Homeless Encampment Grows Amid Dispute Over Trailers in City of Industry
In the City of Industry, a vacant lot has transformed into a makeshift homeless encampment over the past year as dozens of BlackSeries camping trailers remain lodged in a dispute between the property owner and the manufacturer. With some trailers priced up to $50,000, the situation has created tensions for nearby businesses and the community.
Background on the Situation
Initially, the black and white trailers were parked in the area, part of an arrangement by BlackSeries Campers Inc. to use the lot as storage. However, the trailers have become a refuge for approximately a dozen homeless individuals, taking shelter as the lot has remained largely unused. Reports have emerged of accumulating trash and instances of vandalism, further complicating matters for the lot’s owner.
Safety Concerns and Legal Measures
Local businesses, such as a nearby Nissan dealership, have reported escalating safety concerns. Efren Rodriguez, an employee at the dealership, experienced a frightening encounter where an individual from the encampment attempted to confront him aggressively. “The other day I came at 5 o’clock to get a car and one person started to argue with me… they pick up a rock and throw it at me,” Rodriguez recounted. “Every single trailer right there, there are people inside. Even kids and babies.”
Legacy Point, the property owner, has stated that the storage of the trailers was unauthorized and that they have exerted considerable effort over the past year to resolve the issue. They claim to have approached Hongwei Qiu, the owner of BlackSeries Campers Inc., multiple times regarding compensation for using the space, but these discussions did not yield any payments.
Legal Actions Taken
In an attempt to assert their rights, Legacy Point initiated a lawsuit in September 2023, seeking damages and the removal of the trailers. The Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled in favor of Legacy Point in January 2024, awarding them $95,610 and mandating the trailers’ removal.
Despite the ruling, obstacles remain, primarily due to the complex nature of clearing encampments from private property. Legacy Point’s statement indicated that they have undertaken various measures to resolve the situation amicably since October 2023, which included proposed agreements for temporary storage and formal notices for cease-and-desist and towing. Unfortunately, these attempts were met with resistance.
Community Outreach Efforts
To address the rising concern of homelessness in the area, Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis has engaged the Sheriff’s Department’s homeless service team and the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse to facilitate outreach efforts at the encampment location. Additionally, the City of Industry’s city manager, Joshua Nelson, has coordinated cleanup activities with the property owner and the Sheriff’s Department.
Conclusion
The ongoing legal dispute and the resultant encampment serve as a microcosm of broader urban issues regarding homelessness and property rights in California. As actions to clear the encampment progress, stakeholders hope for a resolution that prioritizes both community safety and the needs of vulnerable individuals residing in the area.