Los Angeles Homeless Encampment Resembles Mini-City, Alarming Neighbors
Residents say the privately owned site has grown into “a city in there” as more people move in. ABC 7
A large homeless encampment in Los Angeles’ Koreatown is raising concerns among local residents, who say the site has grown into a makeshift city — complete with electricity, a garden, a barbecue pit, and even a tennis court.
The encampment is located on a vacant, privately owned lot surrounded by apartment buildings, according to a report from ABC 7. Neighbors say the settlement has expanded significantly and now poses serious safety and quality-of-life issues.
“The reason why people are sleeping here is because you leaders are sleeping on not taking initiative and action to clean this place up,” resident Daniel King told the outlet. Another neighbor, Max Smith, called the encampment “a city in there,” adding, “It’s crazy.”
Resident Sangmin Lee described the site’s amenities, including a garden and a tennis court. He also raised concerns about fire and electrical hazards after witnessing individuals pry open a streetlight, insert a surge protector, and run an extension cord across the street. “Thank God it hasn’t rained in a while,” Lee said. “It’s a fire hazard … and a trip hazard for everyone.”
Some residents also reported feeling unsafe. One woman told ABC 7 she avoids walking her dog near the area after being approached by individuals from the camp. An ABC 7 news crew visiting the site said they were threatened by someone on the property.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky acknowledged the city’s limited authority to act because the land is privately owned.
“The challenge is that it’s private property,” Yaroslavsky said. “That path [to enforcement] is convoluted, over-bureaucratic. It’s the city at its worst — not being able to get out of its own way.”
The lot is reportedly owned by a Delaware-based limited liability company that has not responded to requests for comment. However, Yaroslavsky said the company has been cooperative and is expected to soon post “No Trespassing” signs — a step that would enable the LAPD to intervene.
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety told ABC 7 it is issuing an order to the property owner to address safety concerns, including trash, graffiti, and unauthorized access. Public Works officials also plan to wrap the tampered streetlight with anti-vandal materials to prevent further misuse.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office said outreach teams have been sent to the site to help move encampment residents into housing.
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