The Melrose Shopping District in Los Angeles experienced severe flooding during Thursday’s storm, leaving streets submerged and damaging nearby businesses.
One of the hardest-hit businesses, Brooklyn Projects, has suffered repeated losses due to flooding.
“This has been the worst,” said shop owner Dom DeLuca. “I’ve lost out every time. Over the last nine times, I’m out easily $200,000.”
Ongoing Flooding Issues on Melrose
- Location: Intersection of Melrose & Gardner
- Repeated Flooding: Ongoing issue for many years
- Water Removal: Often requires Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) to open a manhole
DeLuca believes city officials should be proactive during storms.
“When you know it’s going to rain, send them up and down Melrose a couple of times. When you see it, pop it open, and the water goes down.”
City Officials Respond
Los Angeles City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, whose district includes Melrose, acknowledged the issue.
Estimated Cost to Fix Infrastructure: $20 to $40 million
Challenges in Emergency Response:
- LAFD resources are stretched thin during major storms.
- Emergency crews are dealing with citywide flooding and mudslides.
- Delays in street maintenance and storm drain clearance contribute to the problem.
Yaroslavsky: “When there’s a big flood across the city, they’re being pulled in a bunch of different directions.”
Community Frustration Over Infrastructure Issues
Pete Nichols, executive director of Melrose Action, said that while infrastructure is a problem, no single department is to blame.
“The city crews are so taxed. LAFD is so taxed right now. I empathize with our merchants because they’ve been through hell and back.”
What’s Next?
- Long-Term Fixes Needed: The city must upgrade storm drainage systems to prevent future floods.
- Business Owners Seek Faster Response: Merchants want the city to act preemptively before storms hit.
- Residents Call for Street Cleaning & Maintenance: Reduced street cleaning is contributing to blocked storm drains.
For now, business owners on Melrose continue to suffer financial losses, hoping the city will prioritize flood prevention efforts.
