Hollywood business owners frustrated by removal of planters intended to prevent homeless encampments

Business owners in Hollywood are expressing frustration after planter boxes that were meant to deter homeless encampments were removed. The city claims that the planters were installed without a permit, but owners argue that they took action after their complaints were ignored. The planters, located along Sunset Boulevard, were taken out on Monday, sparking controversy in the area.

Local business owners initially placed the garden bed planters in early May to address the issue of homeless encampments. Blake Edwards, who works in advertising in the area, supports keeping the planters as they helped reduce threats from the homeless population. Some owners claim that the street had been covered with encampments and trash for over two years, and they felt the city did not adequately address the problem.

When the planters were first installed, they quickly cleared the encampment from the area. However, the city eventually announced that the planters would be removed due to lack of permits. A representative from City Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez’s office explained that the removal was necessary, and the people who lived there were relocated through the Inside Safe program.

As crews cleared out the planters, local businesses raised concerns about the lack of an alternative solution. Some suggested implementing a beautification strategy in place of the planters. Andrew Monheim emphasized that the issue was not about targeting homeless individuals but rather addressing neglect. Overall, there are ongoing tensions between business owners, the city, and homeless advocacy groups regarding the situation in Hollywood.