Altadena Businesses Excluded From FEMA Fire Recovery Plan

As the federal government helps Altadena residents clear away their burned out homes after the Eaton Fire, local business owners have been left holding the ashes.

While the Federal Emergency Management Agency has authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to remove debris from homes, public buildings and places of worship, commercial properties are excluded from the plan, the Los Angeles Times reported.

“Commercial property debris removal is the responsibility of the property owner. Currently, USACE has no task from FEMA to execute commercial property removal,” the Army Corps stated.

Burlingame-based ECC Constructors was contracted by Uncle Sam to conduct residential cleanup in the Eaton fire zone at a cost of more than $668 million. But while those lots are being cleared, most commercial property owners have been left to clear their land themselves, according to the Times.

That’s left many business owners wondering if it’s even worth it to rebuild.

Altadena Chamber of Commerce board member Larry Hammond didn’t mince words about the future of commercial properties in the unincorporated community.

“The future is unclear in terms of businesses,” Hammond told the Times. “The people that frequented the local businesses are gone.”

Kathryn Barger, who represents Altadena on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, said she wants to help as federal government aid lags.

Barger introduced a motion last month to distribute small business loans and boost sales by allowing pop-up events and restaurants to operate in vacant lots over the next five years. And last week, the county announced that businesses are eligible for loans of up to $75,000 over a 15-year term.

The Los Angeles County Development Authority plans to award up to 80 such loans through its Altadena Disaster Relief Small Business Loan Program.

“The Eaton fire devastated many in our Altadena community, and this program ensures we’re providing real support where it’s needed most,” Barger said in a statement. “Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and helping them get back on their feet is essential to restoring stability, jobs and community spirit in the wake of disaster.”

If all goes well, officials and Altadena business owners may see an uptick in customer traffic as the community rebuilds.

“Small businesses drive economic growth, create jobs and foster community,” Emilio Salas, executive director of the development authority, told the Times. “We are proud to help Altadena wildfire survivors regain economic stability. Keeping doors open for these business owners is essential to the resilience of Altadena.”

— Chris Malone Méndez