In Koreatown residents are voicing concerns over a large homeless encampment that has emerged on a vacant lot on Manhattan Place, between Seventh and Eighth streets. The encampment, surrounded by apartment complexes, features unusual amenities such as a makeshift tennis court, a garden, and a barbecue pit.
Residents like Daniel King have expressed frustration, attributing the encampment’s presence to a lack of action from city leaders. “The reason why people are sleeping here is because you leaders are sleeping on not taking initiative and action to clean this place up,” King said in an interview with ABC7.
The encampment has raised safety concerns among residents. Sangmin Lee, a local resident, noted that some individuals living in the encampment had tampered with a streetlight to access electricity, creating a potential fire hazard. “Thank God it hasn’t rained in a while,” Lee commented, highlighting the risk of electrical hazards.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky explained that the encampment’s location on private property complicates the city’s ability to address the situation swiftly. The property owner, a limited liability corporation registered in Delaware, has been cooperating with city officials and plans to install “No Trespassing” signs, which would enable the Los Angeles Police Department to intervene.
The city’s Department of Building Safety is taking steps to address the situation by issuing an order to the property owner to manage security, rubbish, and debris. Meanwhile, the Public Works department plans to install an anti-vandal wrap around the streetlight to prevent further tampering.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office has sent outreach teams to the encampment to encourage residents to move indoors, as efforts continue to resolve the situation.
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