Significant Progress in the Cleanup of Hollywood Hills Mansions
The owner of two Hollywood Hills mansions that had been overrun by squatters and taggers said there has been “significant progress” made in the cleanup efforts.
“I have also been speaking to City Councilmember Raman’s office and other City officials to update them on the progress. I thank them for their efforts. We are also in contact with LAPD to ensure the neighborhoods remain safe,” Middleton continued.
John P. Middleton, a film producer and son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, faced backlash as the two mansions transformed into unwelcome sights in the prestigious Los Angeles neighborhood. Amid the chaos and sediment of neglect, the efforts to reclaim the properties reflect a deeper yearning for community harmony.
“I will continue to do everything I can to fix these houses and keep them free from graffiti. It’s tough to do given the crime problems in Los Angeles, but I’m determined to do the right thing here. The 24/7 armed security teams I hired will remain in place,” Middleton said.
In this messy tapestry of urban life, Middleton expressed his hopes for accountability regarding the trespassers and vandals. “There is a sense of invincibility amongst the vandals as many times the very same people arrested previously are returning and threatening our guards and the police. If something isn’t done, they will return to do it again, not only at my house but anywhere they choose,” he lamented, hinting at a wider issue of safety that affects not just him but the entire community.
Local law enforcement reported a spate of eight calls for prowler suspects, six for possible burglaries, and three for acts of vandalism. Each incident highlights the fragility of security in a community once considered an emblem of luxury.
“I’m doing my best to make the houses secure and fix them up, with the intent to sell each as soon as possible. I’m disappointed to note that even as I’ve worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls. Given the persistence of the numerous trespassers, it’s a struggle,” Middleton shared, capturing the frustration of dealing with damages while boldly pursuing restoration.
“What’s happened to my property is criminal, and I hope everyone caught will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No one in Los Angeles should have to put up with squatters and vandalism that are out of control,” he declared, channeling a sense of urgency into his plea.
In a noteworthy turn, Councilmember Raman received communication from a representative of Middleton, marking a breakthrough after two years of attempts to engage. This acknowledgment has unleashed renewed hope for resolution. “The owner has since issued a letter of apology to neighbors and is working to secure both properties and clean them up, with the intent to sell as quickly as possible,” Raman mentioned, reflecting a collaborative effort that resonates beyond mere property restoration.
“Unfortunately, this is not a unique case: abandoned buildings are a pervasive issue for the city. While the Department of Building and Safety has the authority to secure vacant properties if an owner fails to do so, it simply does not have the resources to keep up with enforcement,” Raman explained, hinting at the systemic challenges that affect neighborhoods across the city.
“My office will continue to be in close contact with DBS and LAPD to monitor the Hollywood Hills properties in the coming days and weeks, and we will work to ensure that the property owner continues to take full responsibility for properly securing these sites,” he assured, reflecting a commitment to a broader community revival that extends beyond the immediate properties. In essence, the cleanup saga highlights the intricate balance of responsibility, community, and the ever-present hope for renewal.
More than just a tale of property restoration, Middleton’s journey prompts reflection on how communities can combat the spread of neglect and the importance of connections between residents, local officials, and property owners. John Powers Middleton is best known for his work on the films “Oldboy” (2013) and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016), and perhaps it is in this very narrative of resilience that he will find inspiration to bring these residences back to life.
