Westmont homeowners are demanding action on an 1,800‑square‑foot house that has sat empty since 2022 and turned into a community hazard. The property, located near the intersection of West Century Boulevard and Western Avenue, has attracted trespassers, illegal drug activity and reports of prostitution, prompting residents to call on city leaders for a swift resolution.
Neighbors describe a “nightmare from hell”
“That house will knock you to your knees,” said Pastor Carnell Powell, a longtime resident. “It has been like that. Been empty since 2022 when the previous owner passed away.” Patrice Weldon echoed the sentiment, describing the last four years as “a nightmare from hell.” She noted that police and 311 crews have repeatedly cleared curtains and debris, only to see the property re‑occupied, sometimes by young women and even an infant.
Weldon also observed that some of the trespassers arrive in high‑end vehicles such as Bentleys and Mercedes‑Benzes, underscoring the sense that the site has become a magnet for illicit activity despite the neighborhood’s otherwise family‑friendly character.
City officials respond with enforcement options
Residents have reported the situation to City Council President Marqueece Harris‑Dawson, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and the Department of Building and Safety. In a joint statement, the mayor’s office confirmed that police have been asked to investigate any criminal conduct on the site.
“Securing the legal authority against negligent private property owners to address nuisance properties has been a challenge in L.A.,” the statement read. “We are looking into additional ways to change city policy and strengthen enforcement tools so public departments have the authority to intervene earlier and move faster to keep our neighborhoods safe.” The Board of Building & Safety Commissioners has already declared the site a nuisance and issued work orders for cleanup.
Funding and demolition hurdles
Mayor Bass’s proposed budget originally allocated $2 million to address vacant lots, but the line was removed during the budgeting process. The mayor now plans to ask the City Council to restore that funding, which would help secure and, if necessary, demolish properties like the Westmont house.
According to Pastor Powell, a building inspector confirmed that a demolition order was issued two years ago, yet the property remains standing. The owner, who declined to be identified, told NBC Los Angeles he is “tied up” in court proceedings and hung up.
Why swift action matters for families
For families in Westmont, the abandoned house represents more than an eyesore; it threatens the safety and well‑being of children who play nearby. The community’s call for decisive city action aligns with broader concerns about vacant properties across Los Angeles, where neglect can erode property values and invite crime.
City officials say they are reviewing all legal avenues, including holding the owner financially responsible for cleanup costs and pursuing demolition if the property continues to pose a public danger. Residents hope that a clear, enforceable path forward will restore peace to their streets.
Next steps
The City Council is expected to discuss additional enforcement measures at its upcoming meeting. In the meantime, neighbors are urging anyone who witnesses illegal activity at the site to report it to 311 or local law enforcement.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
