The owners of two Hollywood Hills mansions occupied by squatters and taggers say they have made “significant progress” in the cleanup.
“I am pleased to report significant progress. Crews I hired have cleaned all of the graffiti from both of my homes,” John Powers Middleton said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
“I have also spoken with Councilman Raman’s office and other city officials to update them on progress. I appreciate their efforts and will continue to work with them to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods.” We have also been in contact with the Los Angeles Police Department,” Middleton continued.
John P. Middleton, the film producer and son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has previously faced backlash after his two mansions in the Hollywood Hills became eyesores in the upscale Los Angeles area. I was facing it.
California owner of squatter-infested Hollywood Hills mansion apologizes and offers to repay taxpayer funds
John P. Middleton, the film producer and son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has apologized for his abandoned Hollywood Hills mansion that was taken over by squatters. (KTTV/Instagram/John Powers Middleton)
“I will continue to do everything I can to restore these homes and remove graffiti. It's difficult to do given the crime problem in Los Angeles, but I'm here to help.” We have an armed security presence 24/7, and the team I hired will remain in place,'' Middleton said.
Middleton added that he hopes the trespassers and vandals who did this are held accountable.
“There is a sense of invincibility among vandals because the same people who were arrested before come back again and again and threaten security guards and police. If something is not done, they will They'll come back and do the same thing, not just at my house, but wherever they choose,” Middleton said.
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) He previously told Fox News Digital that so far this year, the Hollywood Hills area has received and responded to 17 calls for service in the 1700 block of Sunset Plaza Drive.
Squatters turn Hollywood Hills mansion into 'Isoa' with graffiti: video
Taggers and squatters targeted another abandoned mansion on Sunset Boulevard. (FOX11 Los Angeles)
Police said there were eight calls for a loitering suspect, six calls for suspected theft, and three calls for suspected property damage.
“We are trying our best to secure and repair the house with the intention of selling it as soon as possible. We are disappointed that the vandalism still continues despite working to cover up the graffiti this week.” “Given the persistence of the large number of intruders, it was difficult for them to manage to get in and plaster the newly cleaned walls,” Middleton said in an earlier statement.
“What happened on my property was a crime and I hope everyone caught is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one in Los Angeles should put up with out-of-control squatters and vandals.” You don’t have to,” Middleton continued.
Los Angeles City Council member Nitya Raman told Fox News Digital that she has been in contact with Middleton's attorney and is working on painting the property.
“Earlier this week, after two years of attempts, attorneys representing the property owners contacted our firm to provide accountability and future guidance for two abandoned mansions in the Hollywood Hills. “We are pleased to report that we have been made responsible for all payments made to date by the city,” Raman said in a statement.
“The owner has since issued a letter of apology to the neighbors and is working to secure and clean both properties, with the intention of selling them as soon as possible. The owner has also hired contractors to repaint both properties. “In the coming days, we plan to fund 24/7 security for both sites,” Raman continued.
Raman said neither situation is being taken lightly and the city is working to combat the problems at both facilities, located at 7571 Mulholland Drive and 1754 N. Sunset Plaza Drive.
'Squatter Hunter' warns America's worst invaders are those with 'nothing to lose'
The abandoned mansion is legally owned by John Powers Middleton, a film producer known for his work on “The Lego Movie.” (KTTV)
“Unfortunately, this is not an isolated case. Abandoned buildings are a pervasive problem in the city. The Department of Building Safety has the power to secure vacant properties if the owner is unable to do so. But we don't have the resources to secure vacant properties.''Please continue the crackdown,'' Raman said.
Raman added that the city also has the authority to demolish vacant or abandoned properties if they are found to constitute a public nuisance, but the procedures currently in use are more than 20 years old and legal guidelines are in place. He said that there was a delay in response. The site responds to the current needs of the field, where there are too many abandoned properties and too few city workers to follow up on problem properties.
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“My office will continue to be in close contact with DBS and LAPD to monitor properties in the Hollywood Hills in the coming days and weeks. We are confident that property owners will properly secure these premises. “We will continue to take full responsibility for this,” Raman said. Said.
John Powers Middleton is best known for his work in the films Oldboy (2013) and Manchester by the Sea (2016).
