An abandoned construction project in West Hollywood has become the site of a large pool of standing water, leading to a mosquito-breeding ground some have called WeHo Swamp.
As reported by the WeHo Times, the Melrose Triangle construction site on Santa Monica Boulevard is intended to be the home of a six-story, 80-unit mixed-use development.
Excavation began in 2021 but has since stalled, and “according to local residents, the pumps have not worked for several weeks in the giant excavated hole,” the Times added.
Without pumps, the water remains stagnant, providing an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos. Recently, mosquito samples taken in Orange County tested positive for the dangerous West Nile virus.
In a statement to the Times, West Hollywood city officials said they are “working with the property owner to ensure that dewatering takes place at the property.”
A code violation was issued for the site, and “dewatering pumps are now fully operational and, according to the property owner’s representative, additional dewatering pumps will be activated to expedite drainage,” the city said.
In addition, the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District has responded to the site to assist with the agency’s mission of “protect[ing] community members from mosquitos and mosquito-borne diseases.”
Anyone who needs to report similar issues can call the city’s Code Enforcement hotline at 323-848-6516 or email code@weho.org.