""We've lost our way," Meieran said. "I want to get up on the tops of the skyscrapers and yell that people need to pay attention to this.""
"Vandalism has been rampant, with graffiti appearing on the historic structure almost daily. Vandals would use acid or diamond glass cutters to deface the windows, often cracking the glass."
"Insurance companies either stopped offering policies that covered vandalism or raised premiums by as much as 600%, he said."
"There has been continuous crime in the area, he said, including multiple assaults on people in front of his building."
Andrew Meieran, owner of Clifton's, has abandoned plans to reopen the venue due to increasing safety issues and operational challenges in downtown Los Angeles. After investing over $14 million in renovations and shifting to a nightclub concept, he faced persistent vandalism and crime, leading to significant financial losses. Insurance costs skyrocketed, and the area became less appealing as foot traffic dwindled. Meieran expressed frustration over the situation, indicating a broader concern for the neighborhood's decline.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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