The proprietor of the 2 Hollywood Hills mansions which were taken over by squatters and taggers has issued an apology and vowed to rectify the state of affairs.
“I would like to apologize to the people of Los Angeles, and especially to my neighbors. What’s happened to the two properties I own is unacceptable, and no matter what caused it, I own the houses,” John Powers Middleton, movie producer and son of the Philadelphia Phillies proprietor John S. Middleton, stated in an announcement despatched to Fox News Digital.
“I also want to set the record straight – a lot of the stories have left out important facts,” Middleton continued.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) beforehand advised Fox News Digital that the Hollywood Hills space has acquired and responded to 17 requires service within the 1700 block of Sunset Plaza Drive up to now this yr.
SQUATTERS TAKE OVER SECOND ABANDONED HOLLYWOOD HILLS MANSION OWNED BY SON OF PHILLIES OWNER
John P. Middleton, movie producer and son of Philadelphia Phillies proprietor John S. Middleton, issued an apology for his deserted Hollywood Hills mansions that have been taken over by squatters. (KTTV/Instagram/johnpowersmiddleton)
Police stated they’ve acquired eight requires prowler suspects, six requires attainable housebreaking suspects and three requires service for vandalism.
In his assertion, Middleton stated that each houses had a property supervisor and/or safety in place, together with drive-by safety.
“We have caught or thwarted numerous break-in attempts, including graffiti trespassers at both houses. But the attackers, especially the squatters, have been relentless, and our security people were overwhelmed,” Middleton continued.
L.A. City Councilwoman Nithya Raman advised Fox News Digital beforehand that they’re intently monitoring each houses and dealing with the LAPD to handle the problems inside each houses.
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Taggers and squatters have focused one other deserted mansion on Sunset Boulevard. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)
“Our office has been in close contact with the Los Angeles Police Department as well as the Department of Building and Safety regarding the ongoing situation at both 7571 Mulholland Drive and 1754 N Sunset Plaza Drive. These properties are both owned by the same individual, who is in egregious violation of the law,” Raman stated in an announcement.
Middleton says he has now beefed-up safety – 24/7, armed – at each properties and has a number of portray, development and different crews in each homes working to make repairs.
“I’m doing my best to make the houses secure and fix them up, with the intent to sell each as soon as possible. I’m disappointed to note that even as I have worked this week to paint over the graffiti, vandals still managed to break in and paint over the newly cleaned walls. Given the persistence of the numerous trespassers, it’s a struggle,” Middleton stated.
“What’s happened to my property is criminal, and I hope everyone caught will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. No one in Los Angeles should have to put up with squatters and vandalism that are out of control,” Middleton continued.
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The deserted mansion is legally owned by movie producer John Powers Middleton, identified for his work on “The Lego Movie.” (KTTV)
In addition to the repairs, Middleton added that he would even be compensating the neighborhood for any charges which have burdened residents as a result of of his houses.
“I will also repay any and all taxpayer funds used to gate, fence or board the houses and to pay all tax bills. I want to thank the city of Los Angeles for working with me to rectify this horrible situation,” Middleton stated.
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Raman stated that neither state of affairs is being taken calmly, and that town is working to fight the difficulty.
“This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community. Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city,” Raman beforehand stated.
John Powers Middleton is greatest identified for his work on the movies “Oldboy” (2013) and “Manchester by the Sea” (2016).
Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report.
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