Miami-Dade County Slaps Over $108,000 Fine on Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park

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News Summary

The Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater faces a $108,000 fine after an inspection revealed asbestos in debris, raising health concerns for residents.

Miami-Dade County Slaps Over $108,000 Fine on Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park

The Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park in Sweetwater is making headlines as Miami-Dade County has officially imposed a hefty fine exceeding $108,000 due to alarming discoveries during a recent inspection. The county’s decision comes after inspectors found asbestos in the debris of demolished buildings on the property, raising serious health concerns for residents.

Inspection Findings Raise Red Flags

The inspection, conducted in December, revealed that three out of four debris piles at the mobile home park contained asbestos. This discovery has stirred up significant concern among the park’s residents, many of whom are now questioning their safety. The demolition is part of a larger redevelopment initiative aimed at transforming the area, but the risks associated with exposure to asbestos have resulted in a cloud of uncertainty.

Owner Disputes County’s Claims

Matt Rosenbaum, the property owner associated with the Urban Group, disputes the findings from the inspection. He asserts that the units earmarked for demolition underwent testing prior to deconstruction and came back negative for asbestos. This has sparked a contentious back-and-forth between the county and the property owner, leaving residents caught in the middle.

Relocation Incentives for Residents

In November, residents received notice that they would need to vacate the property to make way for redevelopment. Currently, the park is home to at least 900 families, and while some tenants have already left, a significant number remain. As of January 31, 2025, over 605 tenants have taken advantage of relocation incentives and moved out, representing more than 65% of the residents. Those who accept relocation offers by the deadline stand to receive between $16,000 and $20,000, touted as one of the largest incentive packages in the history of Miami-Dade County.

Concerns and Legal Action

However, the relocation benefits have not been enough for everyone. Approximately 185 families have banded together, launching a class-action lawsuit demanding $50,000 per homeowner, citing alleged violations of deceptive trade laws. In the backdrop of this legal strife, the owner has warned tenants that pursuing legal action may put their eligibility for compensation at risk.

Future of Housing and Resident Safety

The local government is working on a conversion plan to transform the mobile home park into affordable and workforce housing, targeting families earning between 60% and 140% of Miami-Dade’s median income. While a new residential building, referred to as Li’l Abner III, is currently under construction and expected to open in 2026, many residents still face significant challenges in relocating their immobile homes. Many of the residents typically own their mobile homes but rent the land, complicating the moving process.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the financial incentive to relocate, numerous residents feel that the compensation falls short in comparison to the actual cost of their homes. As rising housing costs continue to plague the area, local government officials are actively exploring resources and mediation to assist the displaced residents. Still, no concrete solutions have emerged, leaving many feeling helpless amid these ongoing developments.

The situation at Li’l Abner Mobile Home Park not only illuminates the immediate challenges of its residents but also serves as a broader reflection of the increasing housing costs and their disproportionate impact on low-income mobile home owners in the region. The tensions surrounding the redevelopment project serve as a reminder of the multifaceted issues surrounding affordable housing, community rights, and the urgency for effective solutions.