Emailed to MHProgram@com.ohio.gov o 6/8/2025

LETTER OF INTENT TO FILE LAWSUIT FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS (PDF)

Author: Joshua Tolento | Founder, Reporter, Managing Director

For years, residents of Poplar Village Mobile Home Park in Fostoria, Ohio, have endured hazardous living conditions, including raw sewage, unsafe water, and potential gas leaks. The Fostoria Free Press has been investigating these issues since 2024, shedding light on the struggles faced by the community managed by Evergreen Poplar LLC.

A Former Manager Speaks Out

Mindy Sue Swartz, who served as manager from April 28 to May 15, 2025, has revealed shocking details about the park’s neglect. With only $89 allocated for maintenance and office supplies during her tenure, she was left with just 77 cents after basic needs like ink, paper, and mower gas. Frustrated by unpaid wages and unaddressed hazards, she resigned on May 15, returning the park phone and keys. Mindy also faces personal grievances, including the company withholding her trailer title despite paying it off in December 2024, and being charged duplicate sewer bills despite her lease agreement.

Health and Safety Hazards

Residents like Lisa Stewart have reported standing sewage and still water pooling under trailers, posing serious health risks. Mindy confirmed three EPA violations in 2025—two in April and one on May 15—coinciding with her resignation after refusing to test contaminated water. A water leak in the maintenance building was pumped into her yard, and an older resident showed her persistent low water pressure since December 2024, with leaks identified but unrepaired by June 2025.

Water Testing and Legal Battles

A new water testing company, whose name remains unclear but includes an operator named Laura, was hired after the previous operators were allegedly unpaid, a matter now part of a lawsuit. Residents are charged monthly for this service without prior notice, adding to their financial burden. Mindy plans to file a lawsuit for her withheld title, while an older resident considers placing rent in escrow due to ongoing issues.

Community Response and Ongoing Investigations

The Fostoria Free Press continues to uncover these concerns, with Mindy and residents preparing for a WTOL interview at 7:30 PM on June 3, 2025. An Ohio MHP state inspector is expected to visit soon following a complaint about the sewage trailer. Despite upper management’s silence and fear of retaliation, the community’s resilience shines through as they seek justice and safer living conditions.

Lawsuit Pending

On August 9, 2024, CWS Environmental filed a lawsuit against Evergreen Poplar LLC in the jurisdiction of Wood County, Ohio. The case is identified as 2024CV0469, with attorney Robert J. Bahret representing CWS Environmental.

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The Allegations

According to the complaint, CWS Environmental specializes in providing freshwater treatment and wastewater management services to various business entities, including Evergreen Poplar LLC. The lawsuit claims that:

1. CWS Environmental provided environmental treatment services to Evergreen Poplar LLC under a written contract (Exhibit A, referenced in the lawsuit).
2. The contract explicitly requires the Defendant (Evergreen Poplar LLC) to pay all attorney fees and legal expenses associated with collection efforts, including court costs and court reporter fees.
3. The contract includes a 2% finance charge on unpaid balances.
4. The services were provided to multiple properties owned by Evergreen Poplar LLC, with some locations within Wood County, Ohio.
5. Evergreen Poplar LLC allegedly failed to pay CWS Environmental over $20,000 for services rendered.
6. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certified that all of CWS Environmental’s services were performed correctly, reinforcing the validity of the claims.