Sanitation crews launch cleanup operation at long-abandoned nuisance property in North Hollywood

NORTH HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles city crews on Thursday began a major cleanup operation at a a nuisance property in North Hollywood that has drawn resident complaints over crime and drug use.

"Kids can't play in the street, neighbors can't walk their dogs, mothers can't walk their baby strollers," said a nearby resident who gave his name only as JJ. "Our neighborhood is unsafe. All the neighbors directly across the street -- they can't get property insurance because insurance companies won't insure them with this across the street."

Los Angeles City Councilman Adrin Nazarian, along with representatives from the city Department of Sanitation and neighbors of the property at 7779 Varna Avenue held a morning news conference at the location, located just east of the Tujunga Wash.

Nazarian secured a declaration of public nuisance and order for abatement for the property, which the councilman's office described as "a longstanding eyesore and public safety hazard."

The sanitation department began clearing and cleaning the property at the owner's expense, officials said.

According to Nazarian, the vacant lot "has been a serious concern to the North Hollywood West community for over a decade.

"Long neglected and ultimately abandoned by its owners, unauthorized occupants have turned the lot into an illegal junkyard and a magnet for criminal activity," according to a statement from Nazarian's office.

At the news conference, the councilman said: "In the last three years there have been 28 calls for police or fire service tied to this location: 18 initiated by residents and another 10 by LAPD."

Nazarian spoke at a Board of Public Works hearing last week, leading to the board voting to abate the nuisance at property, paving the way for police and sanitation department workers to " clear, clean and secure the property at the owners' expense."

If the owner fails to pay the costs, a lien can be placed on the property, according to Nazarian.

City News Service contributed to this report.