Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has approved a $2.3 million project to clean up MacArthur Park, a troubled greenspace in the city known for its drug-filled environment. The plan includes building a wrought iron fence around the park to address ongoing public safety and quality of life challenges.
The decision to clean up MacArthur Park comes after complaints from neighboring businesses and residents became overwhelming. The park has been plagued by the second-highest overdose deaths in the city, trailing behind the notorious Skid Row drug den. The LA Department of Health Services Harm Reduction reported that the new fencing will allow the park to close and clear out nightly, enabling the grounds to be maintained and preventing further drug-related issues.
Mayor Bass’s approval of the project marks a significant shift in her stance towards cleaning up MacArthur Park. Just a few months ago, she confronted federal immigration officers who were conducting a sweep of the park on foot and horseback to crack down on drug dealers and criminal elements. Bass ordered the officers to leave, claiming their presence was terrifying local children.
Critics of Bass’s actions during the confrontation with immigration officers called out the apparent hypocrisy in her stance. While she expressed concern for the safety of children due to the presence of immigration officials, she had not shown the same level of concern for the dangers posed by homelessness, drug dealing, gang activity, and violence that are prevalent in MacArthur Park.
Despite the backlash she faced for her handling of the situation with the immigration officers, Mayor Bass acknowledged the need to address the issues in MacArthur Park. She recognized that gang members operating in the park were extorting neighboring business owners and that action needed to be taken to clean up the area.
The decision to install a decorative fence around the perimeter of MacArthur Park is seen as a positive step towards securing the park after hours and preventing vandalism and destruction of park amenities. The mayor’s office stated that the fencing project aims to address longstanding public safety issues at the park and help individuals dealing with addiction and homelessness find the necessary support.
Overall, the approval of the fencing project signifies a renewed effort to improve the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors of MacArthur Park. By taking proactive measures to address the challenges facing the park, Mayor Bass and city officials hope to create a safer and more welcoming environment for all.
