MARSHALL — The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has brought a civil lawsuit against Schierholz and Associates, Inc., and its owner, Paul Milton Schierholz, alleging years of neglect in maintaining the Broadmoor Valley mobile home park in Marshall. The trial began this week in the Lyon County District Court before Judge Tricia B. Zimmer, with attorneys from both sides presenting sharply contrasting opening statements.
Assistant Attorney General Bennett Hartz outlined the state’s case, alleging violations of multiple Minnesota laws, including failure to maintain roads, sanitary conditions, and legal compliance in fees charged to residents. Hartz emphasized the substandard living conditions faced by Broadmoor Valley’s residents, citing broken roads, unsanitary conditions, and retaliation against tenants who organized to address concerns. According to Hartz, Schierholz has failed to meet basic legal obligations despite owning the park for over two decades.
“For years, Broadmoor Valley’s residents have suffered under the defendants’ disregard for their neighborhood,” Hartz told the jury. The Attorney General’s Office is seeking to hold Schierholz and his company accountable for allegedly prioritizing profits over people.
In response, defense attorney Leah Huyser argued that Broadmoor Valley meets legal standards and accused the state of exaggerating claims for political motives. Huyser highlighted that government inspections over the years, including those by county health officials, have not resulted in fines or citations.
“The roads permit normal travel, and maintenance teams are on-site regularly,” Huyser stated. She also argued that Schierholz has faced challenges with local bureaucracy, including denied permits that have hindered repair efforts. Additionally, Huyser pointed to the financial struggles of maintaining affordable housing infrastructure, arguing that the state’s own policies have failed to support improvements.
At the core of the trial are seven alleged violations, including charging residents late fees above legal limits, retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights, and banning individuals from the park in violation of free speech laws. The state plans to present testimony from residents, health inspectors, engineers, and local officials to support its claims of widespread mismanagement.
Conversely, the defense will argue that many issues cited by the state—such as untrimmed trees and unsightly homes—are subjective and do not constitute legal violations. They will also challenge the state’s narrative of systemic failure by citing evidence of ongoing maintenance efforts and resident satisfaction.
This case highlights broader challenges in balancing affordable housing with infrastructure upkeep. The defense says that issues like aging infrastructure and financial constraints are common in mobile home communities nationwide. They accused the state of targeting Schierholz while other private park owners receive grant funding without litigation.
Residents of Broadmoor Valley are split on the issue. Some have joined the lawsuit, citing years of frustration, while others believe the park’s management is doing its best under financial constraints. The trial is expected to last several weeks, with testimony providing further insight into the conditions at Broadmoor Valley and the responsibilities of its owner.
