Introduction to Demolition at Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park
Demolition began Thursday at a Sweetwater mobile home park where hundreds were forced to move to make way for new housing.
Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park on Northwest 2nd Terrace is where more than 900 residents first received eviction notices last November, learning they’d have until May 19 to move out.
Background on the Eviction and Redevelopment Plans
The owner of the park, CREI Holdings, is planning to build brand new housing on the site, and has offered residents some incentives for moving out ahead of the deadline. This move has been controversial, with many residents expressing concerns about the lack of affordable housing options in the area.
Demolition and Resident Reactions
Video shared on Friday by a resident shows a construction vehicle pushing around the remnants of what appears to be a demolished trailer. "They started at 7 in the morning," one woman said in Spanish. In another video, neighbors speak animatedly to police, who appear to try to calm them down. The woman recording claims remaining residents are being forced to leave.
Response from Authorities and Management
According to the spokesperson for the city of Sweetwater, Alvaro Zabaleta, the park’s management received permits from the Department of Environmental Resources Management on Wednesday that allowed them to start removing abandoned trailers. He confirmed they started the process on Thursday. The manager of the park, the Urban Group, released a statement after a recent fire at the park, saying, "We are committed to the continued safety of our community and we will resume demolition of vacated mobile homes this week following the protocol required by the County. Demolition and clean up will continue until the park is clear. Local authorities are currently conducting an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, including whether arson may have been involved."
Concerns Over Neglect and Safety
The demolition comes after a fire at the mobile home park on Sunday sparked a new round of fighting between remaining residents and the property managers. Neighbors claim the property has been neglected since they announced evictions. “There’s no maintenance happening here. As you can see there’s garbage on the streets. There’s abandoned places. The places aren’t secured,” attorney David Winker, who is representing 250 families in a class action lawsuit, said. “We don’t know what’s happened, obviously we will find out from the fire department, but we suspect it was squatters inside.”
Conclusion
The demolition of Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park marks a significant turning point for the community, as residents are forced to relocate and the site is redeveloped. The process has been marked by controversy and concern over the treatment of residents and the condition of the property. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the city and the property owners will address the needs of the displaced residents and ensure a safe and successful redevelopment of the site.
FAQs
- Q: Why is Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park being demolished?
A: The park is being demolished to make way for new housing, as decided by the owner, CREI Holdings. - Q: How many residents were affected by the eviction notices?
A: More than 900 residents received eviction notices. - Q: What incentives were offered to residents for moving out ahead of the deadline?
A: The specifics of the incentives offered by CREI Holdings to residents for early relocation are not detailed in the provided information. - Q: What is the current status of the demolition and redevelopment plan?
A: Demolition has begun, with the process expected to continue until the park is clear, followed by the construction of new housing. - Q: Are there concerns over the safety and maintenance of the property during the eviction and demolition process?
A: Yes, residents and their attorneys have raised concerns over neglect and safety issues, including a recent fire that sparked an investigation.
