Lineage files permit to rebuild cold storage facility, angering Boyle Heights residents, city leaders

BOYLE HEIGHTS, LOS ANGELES () — More than a month after a fire tore through a major warehouse in Boyle Heights, the company behind the burned-out cold storage facility has filed a permit to rebuild, drawing anger from residents and city leaders who say cleanup should come first.

The June fire left millions of pounds of rotting food inside the building, creating a stench that neighbors say has become unbearable as flies, pests and rodents swarm the area. The summer heat is only making the smell worse.

As cleanup continues at the facility, Lineage is already planning for the future by applying for a permit to rebuild the massive warehouse.

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“I don’t want them to come back because I don’t want it to happen again. It’s going to be like… like right now, they don’t pay attention to the community, which I think is really bad,” said Ramon Prudencio Cisneros of East L.A.

Lineage said it wants to repair the damage from the June fire, which it maintains was not caused by its operations but by crews working on solar panels on the roof.

The permit application has frustrated residents and city leaders because the cleanup has not been completed.

“It’s a slap in the face to the families that are forced to live with the consequences of an irresponsible corporation’s actions every single day,” Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement.

Residents say the rotting food from the warehouse is not only filling the neighborhood with a horrible stench, it’s also attracting swarms of flies and a growing number of rodents.

“The smell is horrible. It’s bad. It’s really bad,” said Oscar Hernandez of Boyle Heights. “It comes and goes when there’s no wind. It’s really bad.”

READ MORE: Lineage faces daily fines after health officials cite ongoing violations at Boyle Heights warehouse

Lineage has been issued six citations by the Los Angeles County Department of Health since the fire. The company is now being fined $2,000 a day for unsanitary conditions and inadequate pest control.

Initially, the county fined the company $500 per day for each citation, and said it would continue to do so until the violations are corrected. Starting Wednesday, county officials said they will cite each violation separately. Additional citations will be issued if unsanitary or nuisance conditions in the surrounding community continue during subsequent inspections.

Residents said they are frustrated that the mess has not been cleaned up.

“Should’ve been taken care of, but it seems like it’s getting worse. Worse and worse every day, and it almost seems like there’s no work getting done. No progress whatsoever,” said Axel Salinas of Boyle Heights.

Bass also said the city is revising its executive order to reflect rebuilding concerns because, according to the city, “the situation has become so egregious.”

The county has ordered Lineage to do the following:

• Remove and properly dispose of all fire-damaged food, putrescible waste, and other decomposing organic materials from the property in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.




• Eliminate all actual and potential fly breeding sources, including accumulations of organic debris, contaminated liquids, and any other materials capable of supporting fly development.




• Thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to remove residues that may attract or support flies and other vectors.




• Implement effective vector control measures, including treatment of active breeding areas by a licensed pest control operator.




• Take all necessary measures to prevent flies originating from the property from migrating to neighboring properties or creating an ongoing public health nuisance.

City News Service contributed to this report.