SHERMAN OAKS : Demolition Begins at Quake-Damaged Site

Crews began razing a Sherman Oaks condominium complex today in the first city-sponsored effort to demolish vacant, earthquake-damaged buildings that could attract criminal activity.

The four-unit complex at 14263 Moorpark St. suffered severe damage in the Jan. 17 temblor and quickly became a danger and a blight, said Laurie Saffian, spokeswoman for City Councilman Zev Yaroslovsky. The councilman is sponsoring the demolition program.

“They had problems with transients, (and) there was lots of graffiti, so there was concern over gang activity,” Saffian said. “It’s clear there were people hanging around.”

The owner of the complex decided not to rebuild because the renovation would cost more than the building’s market value, according to Saffian. But the owners’ insurance did not cover demolition.

Through the city-sponsored program, once the owners agreed to raze the complex, funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency went to pay for the work.

“Razing buildings is a last resort,” Yaroslavsky said.

“However, we are committed to help Sherman Oaks get back on its feet, and part of that strategy is removing blight, and especially those vacant buildings which are or can become attractive nuisances.”