The situation at Li'l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater has become tense as demolition begins, amid protests from remaining residents about worsening living conditions. According to NBC Miami, demolition of abandoned mobile homes started last Thursday. The park, once home to over 900 residents, is owned by CREI Holdings, which plans to build new housing on the site. The company has offered financial incentives for residents to move out by the May 19 deadline.
Over the weekend, a fire broke out in a vacant mobile home, adding to the unrest. This has sparked further disputes between residents and the property management, who say the property has been neglected since the eviction announcement. Alvaro Zabaleta, a spokesperson for the city, said in a statement obtained by NBC Miami that demolition permits were granted by the Department of Environmental Resources Management, allowing the removal of abandoned trailers.
Protesters are also concerned about their health and safety as the conditions continue to worsen. A group of about a dozen residents protested on Wednesday evening last week, according to WSVN. "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.
Residents like Melissa Martin are raising alarms about the risks of asbestos contamination due to the ongoing demolition. "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," Martin told WSVN. In response, residents have filed a lawsuit against Miami-Dade County, the City of Sweetwater, and the developers, demanding more compensation, more time, and a planned relocation. The urgency to leave is heightened by a decrease in financial incentives from $7,000 to an undisclosed amount for those staying beyond March.
The Urban Group, which manages the park, reassured the public after the fire, stating, "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," according to NBC Miami.
