Corey Washington
Staff Writer
The contentious issue over two dilapidated, vacant homes in the 2900 block of Hill Street could be nearing an end following a judgment that was handed down last month. Without a response to the judgment, the homes could face demolition as early as June 10.
The two homes that have remained vacant on the 2900 block of Hill St. could face demolition as early as this month following a judgment issued on May 8.
According to Long Beach Deputy City Attorney Kendra Carney, as of Tuesday, there was no indication that the property owners had responded to the judgment.
Calls made to 6 Angels, LLC, one of the property owners, were not returned by press time.
“I think for both the city of Long Beach and the residents of Signal Hill who have voiced their concern about the buildings, that all those involved will be happy to see it come to a resolution,” Carney said. “Whether they were completed or they are eventually demolished, a resolution will bring the opportunity to increase public safety.”
The two homes, located at 2910 and 2914 Hill St., have been at the center of a legal battle since August 2011. The homes were originally developed by Wayne Ballinger, who was not legally permitted to construct the properties, according to Long Beach City officials. The homes have remained unoccupied for more than 10 years. The properties were later acquired by Tarzana-based 6 Angels, LLC in 2008.
The homes have been regarded as an eyesore following fires that burned the properties in November. Those fires were declared to be arson-related. One of the homes also caught fire in 2012. An arson investigation is still ongoing.
Signal Hill Deputy City Manager Charlie Honeycutt said the area where the vacant homes are located is a section on the edge of the city called the “panhandle,” which is often mistaken for Signal Hill.
“The unfinished and fire-damaged state of these homes is a concern of local residents,” Honeycutt said in an email.
According Carney, the defendants already posted a $30,000 bond last year to cover the cost of the demolition. If the demolition costs exceed the bond, the City of Long Beach would place a lien on the properties. The City has already received bids for the demolishment, but the property owners had also submitted a contractor that would do the work for up to $30,000.
The City of Long Beach had been mired in a lengthy legal battle with the property owners. In April 2014, the judge ordered that the property owners meet a timeline in a stipulated agreement for construction and permit approvals or the property could face demolition. The property owners were to obtain all permits and complete all construction by Jan. 31, according to the stipulated agreement.
Following a court hearing on Feb. 5, Vicencia ordered that Long Beach city officials and the property owners, which include both 6 Angels, LLC and BDR, Inc., report to the court every two weeks on progress of the project rather than the City tear down the properties. The judge ordered the City and property owners to return to court again on Feb. 19 regarding permit approvals of a sewer system and a street-improvement plan for driveway access that are required for receiving occupancy permits. The property owners had also agreed to install fencing around the houses, mount cameras, continue security patrols, remove tarps, post signage and paint over visible smoke damage caused by an arson fire that broke out at the properties last November.
Following testimony at a court hearing on Feb. 2, Vicencia declared that the City of Long Beach and the property owners were both partly to blame for conditions not being met.
Carney said she didn’t feel it was a fair assessment by the judge, adding that there are several city departments involved in the matter given the intricacies of the project.
The location of the properties has presented a challenge for installing utilities, including water, gas, sewer and electricity, and building a driveway for street access.
“The City has gone above and beyond to assist the developer in finishing the property,” Carney said. “In the time that the unpermitted homes have sat there, huge developments have gone up in other parts of the city.”
