Two long-abandoned buildings in North Long Beach, which neighbors say had become magnets for crime, have been torn down, leaving a flattened lot on Long Beach Boulevard.
Residents say the demolition is a significant step forward for a neighborhood that had been dealing with vacant buildings attracting squatters, graffiti, and criminal activity for years.
Erica Hines, who lives across the street from the cleared lot, said the removal of the structures brings a sense of relief.
“It was sore eye for me and others in the neighborhood, and we are just so happy to see this go down right now,” Hines said.
Her husband, Alfred Hines, said the neighborhood had repeatedly complained about the buildings.
“We’ve been complaining about it… the whole neighborhood has… for years…” he said.
The city shared a video Monday showing crews tearing down the buildings, which once housed a restaurant and a gas station.
Erica said illegal activity had escalated over time.
“They were actually selling drugs… yes, trafficking… it was bad…” she said.
City officials confirmed illegal activity had occurred and said they repeatedly boarded up the properties to curb criminal behavior.
“Right after they locked them out… they break right back in there,” Alfred said.
Jerry Tucker, a Long Beach code enforcement officer, said the properties “fell into neglect.”
He described a multi-step enforcement process that includes inspections, violation notices, and orders to fix the property before escalating to declaring it a public nuisance or substandard building. Legal action can then force repairs or demolition.
“The city took the extraordinary step to remove the public nuisance that was here and hopefully this brings some normalcy back to the community which they ultimately deserve,” Tucker said.
Alfred said the neighborhood hopes the demolition marks a turning point.
“We do have high hopes… this is a nice area,” he said.
The city said about 90% of property owners comply before demolition becomes necessary.
The cleanup will cost taxpayers more than $300,000, though the city plans to recover the costs from the property owners or place a lien on the property. Officials hope the site will eventually be redeveloped for the benefit of the community.
