Los Angeles Koreatown Homeless Encampment Expands Into ‘City’ with Tennis Court, Garden, and BBQ Pit Amid Resident Concerns

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Sep 13, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – A sprawling homeless encampment in Koreatown, Los Angeles, has alarmed residents as it has evolved into a self-sustaining “city” on a vacant lot, complete with working electricity, a recreational tennis court, garden, and barbecue pit. The encampment, surrounded by apartment buildings and city structures, has prompted a sharp reaction from neighbors and city officials alike.

The encampment’s expansion has drawn ire for the perceived hazards and quality-of-life impacts to the surrounding community. Residents describe the site as a makeshift city, raising concerns over safety, sanitation, and law enforcement’s limited ability to intervene due to the property’s private ownership.

A Community Transformed Into a Makeshift City

Local residents have reported that the homeless encampment has developed beyond temporary shelters to an organized settlement. There are amenities such as a garden where residents are growing plants, a tennis court for recreation, and a barbecue pit, creating an unusual sight in the middle of Koreatown.

Daniel King, a neighborhood resident, criticized city leaders, saying, “The reason why people are sleeping here is because you leaders are sleeping on not taking initiative and action to clean this place up.”
Max Smith described the encampment as “a city in there,” highlighting the scale and permanency of the settlement.
Sangmin Lee expressed alarm at the safety risks, noting that people living there had rigged a streetlight by prying it open, installing a surge protector, and running an extension cord across the street. Lee called it a “fire hazard” and a “trip hazard” for pedestrians.

Residents living nearby have reported feeling unsafe, with one local woman sharing she avoids walking her dog near the encampment due to being approached by individuals staying there. An ABC 7 news crew covering the story was reportedly threatened by a person on the property, amplifying concerns about public safety.

City Officials Face Challenges Due to Private Property Status

The vacant lot where the encampment resides is privately owned by a limited liability corporation registered in Delaware that has not responded to media inquiries. This ownership status complicates city intervention efforts.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky commented,

“I think that the challenge comes from the fact that this is private property. But because it’s private property, there’s [a] different path and that path is convoluted. It’s over-bureaucratic. It’s the city at its worst, sort of not being able to get out of its own way.”

The city is taking steps to address the situation, including working with the property owner to post “No Trespassing” signs, which will authorize the LAPD to take enforcement action. The Los Angeles Department of Building Safety has issued an order to the property owner to comply with regulations related to security, refuse, and graffiti removal.

Public Works plans to install an anti-vandal wrap around the rigged streetlight to reduce electrical hazards.
Mayor Karen Bass’ office has dispatched outreach teams to the encampment aiming to assist residents in relocating to permanent housing.

Councilmember Yaroslavsky stressed the need for faster response times, stating,

“We immediately called [them] and said, ‘Hey, get out there. Please send an inspector out there so we can start this process,’ and it took a while, but they finally have gotten someone out there.”

Safety and Community Impact Drive Urgent Calls for Action

The encampment’s presence in a densely populated urban area has sparked worries not only about fires and electrical hazards but also about public safety and neighborhood well-being. The improvised electrical setups pose a significant fire risk, especially given Los Angeles’ weather conditions.

The community’s growing frustration is matched by the city’s efforts to navigate legal and bureaucratic hurdles in addressing informal settlements on private property. For detailed reporting, see the original article by ABC 7 via New York Post.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next for the Koreatown Encampment?

The city is poised to increase its enforcement actions once the “No Trespassing” signs are posted and inspections proceed. Outreach programs by the mayor’s office aim to offer housing solutions for displaced individuals, while infrastructure improvements seek to mitigate immediate dangers at the site.

As Los Angeles continues to grapple with its homelessness crisis, the Koreatown encampment stands as a vivid example of the challenges faced by urban communities in balancing public safety, property rights, and humanitarian concerns.

Key facts and ongoing actions:

Property owner cooperation remains limited but is beginning to take shape with signage efforts.
The city issued compliance orders addressing trash, graffiti, and security.
Safety upgrades planned for electrical fixtures to prevent fires and accidents.
Outreach teams engage with encampment residents to facilitate housing transitions.
Residents report increased safety concerns and decreased quality of life in the surrounding area.

What do you think about this sprawling homeless encampment transforming into a makeshift city in Koreatown? Have you witnessed similar initiatives in your community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!