The Ellison has long been a focus for local activists and officials alarmed that apartments buildings have been illegally turned into hotels.
In recent days, as Angelenos were urged to stay home to protect themselves and others from the novel coronavirus, tenants at the Ellison have complained that the ongoing crush of travelers could jeopardize their health.
Doing so has pulled needed housing off the market and violates both municipal and state laws, they argue. The lawsuit calls for an injunction to stop the 58-unit building from being advertised and operated as a hotel. City attorneys stressed that the Ellison falls under L.A.'s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, which limits annual rent increases for tenants.
Attorney Thomas Nitti, who represents Robbins and the other defendants, said the city was retaliating for their lawsuits against the city “to establish the Ellison as a historical hotel.” The building owners have argued in court that the Ellison was historically rented out for short stays and wrongly categorized decades ago by the city as an apartment house.Tenants Bruce Kijewski, left, and Kelly Day talk about concerns with night-to-night rentals at the Ellison on September 11, 2018.
Robbins rejected allegations of nuisances at the building, pointing to positive reviews posted online by travelers. He argued that the Ellison was less risky for coronavirus infection than other buildings because it had open spaces and an entrance that wasn’t enclosed, as well as rooms and a rooftop large enough to practice social distancing.
Singapore Latest News, Singapore Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Blood Type May Affect COVID-19 RiskCoronavirus news -- A person's blood type may affect their risk for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, researchers report.
Read more »
'It's something I never imagined having to do alone': Women face childbirth without partners amid coronavirus outbreakAmid the coronavirus outbreak and changing hospital policies, women face giving birth alone.
Read more »
Guests at Trump National Golf Club disco party get coronavirusCoronavirus: Guests at Trump National Golf Club disco party get coronavirus, including politicians
Read more »
As Coronavirus spreads, concerns grow over refugees in Greek campsHumanitarian workers say an outbreak of Covid-19 in Greek refugee camps could spread like 'wildfire'
Read more »
Iran warns of second wave of coronavirusIran may face a second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, government spokesman Al...
Read more »