North Hollywood Neighbors Concerned About Problematic Vacant Lot
Residents Call for Action on Abandoned North Hollywood Lot Overrun by Squatters
Residents of North Hollywood are expressing their frustration over an abandoned lot on the 7700 block of Varna Avenue that has become a hotspot for unwanted activity, including trash accumulation and violence.
The lot, which has been vacant for over a decade following the destruction of its original house by fire, is reportedly neglected by its current owner, according to local residents. “We all see homeless people go in the back doing drugs,” stated David Abrahamian, a long-time area resident.
Compounding the issue, Robert Baindourov, another neighbor, shared his concerns over safety, citing “multiple shootings, overdose deaths,” and noting incidents of stolen cars left near his home. "I personally have seen somebody stop a drive-by shooting,” he recounted.
City records indicate that there have been more than two dozen calls for service regarding the property. “Since the beginning of 2023 alone, there have been 28 calls for service,” revealed LA City Councilmember Adrin Nazarian, adding that 10 of these calls were initiated by police officers.
In a hopeful turn of events, Nazarian announced that the city aims to address the situation by cleaning up the lot by the end of the week. While residents welcome this news, they remain concerned about the potential for squatters to return and emphasize the need for ongoing measures to ensure their neighborhood’s safety.
