Iconic LA Deli Could Close If Safety Issues Downtown Don't Improve

LOS ANGELES — Norm Langer, owner of the iconic Langer’s Deli in downtown Los Angeles, is considering closing up shop after nearly eight decades of the family business due to safety concerns about the neighborhood, he recently told the Los Angeles Times.

The 79-year-old has tried to convince city leaders to clean the streets and make MacArthur Park not just a safe place but a destination, Langer told columnist Steve Lopez, adding he has yet to see the increased police presence, social services outreach and better lighting the area needs. Located at South Alvarado and Seventh streets, Langer’s is directly across from the park.

In the meantime, the park and alleys near the deli are home to fentanyl users, contorted and passed out, Lopez reported.

Footage circulating on social media this week showed Mayor Karen Bass paid a visit to Langer’s and met with Langer himself.

Local City Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez in a prepared statement told KTLA the city is bringing a street medicine team to the neighborhood and a full-time cleaning team, in addition to considering expanding the park by closing Wilshire Boulevard. Money from the city’s Opioid Settlement Fund will help address the drug problems, she said.