Sebastian Gutierrez : “High-Rise Graffiti Cleanup Deadline in DTLA”

The city of Los Angeles has taken decisive action to address the issue of the prominent “graffiti towers” that have been a blight on the downtown skyline. The City Council recently passed a resolution demanding that the owners of Oceanwide Plaza, the 27-story complex marred by graffiti, scaffolding, and vandalism, take immediate steps to clean up the property.

Despite the council’s ultimatum for the owners to commence cleanup operations by a specified deadline, the prescribed actions were not undertaken. Consequently, the city has stepped in to rectify the situation and will bill the developers for the incurred expenses.

To facilitate the cleanup efforts, the City Council has allocated $3.8 million towards the initiative. Among the planned measures is the construction of a custom metal barrier surrounding the site to deter trespassers and enhance safety.

Councilman Kevin de León emphasised the importance of preventing unauthorized access to the building, stating, “It’s our great desire, obviously the city’s desire, to deter any individuals who may climb, scale and go up there, and may slip and fall to his or her death.”

In addition to physical barriers, the city plans to employ private security personnel to safeguard the premises, a measure intended to alleviate the burden on law enforcement resources.

De León also hinted at potential future actions if the owners fail to comply with cleanup directives, suggesting that there is interest in acquiring the property should the need arise.

The recent crackdown on trespassers at the site resulted in the arrest of four individuals, with three being cited and released, and one held on an outstanding warrant. This follows previous arrests of two individuals on suspicion of trespassing at the same location.