Northridge business owner says homelessness hurts sales

A San Fernando Valley business owner is fed up.

CBSLA reporter Rick Montanez spoke with Houman Mika, the owner of a tuxedo rental shop in Northridge, who said business has been poor thanks to the environment created by a homeless encampment outside his storefront.

Mika said his store, Azar Man, located in the 19348 block of Londelius Street, has suffered greatly as a result of homelessness.

Mika said that anyone who walks into his business or any nearby business sees nothing but open drug use, littering and illegal parking, all of which are contributing to the decrease in Tuxedo’s rents and income. .

Making matters worse, Mika said there has been little movement from the city of Los Angeles.

“That’s what we see when we come in during the day and when we come out. And instead of focusing on the business, to make the business grow, we have to call (for help),” Mika said.

Mika said that he was called to the police. He has called his local council office and other city departments hoping to get them to remove the items that pile up and sometimes block the sidewalk.

He posted photos on Facebook, asking for help from the community, so CBSLA found this story.

“It’s not just an eyesore, it’s also a health issue at this point. We’ve got people dealing drugs. We’ve seen prostitution. We’ve seen… you name it,” Mika said.

Besides Mika’s tuxedo business, across the street the owner of an auto shop says he has lost his main customer.

And a church next door told Montanez that its congregation no longer feels safe around the area.

“Every night on my way home there are 8 people sitting here who are so disappointed they don’t even know you’re walking by,” said Brian Cashman, a pastor at Valley Metro Church.

Cashman said parents don’t want to drop their kids off at church events because of the camps.

Women’s ministry programs have left the site because they felt unsafe.

“It’s an uphill battle because, again, the city is not doing its part,” Cashman said.

Both Cashman and Mika have seen city crews and police respond and even offer shelter or assistance to people living there, but said more needs to be done.