Squatters and vandals have taken over a multimillion-dollar mansion in the Hollywood Hills, and the people who live nearby want the city to take action.
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Once a beautiful home on Mulholland Drive, valued at around $5 million, now sits abandoned, covered in graffiti, boarded-up with shattered windows.
The property belongs to John Powers Middleton, son of John S. Middleton, owner of the Philadelphia Phillies.
One local, Mateo Herreros, told KNX News' Karen Adams that he recently sent Middleton a message on Instagram, saying, "John Powers Middleton, come clean your house."
Residents say the problems with this property began about two years ago, and earlier this week, police had to show up to chase squatters and taggers away.
"When the helicopters were flying overhead, we could hear from the loudspeaker them yelling at the people, and all of a sudden, as soon as the loudspeaker came on, four or five people that were in the house scurried away like ants," said Herreros.
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Pat Johnston also lives in the area and says they want John Sr. to hear about what's happening at his son's properties. They say Jr. has another neglected home on Sunset Plaza Drive.
"This is really tragic. This is a fire hazard for us. We don't have a fire season. We live in fire season. So, getting things taken care of in a safe and considerate way would be wonderful. There was a rumor they would tear this house down, and I'd like that," said Johnston.
The locals have reached out to L.A. City Councilwoman Nithya Raman several times. In a statement, she says her office has been in contact with the LAPD and inspectors with the city's Building and Safety Department.
Raman says he's violating the law and creating a public safety issue. She urges him to take care of the property or face action from the city.
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