Trouble in the neighborhood
The abandoned home — two doors down from the short-term housing facility — provided a convenient setting for illicit activity, says Jeanne.
“It was the perfect scenario for disaster,” she said. “The people that were buying drugs would then have a place to go over and do them.”
Since November, the abandoned property has been on fire at least seven times, reports CBS Los Angeles. Jeanne, who is a mother and a photographer, says she’s worried about embers sparking a blaze in her building.
“Our lives are in danger. Our property is in danger,” she said. “I have 30 years of photo archives as a photographer that are now at my mom’s, that I cannot bring here because I know they’re at risk.”
Jeanne blames the city for failing to intervene, calling the situation “a complete failure” on the part of local officials.
Councilman Hugo Soto-Martinez’s office told CBS Los Angeles in a statement that it’s working with the Department of Building and Safety to have the abandoned property declared a public nuisance. This may allow authorities to take action to protect residents, which can’t come soon enough for some.
“We can’t put up with it anymore,” Levi Freeman told CBS Los Angeles. “It’s not OK. I am terrified. I want these people removed from my neighborhood. I mean, what are we waiting for, for them to burn the whole place down?”
Invest in real estate without the headache of being a landlord
Imagine owning a portfolio of thousands of well-managed single family rentals or a collection of cutting-edge industrial warehouses. You can now gain access to a $1B portfolio of income-producing real estate assets designed to deliver long-term growth from the comforts of your couch.
The best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire and can start investing in minutes.
Learn MoreHow distressed properties can hurt your finances
The average home in Los Angeles’s Hollywood neighborhood is worth over $950,000, according to Zillow. But being within close proximity of a property in disarray can have a number of negative effects, including on a home’s value.
The Center for Community Progress says that research has “consistently shown” that abandoned and unkept properties lead to a reduction in value for surrounding properties. A report by the group cites multiple examples showing the impacts of vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties on communities.
Public health is a top concern. Individuals living in derelict homes may be exposed to more toxins such as mold, lead and asbestos. The group also claims studies show vacant and run-down properties can attract criminal activity, including violent crime.
As for homeowners’ finances, the report says these types of homes in a neighborhood can both lower the value of surrounding properties and increase home insurance premiums. An increase in policy cancellations may be possible as well.person. If you see people trespassing on the property or engaging in illegal activity, call law enforcement and let them know what’s going on.
The richest 1% use an advisor. Do you?
Wealthy people know that having money is not the same as being good with money. Advisor.com can help you shape your financial future and connect with expert guidance . A trusted advisor helps you make smart choices about investments, retirement savings, and tax planning.
Try it now
