Norm Langer supported the city’s recent work on fighting crime in MacArthur Park, and although the deli where he ended up with his Langer didn’t get out of the table, he said he decided to stick with it for a while.
Seven months ago, Lange told The Times that he was considering Close his 77-year-old institution He and other business owners were tired of handling due to drug activities, crime and camps.
The 80-year-old businessman pointed out that the impact of these problems is still being felt.
Lange told the Times Tuesday at 12:15 p.m. that he had nine tables and six counter seats empty; in the past few years, a group of clients have gone out.
He said it was crime and subsequent news that kept customers away. Lange said the public has the right to know what happened, for example, when six people were injured in gunfire MacArthur Park Gang-related Shooting In January. But “people heard it the next day and they were scared.”
“I have to try to convince people… it’s safe to come here,” he said.
However, in March, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted “Major” Changes in MacArthur ParkLange agreed.
Los Angeles Police Department Added nearby foot patrols and deployed mental health outreach workers and team to help those overdrug drugs. Officials also installed fences along Alvarado Street, they said some street vendors sold brakes (including drugs and guns).
Lange said some business owners and community leaders disagree with municipal officials’ approach to revoking crimes. But he said he saw and thanked the police for their presence.
“They are doing their best,” he said. “As far as I know, all the areas here have insufficient urban resources.”
So he is practicing patience and noting that the city has had to focus its resources on emergency responses to the Palisade and Eaton fires that destroyed parts of Los Angeles in January. In his previous statement about possible closures, “I give this city a chance to resolve [these issues]I think they are entitled to it. ”
Meanwhile, Lange said he was looking for his neighborhood.
Customers who want to visit Langer deli can park at their business on the northeast corner of 7th Street and Westlake Avenue, who said he used waiters on duty as a safety measure.
“I want to clean the streets of Seventh Street from Westlake to Alvarado so that my clients can come to mine [restaurant]He said, don’t worry, eat, enjoy, relax and go back to their car. This is what I ask for my city. ”
Last month, Police Chief Jim McDonnell said that in all categories, including property crime, it has generally fallen 42% since December.
Lange said he looks forward to seeing more progress. As for how long he will keep the door open, his goal is to be for the upcoming three major sports championships in Los Angeles: the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2027 Super Bowl LXL and the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Times worker Nathan Solis contributed to the report.
