Residents Sound Alarm Over Dumping, Toxic Burning Near Chatsworth Park

CHATSWORTH, CA — The Chatsworth Neighborhood Council is considering launching an investigation into allegations of illegal dumping, burning of potentially toxic materials and hazardous-material storage at a property near Chatsworth Park North.

The council is scheduled to vote Wednesday on whether to establish a special committee to investigate conditions at 22255 Chatsworth St.

According to the meeting agenda, concerned residents brought a list of complaints to the council, including allegations of illegal dumping, toxic burning and the storage of hazardous materials.

The a council committee voted 4-0 to recommend establishing an investigative panel.

The property has drawn complaints in the past. In 2017, the Santa Susana Mountain Park Association raised concerns about dumping and unauthorized grading on private land adjacent to Chatsworth Park North.

The environmental group reported that the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety had cited violations involving grading without permits, storage of inoperable vehicles and accumulated debris in 2016. It also claimed that grading activity had encroached onto public parkland.

It was not immediately clear whether those earlier issues were resolved or whether they are connected to the latest complaints.

If approved, the new neighborhood council committee would examine residents' concerns and potentially seek assistance from city agencies responsible for code enforcement and environmental safety. The neighborhood council itself does not have the authority to issue citations or compel property owners to take corrective action.

The council will meet virtually at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. Meeting information is available on the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council website.