Individuals residing near a vacant plot in Los Angeles’ Koreatown report that a large homeless encampment has transformed into a “tiny city,” with inhabitants allegedly stealing electricity from nearby buildings.
Locals informed KTLA’s Gene Kang on Friday that the encampment on South Manhattan Place, located between 7th and 8th streets, started taking shape in May with a few tents but has since expanded into a complex transient community.
Aerial footage revealed the vast urban campsite, encircled by apartment buildings and businesses, featuring several substantial temporary shelters amidst numerous piles of trash.
A woman who lives in the area said the transients have destroyed property and sold drugs in front of her daughter.
“They blew up two cars,” stated Sasha to KTLA. “It initially began as a clean tent area, but when visiting the store, they were openly dealing drugs in broad daylight.”
Other community members express concerns about fire hazards, mentioning to KTLA that some residents have extended cords across the street to illegally tap into electricity.
City leaders have been alerted to the matter, but said that one of the issues is that the encampment is on private property.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said that city departments are responding, and an outreach team has been sent to the area.
“It is entirely unacceptable for private property owners to allow their lots to become a nuisance and a danger to the community,” Bass declared in a statement. “All necessary City departments are taking action at this location to hold the owner accountable and maintain community safety. Outreach workers are connecting with the unhoused at the site.”
