Eyewitness News first told about the encampment in a 7 On Your Side investigation after a frustrated condo owner, Sangmin Lee, reached out to us because he felt his 311 complaints about the encampment were being ignored.
After we raised the issue to the city, residents in the neighborhood are finally seeing some improvements.
When asked if he thought the lot would be cleaned up if he hadn't reached out to us, Lee said "absolutely not."
The encampment is located on Manhattan Place, between Seventh and Eighth streets, surrounded by apartment complexes and other buildings. It included unexpected amenities such as a makeshift sports court, garden and barbecue pit.
Some people living on the lot ripped open a streetlight, stuck a surge protector inside, and were using an extension cord to run power from it across the street and into the encampment.
Sprawling LA homeless encampment has tennis court, garden, BBQ pit
LAPD officers showed up at the encampment Thursday morning and informed the people living there that they could no longer stay.
One person was arrested for assault on an officer. It appears he was trying to get back into the encampment as officers were clearing it.
City officials told ABC7 the clean-up started because the property owner started working with them.
Those who live in the area said the sight of crews cleaning up the encampment brought relief.
"It's about time to be honest," said Presa Hall. "Been reaching out for some time to the city, to some shelters. Nothing really changed - in fact, it actually got worse. This is the worst I've seen it, but I'm glad it's finally getting cleaned up."
Hall added that people would holler at her as she walked passed the lot, making her feel unsafe.
Los Angeles City Councilmember Katy Yaroslavsky's office was well aware of the encampment and said she is relieved that the property owner is now taking action.
The owner of the property is a limited liability corporation registered in Delaware. The company has not responded to Eyewitness News' request for comment.
As for the individuals experiencing homelessness who were living on the lot, city officials said most of them accepted help and are now in shelters.