Demand Action at Kristana Mobile Home Park

What is happening at Kristana MHP?

Residents of Kristana are being illegally evicted by property owner Ara Darakijan, who has not been licensed to operate the park since 2023. Darakijan provided them only 4 days to leave the park before turning off their water in an effort to force them out. He offered residents, who own and have sunk years’ worth of time and money into their homes, a 30-day hotel stay and $1500, but those who took the offer found that their hotels were only paid for 15 days.

According to Lansing NAACP Housing Chair Khadja Erickson, “it is clear that the property owner, Ara Darakijan, is in violation of ‘Just Cause’ Eviction Statutes MCL.600.5775 and MCL 600.2918, Michigan Anti-Lockout Laws.” She added that follow-up actions are necessary, including restoration of water services, a court injunction halting the illegal evictions, and a full investigation into the misuse of public funds, misrepresentation to the state, and pattern of illegal evictions by Ara Darakjian and associated LLCs.

What can I do to help?

1. Show up in support at the next Kristana court date

The remaining Kristana residents will have their case discussed at Clinton County District Court on Thursday, June 26 at 9AM. Wear red and join us to show elected officials that the people demand action, and to show Kristana residents that they are not alone.

2. Call local officials and tell them that the people demand action

Not in Clinton County? That’s okay! Residents are also asking supporters to call Clinton Co. Prosecuting Attorney Tony Spagnuolo and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to tell them that this is unacceptable.

Clinton Co. Prosecuting Attorney Tony Spagnuolo’s Office: (989)-224-5260

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Office: (517)-335-7622

When you call, you can use this sample script:

“Hi, my name is _____ and I am with Lansing Rent is Too Damn High. I am calling to urge Attorney Spagnuolo/Attorney General Nessel to open an investigation into Ara Darakjian and associated LLCs.

Ara has violated multiple legal statutes through his illegal evictions at Kristana Mobile Home Park and other properties, and we the people demand an investigation to stop the pattern of exploitation and abuse that Ara has shown against his tenants.

Thank you for your time.”

Where can I learn more?

Many local and national news organizations have published stories about the situation at Kristana and other properties owned by Ara Darakjian. Below are some of those news articles:

• After 80 days without, mobile home park will receive water (WLNS Lansing)
• 2 months after shutoff, court orders Michigan mobile home park to provide water (MLive)
• Kristana Mobile Home Park residents speak out against eviction (WLNS Lansing)
• Water shut off for hundreds at Almont mobile home park (FOX 2 Detroit)
• State Rep. Dievendorf responds to mobile home park eviction (WLNS)
• Kristana Mobile Village residents, owner attend court hearing (WLNS)
• Unpaid bills totaled over $80,000, Kingsbrook Estates residents rally to make sure owner pays up (Tri-City Times)
• State funding for Kristana Mobile homes redevelopment, will Dewitt Charter Twp accept funds? (FOX 47)
• A $2M grant was supposed to revive a mobile home park. Then residents got 4 days to get out. (MLive)
• Kristana Mobile Home Park residents say vacant homes are being torn down, company says otherwise (WLNS Lansing)
• NAACP Lansing calls on local leaders to intervene in ‘inhumane’ eviction (WLNS)