Clean-up begins at sprawling homeless encampment in Koreatown
KOREATOWN, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- People in Koreatown are finally getting help with a sprawling homeless encampment that's taken over an empty lot and grown so big that it's being called a mini city.
Eyewitness News first told about the encampment in a 7 On Your Side investigation after a frustrated condo owner reached out to us. After we raised the issue to the city, residents in the neighborhood are finally seeing some improvements.
The encampment is located on Manhattan Place, between Seventh and Eighth streets, surrounded by apartment complexes and other buildings. It included unexpected amenities such as a makeshift tennis court, garden and barbecue pit.
Some people living on the lot ripped open a streetlight, stuck a surge protector inside, and were using an extension cord to run power from it across the street and into the encampment.
LAPD officers showed up at the encampment Thursday morning and informed the people living there that they could no longer stay.
One person was arrested for assault on an officer. It appears he was trying to get back into the encampment as officers were clearing it.
City officials told ABC7 the clean-up started because the property owner started working with them.
Those who live in the area said the sight of crews cleaning up the encampment brought relief.
"It's about time to be honest," said Presa Hall. "Been reaching out for some time to the city, to some shelters. Nothing really changed - in fact, it actually got worse. This is the worst I've seen it, but I'm glad it's finally getting cleaned up."
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky's office was well aware of the encampment and said she is relieved that the property owner is now taking action.
The owner of the property is a limited liability corporation registered in Delaware. The company has not responded to Eyewitness News' request for comment.
