Introduction to the Crisis
SWEETWATER, FLA. (WSVN) – Residents at a Sweetwater mobile home park are speaking out on the health and safety conditions of the community. About a dozen people who remain living at the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park protested Wednesday evening against the deterioration of the neighborhood since the company who owns the property told residents they had to leave by May.
Background of the Issue
The ongoing saga began last November when residents were told the company planned to demolish all of the homes so they were being evicted. Hundreds of families followed the notice, packed up and left. Some even took the incentive of thousands of dollars if they left early enough. But for the families who stayed behind to fight for their community, they said they are losing their sense of safety.
Current Conditions and Concerns
“There’s people that came in and stole toilets,” said Yesenia Guadalupe. “They’re being exposed to hazardous chemicals,” said Melissa Martin. Many of the homes are said to be abandoned, leading to shattered windows, open doors, exposed insulation and trash on the streets. Some homes are even pushed from their proper foundation. Over the weekend, one of the homes erupted in flames. Guadalupe said it is due to a recent increase in criminal activity. “The trailer that was burned was because people had been coming into these trailers and looting, to these trailers, and squatting,” she said.
Health Risks and Asbestos Concerns
Now, with the looming demolition of the abandoned trailers, demonstrators said another concern arises: asbestos in the air. “Some of these people are going to vacate due to health reasons. If they’re actively demolishing 600 vacant trailers around them, 600 vacant trailers that are most likely going to test positive for asbestos,” said Martin. Those who choose to stay behind are suing Miami-Dade County, the City of Sweetwater and the developers.
Demands for Fair Treatment
“They’re still paying rent here. They still have the right to feel safe in the space that they’re paying to be in,” said Yesenia Guadalupe. The community they call home now looks like a war zone, and to them, it’s starting to feel like one. “It is their right to fight for what’s fair, and what’s fair is more money, more time, a relocation program, because a lot of these trailers, like I said, are homes,” said Guadalupe. The longer residents wait to leave, the less money the company will offer them. The company said if residents leave by the end of March, they will be offered $7,000, but all residents have until May 19 to completely vacate the property.
Conclusion
The situation at the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park is dire, with residents facing significant health and safety risks due to the abandonment and deterioration of the community. The looming demolition of homes with potential asbestos poses an additional threat. Residents are fighting for fair treatment, including more time, money, and a proper relocation program, as they believe it is their right to feel safe in the space they are paying for.
FAQs
- Q: Why are residents being evicted from the Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park?
A: Residents are being evicted because the company that owns the property plans to demolish all the homes. - Q: What are the main concerns of the residents who stayed behind?
A: The main concerns include safety due to looting and criminal activity, exposure to hazardous chemicals, and the potential presence of asbestos in the air during demolition. - Q: What are residents demanding from the company and local authorities?
A: Residents are demanding more money, more time to relocate, and a proper relocation program. - Q: What is the deadline for residents to vacate the property?
A: All residents have until May 19 to completely vacate the property, but the offer of $7,000 is only available if they leave by the end of March.
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