Following a recent tagging incident of an abandoned luxury skyscraper development, in which at least 25 floors were vandalized, Councilman Kevin de León introduced a motion Friday to address the “unmitigated blight” and prevent further disturbance.
The development, known as the Oceanwide Plaza, a planned $1 billion multi-use complex in downtown Los Angeles, began construction some years ago, but stalled since 2019 when Beijing-based developer Oceanwide Holdings could no longer finance it. The complex would have brought online housing, hotel-use and retail stores, to build up the area near the Crypto.com Arena.
During Friday’s L.A. City Council meeting, the councilman introduced a motion that, if approved, would direct city departments to initiate the process of cleaning up Oceanwide Plaza, and the public sidewalks around it.
“Make no mistake, we will use all available legal remedies, including a lien on the property to correct their (the developer) neglect,” de León said at an early morning news conference on the corner of Hope and 12th streets. “Rest assured, we will get compliance.”
On Sunday, the Grammy Awards will be held at the Crypto.com Arena, and in the background, the presence of the vandalized Oceanwide Plaza. De León noted the site has raised concerns about neglect on private proprieties and graffiti spreading to other locations.
The councilman reassured that enough is enough, and pledged to take immediate action to prevent further issues in the area, which is part of his 14th District, covering downtown L.A., Boyle Heights and other northeast communities.
According to de León’s office, the property owner was served an order to comply notice, setting a deadline of Feb. 17 for them to fulfill their responsibilities. Failure to do so within the legally mandated time frame will result in city departments stepping in to ensure the area’s safety and restoration.
The motion also calls on the Department of Building and Safety, the Bureau of Engineering and the City Attorney’s Office to work in coordination to ensure that the property owner covers all costs incurred by the city as a result of their negligence.
“The city of Los Angeles is committed to the safety, cleanliness, and prosperity of our neighborhoods,” de León said in a statement. “We will not tolerate blight and vandalism that diminishes the quality of life for our residents.”
In response to the vandalism, Nella McOsker, president and CEO of the Central City Association, issued a statement on behalf of the organization. McOsker called the vandalism “disturbing,” and encouraged city leaders to give “proper attention” to the area.
“While we appreciate LAPD’s swift response, we urge the city to take steps to address this blighted property before it becomes a further nuisance,” McOsker said in a statement.