The city is paying $400,000 to help relocate artists living in two un-permitted buildings in Downtown LA’s Fashion District, the LA Weekly reports.
At least one of the buildings, a warehouse at 931 Pico, was the subject of intense scrutiny in the wake of the Oakland Ghost Ship fire, which killed 36 people late last year.
Los Angeles city officials claim the building on Pico, which is zoned for commercial uses, was not permitted for residential use and was not safe for tenants. Fire officials alleged the building didn’t have adequate fire alarms or accessible fire escapes.
According to the Weekly, the tenants say their landlord, Morad “Ben” Neman, refused to pony up the money they are owed under city law when an “order to vacate” has been issued.
So Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar pushed through an emergency motion and, with the help of the city’s chief legislative analyst and administrative officer, the money was found and approved quickly, the Weekly says.
Neman is “subject to legal action by the City Attorney's Office,” and in court, he will be “pressed” by the City Attorney to repay the money, reports the Weekly.
- Evicted Artists Get Nearly $400,000 From City [LA Weekly]
- After Oakland warehouse fire, LA to crack down on unpermitted dwellings [Curbed LA]
Comments
If LA would relax it’s building and zoning code, land owners would have no problem adding smoke detectors, fire doors, and fire escapes.
Adding 100 underground parking spaces to get it up to code though is not a cheap fix.
By RXBXUXNX on 06.22.17 4:17pm
So, I rent in a warehouse that is obviously not a legal rental property and the city pays me? Ridiculous. This city is so poorly managed.
By sturm60514 on 06.22.17 9:04pm
The owner knew damn well what was happening there but cashed the rent checks. I hope they nail him. This guy and his son are serious bad actors. Unfortunately our incompetent city attorney Mike Feuer will likely fumble the case.
By planning_nerd on 06.22.17 9:39pm
The city will relocate then buy the building or already have a deal with the owner for a buyer. The city will get their money back on the rebuild with building licenses and permits. The city does not step in unless there is a a big payday at the end of it. This part of L.A. is a cash cow.
By starlyn on 06.23.17 10:48am
And then resell the property for millions in profit $$$$$$ or perhaps more likely offer it to illegal immigrants because we don’t have any Americans living on the streets…right!
By LeBasque on 06.23.17 10:51am