News Summary
The Los Angeles Building and Safety Commission has labeled six vacant properties in North Hollywood’s Valley Plaza as public nuisances, allowing demolition to proceed. The Charles Company, which owns the properties, will be billed for demolition costs. These structures have been abandoned since 2015 and associated with crime, contributing to community concerns. Efforts for revitalization include potential redevelopment plans for housing and retail, as local leaders call for better management from property owners.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Building and Safety Commission has declared six vacant properties in North Hollywood’s Valley Plaza shopping center public nuisances, paving the way for the demolition of these dilapidated structures near the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard. This decision, made during a commission meeting on Tuesday, allows the city to take action to remove buildings that have long been characterized as eyesores and sources of concern for local residents.
The city plans to bill the property owner, the Charles Company, for the costs associated with the demolition. The properties have been vacant since they were purchased by the Charles Company in 2015 and have increasingly been associated with criminal activities, including numerous instances of fires and public squatting. City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian has emphasized that the property owner has repeatedly been urged to either develop the site or sell it but has failed to secure the buildings appropriately, leading to ongoing nuisance conditions.
The current situation follows a history of decline for Valley Plaza, which was once hailed as the largest shopping center on the West Coast during the 1950s. Over the years, the area has experienced significant economic changes and competition from modern retail developments, leading to a deterioration of its once-thriving commercial environment. Residents have reported a rise in local crime rates and have noted that police and fire department responses have increased due to the current state of the area.
Background and Community Impact
The Valley Plaza shopping center’s decline has been a point of contention in the community for decades. The condition of the vacant properties has sparked frustration among local leaders and residents who believe that these buildings could positively contribute to the neighborhood if properly maintained or redeveloped. City officials have called for revitalization efforts, suggesting plans for new housing and retail spaces that would replace the dilapidated structures and breathe new life into the neighborhood.
Despite claims made by the Charles Company that over $1 million has been spent in attempts to maintain the properties, the challenging issue of trespassing and homelessness has exacerbated the conditions surrounding these buildings. Following a recent cleanup of a large homeless encampment in nearby Alexandria Park, approximately 80 individuals were displaced, leading to concerns that some may have sought refuge in the abandoned Valley Plaza buildings.
Future Prospects
While the commission’s decision marks a pivotal step in addressing the issues plaguing Valley Plaza, no specific timeline for the demolition of the properties has been announced yet. The current state of the area has drawn attention from both local residents and officials, prompting a communal call for action to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the neighborhood.
Local leaders are advocating for a comprehensive redevelopment plan that could revitalize the area and reduce crime. The ownership group, Charles Company, has faced heavy criticism from various stakeholders regarding their management of the properties, with calls for accountability and a clear plan moving forward. The long-term neglect of these buildings has raised questions about the responsibilities of property owners and the role of city officials in facilitating urban renewal.
Overall, the declaration of these properties as public nuisances represents a crucial response to the growing concerns within the community and marks a potential turning point for revitalization efforts in North Hollywood. The future of Valley Plaza remains uncertain, but the push for change reflects a collective desire for improvement and a better quality of life for residents in the area.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: Valley Plaza Eyesore
- Wikipedia: North Hollywood
- LAist: Valley Plaza Declared Public Nuisance
- Google Search: Valley Plaza North Hollywood
- ABC7: Valley Plaza Declared Public Nuisance
- Google Scholar: Valley Plaza North Hollywood
- Fox LA: Valley Plaza Faces Demolition
- Encyclopedia Britannica: North Hollywood
- NBC Los Angeles: Valley Plaza Declared Public Nuisance
- Google News: Valley Plaza North Hollywood Demolition
Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
