Los Angeles is grappling with a unique and escalating problem involving unfinished tower blocks that have become a magnet for vandals, graffiti artists, and BASE jumping enthusiasts. These structures, known as the Oceanview Plaza Towers, situated in a bustling downtown area of the city, have drawn significant attention and concern from local authorities and the public alike.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has found itself heavily invested in managing the safety and legal issues surrounding the towers. LAPD Chief Michael Moore, in a recent press conference, expressed the strain these towers have placed on the department’s resources. To combat the unauthorized and dangerous activities taking place at the site, the LAPD has resorted to calling in officers on an overtime basis to ensure the area is patrolled around the clock or to station them at the site. This initiative aims to deter individuals from accessing the towers while maintaining the minimum deployment requirements for stations across the city.
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This situation reached a critical point when footage of a man parachuting from the top of one of the towers went viral, prompting an urgent safety warning from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. The mayor underscored the extreme danger posed by the presence of people in the building and issued a dire warning about the potential for tragedy if the site is not secured promptly.
The challenges posed by the Oceanview Plaza Towers are not limited to thrill-seeking activities. The LAPD has reported that 30 floors of the towers have been covered in graffiti, leading to the arrest of 18 individuals since February 1. The towers, which began construction in 2015, have been left in a state of abandonment since 2019 after the developer ran out of money and subsequently went out of business. This halt in construction has left the towers in a state of limbo, attracting unwanted attention and activity.
Chief Moore highlighted the unfortunate transformation of the towers into an iconic location for drawing and engaging in nefarious acts. He noted that some of those arrested were from out of town, suggesting the wide-reaching allure of the site for those
intending to engage in illegal activities. The situation has become so dire that efforts are underway to recoup the costs of the additional policing required to manage the situation, despite the tower’s owner declaring bankruptcy.
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In response to the ongoing challenges, the LA City Council is set to consider a motion to allocate $3 million towards measures aimed at securing the site. Proposed by Councilman Kevin De León, who represents the area, the motion includes installing a new fence, clearing debris, and possibly hiring private security guards. These steps are intended to alleviate the pressure on the police force and mitigate the risks associated with the unfinished towers.
Councilman De León’s attempts to reach out to the China-based developer through phone, email, and social media have so far been unsuccessful, highlighting the complexities of dealing with international property developers and the challenges of managing abandoned construction projects in urban areas.
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The situation at the Oceanview Plaza Towers serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers and legal challenges posed by unfinished construction projects. It underscores the need for effective urban planning, robust regulatory frameworks, and proactive measures to prevent such scenarios from arising. As the city of Los Angeles and its residents await the council’s decision, the hope is that swift and decisive action can be taken to secure the site and prevent any further tragedy or illegal activity.
