Wed Sep 25 02:23:54 UTC 2024: ## Hollywood Hills Mansion Owned by Phillies Owner’s Son Defaced by Taggers, Raising Safety Concerns
Los Angeles, CA – A vacant mansion in the Hollywood Hills, owned by John Powers Middleton, son of Philadelphia Phillies owner John S. Middleton, has been repeatedly vandalized by taggers, sparking safety concerns for the neighborhood. Photos and drone footage revealed the multi-story property covered in spray paint, marking the second time this year that the property has been targeted.
The mansion, built in 2008, has been unoccupied for years, attracting squatters and leading to numerous incidents of violence. Local residents have reported witnessing a squatter attack a neighbor with a steel rebar and a beer bottle, while police have been called to the property multiple times to remove squatters who have reoccupied it hours after being escorted out.
In January 2022, police arrested an armed man for illegally living in the property with his dog. In August 2023, furniture was found in the pool, and the walls were completely covered in graffiti. Despite cleaning efforts, the taggers returned and defaced the property again just days later.
Councilmember Nithya Raman, who represents the district, has condemned the owner for egregious violations of the law and stated that the Department of Building and Safety is working to swiftly implement security measures. “This is a public safety issue with serious consequences for both neighbors and the surrounding community,” Raman said. “Irresponsible property owners must take accountability for their property or face action from the city.”
The home, described as an Italian villa-style mansion with six bedrooms, a screening room, indoor and outdoor pools, and a wine room, has been a source of frustration for the city. In 2014, the Department of Building and Safety issued a notice for overgrown vegetation. Since August 2022, there have been at least eight abandoned or vacant building notices issued. In October 2022, the department declared the property a nuisance and mandated Middleton build a fence. After he failed to do so, city workers built the fence themselves to deter squatters.
The Phillies have confirmed that the home solely belongs to John Powers Middleton, who is a film producer known for his work on films like “The Lego Movie” and “Manchester by the Sea.” USA TODAY has reached out to Middleton and the Los Angeles Police Department for comment.
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