A vacant lot in the City of Industry has turned into a troubling scene as a group of camping trailers has become a makeshift home for homeless individuals. This situation has frustrated nearby businesses and the lot owner, who claims that no one has permission to park the trailers there.
The lot, which serves as overflow for a car dealership, saw its first trailers appear over a year ago. These BlackSeries camping trailers, which can cost up to $50,000, were initially left empty. However, as time passed, about a dozen homeless people moved in, according to local officials. The encampment has since drawn complaints about trash and even fires on the property.
The property owner, Legacy Point, has been trying for over a year to resolve the issue. They want the trailer owner, BlackSeries Campers Inc., to either pay for the use of the lot or remove the trailers. Despite the owner acknowledging the situation, no payments have been made.
In September, Legacy Point filed a lawsuit to remove the trailers and seek damages. A court ruling earlier this year ordered the removal of the campers and awarded the property owner $95,610. However, the situation remains unresolved, with the Sheriff’s Department now involved in the cleanup efforts.
Local businesses are feeling the impact. Efren Rodriguez, who works at a nearby Nissan dealership, reported a recent incident where someone from the encampment threw a rock at him during an argument. He described seeing people, including children, living in the trailers, highlighting the human aspect of this situation.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis is aware of the issue and has requested outreach services to assist those living in the encampment. The City of Industry is also coordinating with the property owner and the Sheriff’s Department to address the problem.
As efforts to clear the encampment continue, this case illustrates the challenges cities face when dealing with homeless encampments on private property. The situation is still developing, and community leaders are looking for solutions that consider both the needs of the homeless and the concerns of local businesses.