Source: VCG / GettyAs Altadena continues its rebuilding process, debris removal and cleanup have proved to be both a helpful and valuable way for local residents to start fresh and resume a sense of normalcy. However, for business owners in the area, the clean-up crews and assistance have passed them by.
The residential areas in the community of Altadena have been infiltrated with debris removal teams from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), on orders from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to clean up private residences and select public buildings like places of worship. The process has made considerable strides in the months since the Eaton fires devastated the area.
However, somewhere along the way, Altadena businesses, often regarded as the backbone of the community, were left to fend for themselves, as no cleanup assistance has been provided to any commercial properties. As a result, business owners now say they are at a loss.
“Commercial property debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner. Currently, USACE has no task from FEMA to execute commercial property removal,” the Army Corps confirmed via statement to the Los Angeles Times.
Per records obtained by the outlet, a $668 million-dollar contract was awarded to ECC Constructors for debris removal and residential clean up in areas impacted by the Eaton fires — but commercial properties were not included, leaving many in the Altadena wondering how they can afford clean up expenses when their businesses have already taken such a massive financial hit despite the small business loan program that was previously announced.
City officials appear to be partially to blame, as there was prior confusion over whether or not businesses would be included in the cleanup efforts, according to Chamber of Commerce member Larry Hammond.
“The future is unclear in terms of businesses,” Hammond told the LA Times of the bleak update. “The people that frequented the local businesses are gone.”
Business owner Meredith Miller explained that despite a few local establishments attempting debris removal themselves, the overall efforts have not been successful.
“There’s only been one or two businesses that have done their own cleanup,” Miller said. “Other than that, everything is just sitting the way it was the day of the fire. People don’t really want to see it. Because it’s upsetting.”
Miller offered a final plea she hopes will reach Altadena officials as the restoration of the community continues.
“Don’t leave us behind,” she said. “We are the businesses that you’ve been depending and relying on for years.”
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