Emotions Run High as Mobile Home Park Residents Face Uncertain Future
Emotions ran high Wednesday night as hundreds of people living at a South Florida mobile home park are trying to figure out where they’re going to live in six months.
Letters Issued, Demanding Departure by May
Letters were posted on their doors this week saying they have to move out by May.
Residents’ Concerns and Demands
This week, people living at Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater learned they have until May 2025 to find somewhere else to live. For the second night in a row, they voiced their concerns and demanded answers outside the park.
Sergio Zamora lives with his wife and in-laws, who’ve lived at the park for more than 30 years.
“They paid off the house to be told you don’t have a place to live anymore,” Zamora said. “Imagine saying you own a property and someone tells you don’t.”
Relocation Assistance Offered
The park’s owner says they’ll help tenants relocate and provide financial assistance, including up to $14,000 for anyone who leaves by January 31, but that number decreases as the deadline approaches.
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.
Residents’ Skepticism
“It’s the holidays so that’s not really a thing that seems possible for most of these people,” Zamora said. “$14,000 is not a down payment for anything.”
Many tenants wanted to head over to city hall Wednesday to speak with the mayor or city commissioners, but the mayor and city commissioners came to them Wednesday night.
City’s Response
Sweetwater’s mayor told tenants Wednesday they’re searching for solutions. Many like Zamora say they need more money and more time.
“We need more just to be able to leave,” Zamora said. “The incentive is not enough, not for most of these people.”
Sweetwater’s mayor told NBC6 the notices came as a surprise to him. He went on to say he’s had conversations with the mayor of Miami-Dade County, the county commissioner for this district, and they’re working on finding solutions for tenants.
Future Plans
The park is set to be closed and developed into a new community with affordable and workforce housing and a school.
Conclusion
The fate of hundreds of mobile home residents in South Florida hangs in the balance as they face an uncertain future. With relocation assistance offered, but deemed insufficient by many, the residents are left wondering what lies ahead. As the city and park owner work together to find solutions, it remains to be seen how this situation will unfold.
FAQs
Q: Why are the mobile home park residents being asked to leave?
A: The park is being closed to make way for a new development, including affordable and workforce housing and a school.
Q: What relocation assistance is being offered to residents?
A: The park owner is offering up to $14,000 to residents who leave by January 31, with the amount decreasing as the deadline approaches.
Q: Have the city and park owner discussed solutions with residents?
A: Yes, the Sweetwater mayor and city commissioners have met with residents and are working on finding solutions, including speaking with the park owner to see if residents can get more time.
Q: What is the timeline for the relocation?
A: Residents have until May 2025 to find a new place to live.
