A pool of stagnant water along Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue has raised concerns in West Hollywood. (photo by Edwin Folven)

The Melrose Triangle has become a focal point of concern for West Hollywood residents, as an abandoned construction site between Santa Monica Boulevard and Melrose Avenue has become what many have coined a “swamp.”

A six-story mixed-use development has been stalled on the property for over three years – though excavation had already begun, which is why the property is now a giant subterranean pit. Stagnant water has led to muddy, swamp-like conditions, creating concerns over mosquitos and pests.

“We are aware of the issue and our technicians have conducted multiple mosquito inspections and treatments over the last month,” said Aaron Arguay, the executive director of the Los Angeles County West Vector Control District. “Follow up inspections [and] treatments will be conducted as needed until the project manager can eliminate the standing water problem.”

The city of West Hollywood issued a statement on the problem, saying that the city is “actively responding to community concerns” about the site, which is located on the 9000 block of Santa Monica Boulevard.

“The city’s neighborhood and business safety division has opened a code enforcement case and is working with the property owner to ensure that dewatering takes place at the property, which is in a high water-table area,” the statement said.

The code enforcement team issued a violation notice to the property owner, listed as the Charles Company, on June 24.

“Dewatering pumps are now fully operational and, according to the property owner’s representative, additional dewatering pumps will be activated to expedite drainage,” West Hollywood’s statement continued.

The project manager for the Charles Company did not respond to a request for comment by press time. It is uncertain what the status of the development project is, or if it will even go forward as it was initially approved by City Council years ago.

Vice Mayor Chelsea Byers said that the situation is an example of a project getting tied up in development red tape.

“The project at the corner of Santa Monica and Doheny is an example of the consequences of delayed development,” Byers said. “We have to work as hard as we can to streamline and expedite new construction in our city.”

In regards to the proposed development, Councilwoman Lauren Meister said that the company is likely to return to the council for an amended or new development agreement.

“I’ll share my comments at that time. However, [I’m] obviously not happy about the new ecosystem growing in the hole we call the Melrose Triangle,” Meister said.

However, it is uncertain how long it will take for the area to be developed.

“Unfortunately, the city doesn’t own the lot, nor does the city have the authority to force someone to build,” Heilman said. “We have seen a number of development projects which are currently stalled due to high interest rates and challenges obtaining financing. It’s frustrating for the community and the council when projects don’t move forward. For projects with a development agreement, we are able to build in financial penalties which get imposed when the project doesn’t meet certain deadlines.”

“I encourage individuals to call the Charles Company and let them know your concerns and that you’d like them to finally move on building the project they promised – and were approved to do so by the City Council – years ago,” Mayor John Erickson said.

A proposed development at the Melrose Triangle has stalled for the last few years. (rendering courtesy of Gensler)