According to the frustrated proprietor, an iconic deli in Los Angeles that recently celebrated its 77th anniversary is on the verge of closing because the neighborhood has become overrun with drug abuse and homelessness.
Norm Langer, 79, the proprietor of Langer’s Deli, has given the city a week to clean up MacArthur Park, which is across the street from his restaurant.
Gangs, Drugs, Trash, and Street Vendors
Langer claims that the park is full of gangs, drugs, trash, and street vendors.
He says that although there is a steady flow of customers every day, he is sick and tired of the issues plaguing his deli, which serves what one diner called “the best pastrami sandwich I’ve ever had.”
Metro Plaza Restrictions
The city recently imposed restrictions on the Metro plaza, where homeless people and street vendors used to congregate. This forced them to take over the park Langer used to spend hours in as a child.
Langer said to the Los Angeles Times, “I grew up in the park. I’d play in the park, go for boat rides, take naps. There was this whole area on the 7th Street side where older people played shuffleboard, backgammon, gin, all kinds of card games.”
“It’s The Drugs Period”
However, the irritated proprietor no longer recognizes the green space. “I need the park cleaned up. I need 7th Street cleaned up,” Langer stated to KABC. Street vendors aren’t the only issue impacting Langer.
He stated, “It’s the issue of the gangs collecting rent. It’s the issue of, I’m not going to say fentanyl or any other drug. It’s the drugs period.”
“They’re Trying to Make a Score”
Langer stated that he is seriously considering permanently closing his doors. “One week. I either see some things happening within the week, or I’ll lock it up.” he said.
In a statement to FOX 11, he said, “People walking around here taking their clothes off, walking around naked. You know, it’s nuts. I don’t want to spoil anybody’s appetite, but you’ve got a problem with defecation on sidewalks, for somebody was strung out on drugs. There’s something. They’re trying to make a score on fentanyl.”
Bass’ “Strategy”
Langer stated, “They’re passed out on the sidewalk, and the city is lame and doing something about it.”
Los Angeles Mayor, Democrat Karen Bass, is one of the restaurant’s fans, and she has stated that she is working on a “strategy” to save the deli in a statement to KABC.
“Multitude of Issues”
Bass said, “I have spoken to Mr. Langer a couple of times and look to be meeting with him soon. We need an overall strategy and approach for MacArthur Park because there are a multitude of issues that take place right there”
The MacArthur Park Neighborhood Council’s president, Andrew Wolff, informed KABC that the city is working to improve its image.
“In a Crisis”
Wolff stated, “I think more and more things are coming. I think initially it was a little slower than maybe we would have liked. We felt that we were in a crisis over the past two years, especially.”
In order to address the issue, the council has also communicated with Los Angeles City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez.
Pilot Program
According to her office’s statement to KABC, Hernandez is “coordinating a multi-agency approach to address the crisis.”
“She is committed to seeing this through and is calling on leaders at every level of government to join her in this urgent work,” the statement read. In order for the city to begin a pilot program to clean up the area and make it safer, the nearby Metro plaza recently restricted vendors.
Joining Forces
Depending on the products being sold, sidewalk vending is permitted in the city with specific permits. Metro and the Community Power Collective (CPC), according to the program’s website, have joined forces to “address public safety issues” and “enhance customer experience” in the plaza.
“CCPC plays a pivotal role in advocating for sidewalk vending legislation, demonstrating their commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by start-up food vendors,” the site proceeded.
Langer’s Devotion
Langer provided a precise explanation for why he has devoted so much of his life to the deli that his parents owned when he was a child. “Every man needs two things. He needs a place to go when he gets up in the morning, and he needs people who are dependent on him.”
“I’ve had lung cancer five times. I’ve had the tops of both lungs removed. I’ve had prostate cancer. I’ve had 45 radiation treatments. I’ve had both knees replaced. But I’m here… I should be laying down somewhere, but I’m not. Why? Because I have a place to go. And I have people who need me.”
Newsom’s Problem
Since Governor Gavin Newsom took office, the state of California has been plagued by a problem that accounts for roughly one-third of the nation’s homeless population.
Freeways, parking lots, and public parks are lined with thousands of tents and other temporary shelters across the state.
The state has spent around $24 billion under Newsom’s initiative to tidy up streets and house people.
