Residents facing an imminent eviction from the Li'l Abner mobile home park in Sweetwater have made two main requests to the owner: an extension on the timeline to vacate the property and an increase in the financial compensation offered.
"We are requesting more time to leave and a larger amount of money. Supposedly, an organization is going to be formed to submit this to the court and let the court decide. At least, something is being done," said José Alfredo García, one of the leaders of the group, in statements to America Tevé.
The community, located on 112th Avenue and the second northwest terrace in Sweetwater, Miami-Dade County, is distressed and engulfed in growing uncertainty after receiving an eviction notice that sets a deadline of May 19, 2025.
More than 900 families reside in that space, which is now set to be closed, leaving thousands of people seeking housing solutions and support from the authorities.
The landowner has announced an incentive of up to $14,000 for those who vacate the property before January 31, 2025.
However, many residents believe that this compensation is insufficient and are demanding more favorable conditions, such as the exemption from the monthly rent of 1,180 dollars that they must continue to pay until they leave the premises.
Heart-wrenching testimonies from those affected
Among the most affected are elderly individuals and low-income families—many of Cuban origin—who do not know where they will live once the closure is finalized.
"This bombshell has taken everything from me, because I spent all I had here and now I’m gathering my things to see what I can do, because I can't work," said Madelis Zamora, a resident of the park, in statements to the mentioned outlet.
"I'm not against them selling it; this is private property and we’re in a capitalist system. But look at the date—if they had at least given us a deadline... Look, don't pay, and instead of leaving in January, let’s extend it to February. I'm struggling," said José Veiga, another affected neighbor.
His wife, María Ángeles Veiga, added: "At least in May, when they plan to close, let us live without paying and still give us the 14,000 they intend to provide. That's what we wanted, at the very least."
For the elderly Zaira Sandoval, housing options outside the park are out of reach.
"We have been getting quotes over the phone, and they won't go lower than $2,300. There was one for $1,800, but it was just a room, and my retirement is very limited," he said.
The announcement of the closure has sparked protests for several consecutive days in the surrounding area, with affected residents claiming they have nowhere else to go.
The role of Mayor José "Pepe" Díaz
In response to the growing concern among those affected, the mayor of Sweetwater, José “Pepe” Díaz, has held meetings with the park owner and local officials.
“We met with the owner of the Lil' Abner mobile home park, his representatives, and the director of Housing for Miami-Dade County to better understand the process and explore all possible avenues to assist during this challenging transition,” Díaz reported.
"During this initial meeting, the owner of the park agreed to include all residents living in the mobile home park who can prove their residency," he added.
The mayor urged those affected to contact the Mobile Home Park Office to schedule appointments that will help identify their specific needs.
He stated that those meetings are essential to understand each person's circumstances and identify how they can assist with the relocation.
Díaz affirmed that he is working alongside the mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniela Levine-Cava, and other officials to find funds and resources that can help alleviate the situation of those affected within legal parameters.
However, questions have arisen regarding Díaz's role in the development of the affordable housing project being built at the park's base.
County documents reveal that the current mayor, while serving as a commissioner for Miami-Dade in 2022, sponsored a resolution to allocate over half a million dollars to the developer of that project.
Although the mayor has stated that he was unaware of the pending sale of the park, this detail has generated criticism among residents.
The future of Li’l Abner remains uncertain, but the organization and determination of the residents could be key to ensuring their voices are heard.
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