Since last Wednesday, when the demolition work began, the dismantling of the Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park has not stopped, leaving hundreds of families helpless as they endure moments of uncertainty and pain while witnessing their homes being torn down.
The final closure of the park, scheduled for May, affects more than 900 families who are facing the difficult task of finding a new place to live.
Many of those affected are elderly individuals who had hoped to enjoy their retirements in those homes.
This is the case of the Cuban Maday Villarreal, who had been living in her home for ten years and, now at the age of 63, is forced to move in with relatives to avoid being left on the street.
For another victim, Reinaldo Oscariz, 80 years old, the emotional and financial impact is devastating.
Just four months ago, Reinaldo invested all his life savings and part of the profits from his previous home in Westchester to acquire a mobile home in Lil Abner. Now, he finds himself without a clear plan.
And cases like the ones mentioned are multiplying.
Last week, a group of residents from the mobile home park protested in front of the Sweetwater City Hall over the violent arrest of Vivian Hernández, a 61-year-old Cuban who approached the administrative office to express her dissatisfaction with the commencement of demolitions.
The owner of the park, CREI Holdings, announced the permanent closure in November, giving residents until May 19 to vacate the premises.
As an incentive, they offered $14,000 to those who left the place before January 31.
However, that amount is insufficient in a county with one of the most expensive real estate markets in the country.
The Urban Group, the company managing the process, committed to assisting in the relocation of any mobile homes that can be moved.
However, finding available land in Miami-Dade has become a monumental challenge.
The case of Lil Abner is not unique. In Miami-Dade, mobile home parks are rapidly disappearing, giving way to residential and commercial real estate developments in high-value areas.
This trend leaves hundreds of families in vulnerable situations, facing inaccessible markets and an uncertain future.
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