Families Move Out of Sweetwater Mobile Home Park by Deadline
Families Forced to Relocate Due to Park Closure
Friday is the deadline for people at a Sweetwater mobile home park to move out of their homes and receive the highest possible financial incentive package.
Residents Face Emotional and Financial Challenges
Tenants of the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park were told in November they had to move out by May. On Thursday, several moving trucks were seen throughout the neighborhood. Rocio Loaisiga has lived with her mom at Li’l Abner for about 10 years. They spent Thursday moving out the last of their things. On Friday, they’ll leave and they won’t look back.
"It’s been a hard process," Loaisiga said. "It was very hard for us to move out."
Incentive Package Aims to Encourage Relocation
In November, families learned they have until May to find somewhere else to live. There are plans to close the park, which includes 900 mobile homes, and develop a new community. The incentive package, which combines the park owner’s incentive with state-mandated amounts, offers between $16,000 to $20,000 to tenants who move by the deadline.
Many Residents Have Already Relocated
So far, 605 tenants have accepted the incentive package and completed their moves, exceeding initial projections for this phase of the relocation. In less than three months, more than 65% of the park’s residents have relocated. The park’s owner, the Urban Group, anticipates that by the end of January 31, an additional 50+ tenants will finalize their relocations.
Residents Reflect on the Experience
Loaisiga and her mom are leaving now because of the incentive. "It’s so sad at the same time that everything is going away," Loaisiga said. "A lot of people don’t have anywhere to go, and that’s what sucks." They have another home to go to, but they’re leaving their mobile home, which they own.
Sergio Zamora and his family are trying to move out by Friday. "We’re kind of rushing here, but we got a house and we’re just trying to do the best we can," Zamora said. "It’s been not just stressful but emotional, very emotional."
Class Action Lawsuit Filed
Nearly 200 residents of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater have signed onto a class action lawsuit as they fight against being vacated from their homes. The lawsuit alleges that the city of Sweetwater, Miami-Dade County, and the landlord failed to follow proper zoning procedures or misled property owners.
Conclusion
The residents of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park are facing a difficult and emotional experience as they are forced to relocate due to the park’s closure. The incentive package has encouraged many to move by the deadline, but some are still struggling to find a new place to call home.
FAQs
- What is the deadline for residents to move out of the park?
Friday, January 31 - How much is the incentive package worth?
Between $16,000 to $20,000 - How many residents have already relocated?
605 - What is the plan for the park’s development?
The park is being closed and a new community is being developed.
