The Brentwood Village Chamber of Commerce recently held a meeting to express concern about the activity and goings on in the lot at the southwest corner of Sunset and Barrington. The Chamber sent a letter to Joaquin Macias of Bill Rosendahl’s office and Mike Bonin, chief of staff, showed up.
The abandoned lot is reportedly occupied by individual/s who reside there unlawfully, according to the Chamber. Furthermore, there have been several instances of alleged intimidation and verbal harassment toward people waiting at the bus stop or walking by the lot on their way to and from Brentwood Village.
“We have video clips of some of the incidents and numerous anecdotal reports from eyewitnesses about behavior ranging from unsightly to unlawful,†said Ann Helpern, a leader of the Chamber. “We believe it has become a factor that keeps people away from the neighborhood and discourages business growth.â€
One attendee stated: “It’s time we get together and get rid of this blight in our neighborhood. We have many challenges as business owners that have been discussed in other forums including the impact of the Sunset widening project and overall economic downturn. What we don’t need is a dangerous eyesore and haven for criminal activity smack in the middle of our village.â€
Apprehension about speaking out for fear of retribution from those who occupy the former gas station. But more and more, a groundswell of support is growing to see what can be done about this situation. In coming weeks, Mike Bonin will convene a meeting of police and other officials who will try to figure out what to do.
More on this developing story in the next Brentwood News.
