Boyle Heights residents criticize city and Lineage leaders during town hall meeting

Residents affected by the Boyle Heights warehouse fire, which erupted three weeks ago, criticized city leaders and Lineage representatives at a town hall meeting on Thursday night.

The community's anger was immediately apparent as protesters stormed into the auditorium, carrying megaphones and signs while chanting "shut it down."

The irate residents demanded that Lineage's leaders visit their neighborhoods and smell the putrid odors coming from the burned warehouse. 

"I understand the uncertainty, the frustration and the disruption that it's caused," Lineage COO Jeff Rivera said as the crowd jeered at him. "I am sorry. I am sorry for the disruption that this has caused. I'm here tonight because I know that there are [questions] you want answered. I'm working on answering those questions directly."

Protesters continued their furious shouting throughout the nearly two-hour meeting, telling leaders that they have failed, demanding compensation, information about what the foul-smelling air and possible risks during demolition.

"I will stand for this community. And I will fight for this community because I am not going to exempt anybody, including any corporation, from creating harm in this community," Bass said.

Before the meeting convened, Lineage issued a statement that additional relief resources for Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles residents are coming.

With $2.5 million in contributions already distributed by Lineage, the company said it will offer housing vouchers, air purifiers, air conditioners, masks, grocery vouchers, cash assistance, and utility support. 

"We recognize the profound impact this fire has had on our neighbors in Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles," Rivera said before the meeting. 

"Our expanded support today is the direct result of listening to nearby residents and community leaders and acting on what we have heard. We have been here throughout this situation, we will continue to be here, and we will keep listening, for as long as this recovery requires."

First, it was the smoke and potential contaminants that had neighboring communities concerned as crews battled flames atop and within the solar-paneled warehouse for a little over one week. Once the fire and smoldering hot spots were out, a new set of problems emerged.

Previously frozen food, 85 million pounds of it, began rotting, and a putrid smell, along with rodents and pests, added another layer of problems.

"Go into your garbage, put your head in your garbage can, smell it for 24/7 days a week and you tell me how you feel about that," Antonia Montes, community activist, said.

On June 29, Bass issued an Emergency Executive Order, setting a 45-day cleanup timeline for Lineage.

Last night, Lineage wrote on Instagram, "We know this situation has been difficult for the surrounding community, and we're committed to providing daily updates about our progress. A 45-day goal for cleanup has been set, and we are committed to meeting it."

The mayor's office provided updates on the situation yesterday, detailing Lineage's progress with waste removal, odor control, rodent abatement, and more.

To start, "Lineage is engaged in demolition of the warehouse and debris removal along Indiana Street," the mayor's office wrote in a news release.

Since June 28, over 120 truckloads of debris have been removed, and over 80 loads of food waste have been hauled off.

For odor control, Lineage's contractors are applying Micro-Blaze, a brand of non-toxic microbial formulations and biological activators used primarily for environmental bioremediation, spill control, and organic waste degradation.

Misters have been installed inside the warehouse and on the exterior of the building along Indiana Street to deodorize the food waste until it is moved off-site, according to the mayor's office. An additional layer of plastic sheeting is being installed on the side of the building to minimize odor impacts on the surrounding community.

Lineage has contracted with various pest control companies to address rodents, flies, gnats, and mosquitoes. In total, 250 bait stations have been installed in the public right-of-way outside the warehouse and in the immediate neighborhood.

South Coast AQMD is continuing air monitoring, and real-time air monitoring is also being conducted by an outside company contracted by Lineage, testing for toxic hazards such as Carbon monoxide, Ammonia, Nitrogen dioxide, and more.

According to the mayor's office, in partnership with the California Community Foundation, more than $1.5 million has been raised and granted to over 20 community partners to support immediate relief for impacted residents and businesses.

With these funds, community organizations are providing services including medical assistance, food assistance, health resources, financial assistance, and more. More information can be found at: emergency.lacity.gov/BoyleHeightsRecovery. 

According to Lineage, more than 600 air purifiers and 2,000 masks have been delivered to residents, and 7,000 meals have been distributed in partnership with the LA Regional Food Bank. Lineage said it is also deploying a dedicated neighborhood outreach team to listen, share information and resources, and gather feedback directly from residents.

A formal phased removal schedule, with a goal of 45 days, is being finalized for submission to the city, Lineage said.

The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, with Lineage saying it believes the fire started while contractors tested the Altus Power rooftop solar array.

Altus Power issued the following statement: "Our primary concern continues to be for the residents of Boyle Heights and everyone affected by this fire. As the tenant-operator of the facility, Lineage is responsible for overseeing the site remediation, including cleanup and debris removal. The cause of the fire and resulting damage has not yet been determined and we are coordinating with local officials as they continue their work, so that the community can get the answers it deserves."

Lineage is providing information on cleanup progress, updates, and community resources at onelineage.com/lospalos. They posted a map of residents eligible for free temporary housing in the wake of the fire. 

Lyft is offering discounted rides for impacted residents traveling to and from the Community Resource Center through July 17 using code BHRELIEF26.