Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park Residents Face Uncertain Future
Thousands Affected by Closure Notice
Hundreds of people living at a South Florida mobile home park will have to find somewhere else to stay after letters were posted on their doors Tuesday saying they have to move out by May. The notices caught many tenants by surprise, leaving them worried about their future.
Tenants Speak Out
"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Lucy Deahora said. "I’m by myself, I’m alone, I don’t have anybody." Daniel Rosabal, who has lived at the park for over 20 years, expressed his frustration, saying, "It’s not okay to be throwing us out for more buildings. What are we going to do? The best we can do is live in a van, save up what we can, and do what you can to live."
Closure Part of Broader Community Development Plan
The closure of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park, which includes 900 mobile homes, is part of a broader community development plan. The future community would feature affordable and workforce housing, along with a K-12 school, a healthcare facility, a community center, and a park.
Incentive Package Offered
A letter to homeowners says the park owner is offering an incentive package that goes beyond what Florida law requires. The package is offered through the management agent, the Urban Group. However, for many homeowners, the offered assistance is not enough to convince them to leave.
Residents’ Concerns
"What is this not good enough, low income is not good enough for them, where are we going to go?" David Rosabal said. Many homeowners are worried about where they will go and how they will afford a new place to live. On Tuesday night, dozens of homeowners stood outside the mobile home park to express their frustration and concerns.
Mayor’s Statement
As Mayor of the City of Sweetwater, I want to express my deep concern regarding a recent notice received by the residents of Li’l Abner Mobile Homes, informing them of the need to vacate within six months," Sweetwater’s Mayor Jose Diaz said in a statement. "It is understandable that this letter, which arrived without prior warning as we approach the holiday season, has left many families worried. My administration and the city commissioners are diligently exploring all available resources as we continue to support our community through these challenging and transitional times."
Conclusion
The fate of the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park residents remains uncertain, leaving them to worry about their future. While the park owner is offering assistance, it may not be enough to convince many homeowners to leave. The city is working to support the community through this challenging time.
FAQs
Q: Why are the residents being forced to move out?
A: The closure of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park is part of a broader community development plan.
Q: What is the incentive package offered to residents?
A: The park owner is offering an incentive package that goes beyond what Florida law requires.
Q: What assistance is being offered to help residents relocate?
A: Up to $14,000 is being offered to residents who leave by January 31.
Q: Are residents still responsible for paying their monthly rent?
A: Yes, until tenants vacate, they are still responsible for paying their monthly rent.
