Neighborly Resolutions for Echo Park

Every neighborhood has problems; what separates a great neighborhood from an indifferent one is how those problems are resolved. Echo Park homeowners and renters also have a set of very specific issues that often have to do with the area’s hills, valleys and narrow, curvy streets and its vibrant socio-economic mix.

An informal poll of residents yields some repeated community concerns. Here are some resolutions and suggestions from neighbors on how to be a better neighbor—and who handles complaints and issues. Suspected criminal activity is another matter altogether, and should be reported directly to the LAPD.

Echo Park Resounds

On noisy weekend nights it’s easy to assume that Echo Park got its name from party goers’ reverberating beats (However, Los Angeles Magazine’s Chris Nichols sets the record straight here on the origins of Echo Park’s name.) Noise complaints are common because of Echo Park's density and a terrain that amplifies even the smallest truck backfire or squawking pet parrot. “Loud house parties that go past midnight, the raucous music bouncing around the hills,” is a top annoying issue, contends one 15-year resident.

The city does have a finely detailed noise ordinance; the cut-off time for amplified sound is 10 p.m. in residential areas, however there are numerous exceptions. A call to the neighbor in question may resolve the party noise, although a non-emergency call to the LAPD seems the more common approach.

Echo Park’s popularity with musicians also engendered feedback. Rehearsals at various times of the day was mentioned too by one 20-plus-year resident.  Her idea:  coordinate rehearsal times so those echoing beats were grouped together.

Consideration for others

Remember that your neighbors can almost always hear and sometimes can see what you do. For apartment dwellers, issues have to do with shared spaces. One apartment dweller reminds neighbors to turn down the car radio when coming home late night and be aware of drifting smoke when smoking outdoors.  Having a neighbor that smokes inside their apartment was a deal breaker for some renters; and secondhand smoke wafting in from adjacent balconies an equal problem.

Some other suggestions for neighborly improvement:  Take garbage cans in after collection. Learn to park in only one parking space. Bring the dog inside, even if the animal barks only once. Slow down on Echo Park’s narrow residential streets.  And occupy long-vacant homes.

City departments that can help

Check out the L.A.P.D. website for common questions regarding “quality of life issues,” such as bulky item removal, graffiti clean-up and clogged storm drains.  The Council District 13 website also has links and info on commonly requested services.

Noise complaints do come into the CD 13 office, per Julie Wong, CD 13's senior advisor and communications director, but in most cases the office refers neighbor disputes to conflict resolution opportunities such as The City Attorney’s mediation program, which is free and available in English and Spanish.