Squatters have overtaken aging pedestrian tunnels beneath the streets of Los Angeles, breaking through fencing and leaving the underground passageways filled with filth and debris.
Public Safety Concerns
One of the tunnels, located near Soto Street Elementary School in Boyle Heights, has become a particular concern for local officials. The tunnel, which was originally built to provide a safe passage for schoolchildren, has fallen into disrepair and now attracts homeless encampments and illicit activity.
Despite efforts to seal the entrances with chain-link fences and gates, trespassers continue to break through, leaving behind a trail of feces, urine, drugs, and other hazardous materials. The situation has prompted District 14 City Councilmember Ysabel Jurado to call for a permanent closure of the tunnel, citing persistent public health and safety concerns.
Jurado has filed a motion seeking a permanent solution to close the tunnel, which would require an engineering evaluation, coordination among city departments, identification of funding, and approval through the City Council process.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
