By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
May 11, 2001
Today's manufactured home is very different from what comes to mind when somebody uses the term "trailer," an industry spokesman said Thursday.
Jennifer Hall of the Mississippi Manufactured Housing Association said modern manufactured homes offer all of the features of an on-site constructed home.
Hall's comments came after Dr. Ronnye Purvis and others criticized the idea of using manufactured housing as a way to spark growth in the city. Purvis claimed through a combination of government funding and private investment, more long-term housing options would be available.
Refuting allegations that manufactured housing is an economic dead end for cities, the MMHA claims it offers an affordable growth alternative for cities like Meridian.
Purvis originally made his remarks after the Stennis Institute for Government suggested that some manufactured housing units could be used to build up some older neighborhoods and spark new growth. The institute's study was commissioned on behalf of the Grow Meridian Team.
Hall admits the manufactured housing industry has been battling against a negative public perception for decades.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.