A Los Angeles home known locally as the "trash house" has become such an eyesore and health hazard that Mayor Karen Bass had to see it for herself.
Neighbors have demanded city authorities address the property, on which plastic bags are piled up to the height of the front gate, while additional debris is visible atop cars and scattered along the side yards of the residence. Residents in the area have complained about a foul smell and rodents, according to KTLA.
FAIRAX NEIGHBORHOOD: Residents call for action over Los Angeles ‘trash house’ https://t.co/UenhQRFqIt pic.twitter.com/wOSSpIHcxR
— KTLA (@KTLA) April 2, 2024
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told reporters that she found out about the situation Tuesday night and that she, as well as local Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, were relatively new to the issue, KTLA reported. Bass toured the “Trash House” on Wednesday morning as crews worked to clear the debris.
"Both of us, as you know, are new. I am tracking this from last night to find out where complaints were lodged and what happened in the process," the mayor said.
Bass then asserted that she would promptly begin clearing away the accumulated trash.
"This is a fire hazard and I worry about the individual there, this place catching fire, him losing his life," Bass said. "This is just outrageous and it will end today."
Residents have expressed concerns about possible health risks the trash bags pose, according to KTLA.
“I don’t really know what’s in that, so it could be anything,” one neighbor said. “Probably stuff rotting, attracting rats and all sorts of things. And then also maybe a fire hazard. And if something happens to his house or him inside no one can get in.” The homeowner was described as a “nice man” but this isn’t the first time the city has been called about the home.
"I don't know how to describe this any other way than to say this is just a tragedy," Bass said. "This is awful and obviously, this has been developing for months."
