More than 900 families could be affected by the unexpected permanent closing of the Li'l Abner mobile home park in Sweetwater, scheduled for May 19, 2025.
The notification was made public on Tuesday with no prior warning, leaving residents in uncertainty and forcing them to confront the challenge of finding a new home in an increasingly competitive real estate market, reported Telemundo.
After the announcement, the Sweetwater police had to intervene to manage traffic, as dozens of residents took to the streets to express their distress and request assistance from local authorities.
The mayor of Sweetwater, José “Pepe” Díaz, expressed in a statement his concern about the impact of this decision on the affected families: “It is understandable that this notification, which arrived without prior warning and so close to the holiday season, has left many families distressed. My administration and the city commissioners are exploring all possible resources to provide support during this difficult and transitional time.”
Among those affected is Francisco, who a few months ago purchased his mobile home with the hope of having a place of his own. “It’s heartbreaking to think that all the effort and money invested could be lost so soon,” he said with visible concern.
The management of Li’l Abner Park has announced that it will offer incentives of up to $14,000 to mobile home owners who decide to leave the park before the end of January 2025. However, many residents believe this amount is insufficient to cover relocation expenses and potential losses resulting from the eviction.
A mother living in the park expressed her distress about the situation: "It's very difficult for us, especially for those of us with children. This is our home, and the thought of having to start over is overwhelming."
The closure of the park is part of a broader community development plan aimed at modernizing the area and bringing long-term benefits, such as affordable housing, a K-12 school, medical facilities, a community center, and a park.
Although this plan promises improvements for the region, many residents do not feel included in the project, especially since the announcement comes at a time when accessing rentals in Miami is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive.
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