Altus Power Is Accused of Halting Boyle Heights Demolition as 85 Million Pounds of Food Rot
Updated
Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 3
Altus Power Is Accused of Halting Boyle Heights Demolition as 85 Million Pounds of Food Rot
3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 3
Summary
Lineage said crews with permits were ready to start demolishing the fire-ravaged Boyle Heights warehouse Friday, but received a Thursday notice halting the work and blamed Altus Power for obstructing cleanup.
Altus said multiple parties had asked Lineage to preserve evidence because the June 17 fire's cause is still undetermined, and the rooftop solar equipment remains under scrutiny.
Mayor Karen Bass told Lineage no court order bars cleanup, saying the city wants investigators' areas protected while work continues on flareup control and removal of rotting food waste.
About 85 million pounds of spoiled food have been hauled out since Sunday as officials try to curb odors, pests and truck impacts after smoke and soot hit nearby residents.
Councilmember Ysabel Jurado urged all parties to adopt a written evidence-preservation protocol so the investigation does not delay remediation, while questions remain over cleanup timing and long-term air-pollution effects.