Councilmember urges mayor to penalize Lineage for missing Boyle Heights cleanup deadline

After a roof fire in June devastated half of Lineage's Boyle Heights cold-storage warehouse, the city ordered the firm to eliminate the resulting food waste within 45 days. By mid-week, the company reported 93% of the material removed, but officials warn the work will not be finished by the Friday 5 p.m. deadline. Councilmember Ysabel Jurado expressed disappointment and anger, urging Mayor Karen Bass to enforce the deadline and impose penalties despite the progress made.

Neighbors report persistent foul smells, flies, and health symptoms such as sore throats and nausea, while a cancer-stricken resident has filed a public-nuisance lawsuit. Lineage anticipates spending $80 million to $100 million on the cleanup and has already been fined for air-quality violations. The firm has also pledged $3.3 million to local nonprofits and is seeking a permit to rebuild, a move criticized by the mayor as premature.