An abandoned Hollywood Hills mansion has deteriorated into an eyesore after being overtaken by squatters and taggers, posing safety concerns for neighboring residents.
The once-grand Hollywood Hills mansion, nestled near the Universal City Overlook, has succumbed to a downward spiral of neglect and vandalism. Squatters have taken up residence within the dilapidated property, while taggers have defaced its once-pristine walls with an array of graffiti.
The abandoned abode has become a source of distress for neighboring residents, who have raised concerns over the safety hazards it poses. "Every time we call, the police will come, and they'll clear it out. And then, within an hour or two, five more people are there and staying the night," an anonymous neighbor lamented to ABC 7 News.
Hollywood Hills Mansion Becomes Eyesore Amidst Squatters and Taggers
The same neighbor described the property as a hub for criminal activity, claiming that squatters had physically assaulted a neighbor with steel rebar and a beer bottle. The graffiti that adorns the mansion's exterior echoes the infamous "Tagger Tower" in downtown Los Angeles, a skyscraper project abandoned in 2019 and now covered in an unsightly tapestry of spray paint.
The abandoned mansion is owned by film producer John Powers Middleton, known for his involvement in blockbusters such as "The Lego Movie" (2014). When contacted by Fox News Digital, the Philadelphia Phillies, owned by Middleton's father John S. Middleton, declined to comment.
Hollywood Hills Mansion Becomes Eyesore Amidst Squatters and Taggers
Middleton has made a name for himself in the film industry, boasting credits for acclaimed films such as "Oldboy" (2013) and "Manchester by the Sea" (2016). Representatives from the Los Angeles Police Department have yet to respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The sorry state of the mansion underscores the challenges faced by communities grappling with the aftermath of abandoned properties. Squatters and taggers can transform such structures into magnets for crime and blight, undermining the quality of life for surrounding neighborhoods.
Hollywood Hills Mansion Becomes Eyesore Amidst Squatters and Taggers
As the authorities work to address the situation, residents like the anonymous neighbor can only hope for a resolution that restores peace and safety to their community. The abandoned mansion, once a symbol of Hollywood's glamour, has become a poignant reminder of the consequences of neglect and the need for proactive measures to safeguard the well-being of our communities.
