North Hollywood Nuisance Property Cleared After Years of Complaints

LA officials take action to address abandoned lot that had become a hub for illegal activity

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of discarded drug paraphernalia, broken glass, and other debris found on an abandoned property, creating a stark, gritty visual that captures the investigative nature of this crime-related story.The harsh reality of an abandoned property that became a hub for illegal activity in a North Hollywood neighborhood.Los Angeles Today

After a decade of neighbors' complaints about an abandoned property in North Hollywood, Los Angeles authorities have finally stepped in to clear the site and address the ongoing issues. The morning began with LAPD officers securing the property at 7779 Varna Avenue, followed by city sanitation crews cleaning up the lot where a home once stood before burning down.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges communities can face when dealing with neglected properties that become magnets for illegal activity, and the persistence required to get local officials to take action. The North Hollywood neighborhood has endured years of fear, drug use, and other criminal behavior stemming from this abandoned lot, underscoring the need for more proactive measures to address urban blight.

The details

Neighbors say people have been illegally occupying and using the vacant property for years, with reports of drug use, car stripping, and even the presence of firearms. Despite making numerous calls to authorities, the situation persisted until this week when the city finally stepped in to clear the site. Officials plan to bill the property owners for the cleanup costs, and if they do not respond, the city may be able to legally seize the land.

  • The property at 7779 Varna Avenue has been abandoned for about a decade.
  • Neighbors have been making complaints about the property for the last 10 years.
  • There have been 28 police calls to the property in the last 3 years.
  • The cleanup operation began on Thursday, April 16, 2026.

The players

Robert Baindourov

A neighbor who has lived in fear for the last decade due to the illegal activity at the abandoned property, including witnessing drug use and what appeared to be firearms.

Eric Diehl

A neighboring resident who has observed people camping out on the property and stripping cars.

Adrin Nazarian

The Los Angeles City Councilmember who represents the North Hollywood district and has been working to address the issues at the nuisance property.

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency that cleared the property at the start of the cleanup operation.

Los Angeles City Sanitation

The city department that conducted the cleanup work on the abandoned lot.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I can't go outside without holding a knife.”

— Robert Baindourov, Neighbor

“They said they were going to build a house and never did. They were camping out here. They were stripping cars.”

— Eric Diehl, Neighbor

“Call, stay vigilant. Call your council offices, call your senior lead officers.”

— Adrin Nazarian, Los Angeles City Councilmember

What’s next

The city plans to bill the property owners for the cleanup costs, and if they do not respond, the city may be able to legally seize the land.

The takeaway

This case highlights the persistent challenges communities can face when dealing with neglected properties that become magnets for illegal activity, and the importance of residents staying vigilant and working with local officials to address urban blight issues that impact public safety.