Huntington Beach : Neighbors Urge Action on Commodore Circle

Property owners whose condominiums straddle each side of run-down Commodore Circle voiced their anger to the City Council on Monday night, saying that their property values are declining while the city does little to improve the squalid conditions of the one-block slum.

“We are looking to you for help,” said Jerry Lawrence, a spokesman for the 92-unit Huntington Creek Condominiums development. Citing noise, trash and damage to their property from Commodore Circle residents, Lawrence added, “We live next door to the single worst blighted street, and for the past five years it just gets worst.”

The city recently has cracked down on the street’s absentee landlords for more than 700 health code and building violations, including mice and roach infestations and hazardous plumbing and wiring. Moreover, the city attorney filed criminal complaints last month against a handful of the owners who had not complied with several orders to clean up their units.

“Trying to do something is easier said than done,” Huntington Beach Mayor Bob Mandic said Tuesday. “Right now we are in court with the property owners. It just takes time.”

Mandic said he plans to meet with the condominium owners next month and will consider their request to have the area bulldozed and targeted for redevelopment.