot their lives.
Among those affected are Steve and Ann Curlee, who have lived in Chatham Estates since 1988. For them, the prospect of leaving is almost unbearable. Ann Curlee poignantly expressed her fear and anxiety, stating, "Not knowing where we'll be going and whether we're going to fit into it or not." The Curlees, along with their 143 neighbors, received a letter from owner Curtis Westbrook, informing them of the impending sale and the developer's plans for redevelopment. And this is the part most people miss... it's not just about finding a new place to live; it's about losing a community, a sense of belonging, and the stability they've known for years.
The Town of Cary's information brief outlines the developer's proposal, which includes the construction of 330 multifamily units and 97 townhouses. While this promises new housing options, residents of Chatham Estates fear these units will be far beyond their financial reach. The Curlees, for example, are hoping to secure a spot in a nearby senior living community. However, if that option falls through, they may be forced to relocate to Johnston County, potentially disrupting their access to vital medical care. "I need to stay around where I have my doctor or have an ambulance get to me as fast as I can," Ann Curlee emphasized, highlighting the critical importance of remaining close to her healthcare providers.
Curtis Westbrook cited "age and health" as contributing factors in his decision to sell the property. While Ann Curlee empathizes with Westbrook's situation, stating, "I hope he gets along as good as he can, and I don't blame him, but I hate to have to move," the reality remains that dozens of families are now facing immense hardship and displacement. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many mobile home communities across the country.
Fortunately, Cary-based non-profit NeighborUp is stepping in to provide much-needed support. They are assisting residents in finding alternative housing options, connecting them with valuable resources, and helping with moving expenses. This assistance is crucial, but the underlying issue of affordable housing remains a significant concern. Is temporary assistance enough, or should there be more regulations and support to protect mobile home communities from being displaced by developers?
This situation raises important questions about development, community, and the responsibility we have to protect vulnerable populations. Do you believe developers have a moral obligation to consider the impact of their projects on existing communities? Should local governments implement policies to preserve affordable housing options and prevent displacement? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below.
