to the editor: I have lived in North Hollywood for 47 years and was happy to read the recent article about the long-awaited demolition of Valley Plaza (“'Our Playground': Demolition Begins on Historic Valley Plaza Shopping Center,” October 31).
The article mentions that Los Angeles city commissioners voted to declare much of the Valley Plaza site a public nuisance. What is not mentioned is that our newly elected councilman, Adrin Nazarian (Council District 2), led the effort to hold the owners accountable and begin cleaning up the site, something residents have waited almost a decade for.
Since Charles Co. purchased the Valley Plaza property in 2015has allowed its buildings to remain empty and deteriorate. These abandoned buildings became magnets for crime, trespassing, vandalism, and multiple large fires, including fire 2022 at the former Lamplighter family restaurant.
It is encouraging to see what Councilmember Nazarian's leadership has helped accomplish in less than a year in office. Still, it is troubling that at the recent hearing, Charles Co.'s attorney stated that he has no specific plans to redevelop the property. While the company profits from renting out the blighted site for film productions that use the blight as a backdrop, nearby residents continue to bear the burden of neglect.
The time has come for the owner to develop or sell the property before another decade of stagnation passes. With continued pressure from Councilmember Nazarian and support from the community, we remain hopeful that Valley Plaza can once again become an asset to North Hollywood rather than an eyesore.
Diann Corral, North Hollywood
