15 Years Ago LAX announced voluntary buyouts for homeowners in Manchester Square
Fewer than ten individual family homes remain occupied today

Speaking: Denny Schneider

President of the Alliance for a Regional Solution to Airport Congestion

On how the airport buyouts of Manchester Square began. Many happily accepted this offer, and the residents who stuck around would later find the buyout program misrepresented, but the newly installed chain-link fencing oppressive.

Westchester resident for over four decades, Denny bravely rallies support and tirelessly battles for the rights of his community. A local hero in Westchester.
From 7,100 original community members
to now a handful
Even the local elementary school, 98th Street School,
was forced to close in 2004
This property now serves as a temporary site for a charter school

Speaking: Al Scates

Former UCLA Men’s Volleyball Coach of 50 years, a coaching legend


On the blighted condition of the neighborhood. Al moved his mother out of Manchester Square right before the buyouts due to noise, but cannot imagine living in the community today with how barren and lonesome it has become.

Al grew up in Manchester Square and attended Westchester High School. His first job before attending UCLA was as a tractor driver at Douglas Aircraft Company.
But, some chose to stay

Speaking: Jim Tarleton

Current and longtime resident of Manchester Square. His parents owned the home he and his family live in now.


On the empty lots. “Like a big park”, but he wishes the fences were gone. Some of the change has been good.

Jim was an aerospace engineer, like many other former Manchester Square residents.

Speaking: Marti Packman

Current and Longtime Resident of Manchester Square. Marti and her family have lived in several homes in Manchester Square.


On the empty lots and general decline in population. While the liveliness that comes from neighbors and homes has moved on, the animals and wildlife have moved in. It feels much like a rural island living in the middle of Los Angeles.

Marti is a teacher at Westchester Lutheran School. She is best friends with Vicky Tarleton. Her son Simon lives next door.

Speaking: Vicky Tarleton

Current and longtime resident of Manchester Square.


On the wildlife in the new Manchester Square. After mid-90s gang activity, the community went through a short period of crime and acrimony. Shortly thereafter the buyouts began and as the houses began to disappear, the tone began to shift. It feels like “living out in the country.” While the wildlife is nice, both the Packmans and the Tarletons would love for nothing more than their neighbors to return.

Vicky and Jim still live in their Manchester Square home, bookended by one empty lot and another recently obtained by the airport. Vicky is best friends with Marti Packman.
We call it Little Detroit

Speaking: Charlie

New resident to Manchester Square. A musician and roommate to Simon.


On “Little Detroit.” Manchester Square is going back to nature and seeing population decline, similarly to pieces of Detroit. But, it has the best parking in Los Angeles.

Charlie has only lived in Manchester Square a couple of years, but has seen many homes disappear over night.

Speaking: Marti Packman

Current and longtime resident of Manchester Square. Marti and her family have lived in several homes in Manchester Square.


On lasting traditions despite the changes. The remaining community members and Packman family still keep some traditions. The Packman family love their front-yard movies in the summer and still invite the Tarletons and residents who have moved on to join.

Marti is a teacher at Westchester Lutheran School. She is best friends with Vicky Tarleton. Her son Simon lives next door.

Speaking: Simon Packman

Current and lifetime resident of Manchester Square. He grew up in the neighborhood and now rents a home next door to his mom, Marti.


On the freedoms that come with fewer neighbors. The last period of time Simon remembers before the buyouts began was during the gang culture proliferation in the 1990s that invaded Westchester. He values the isolation his community experiences now. It allows certain freedoms-like raising his chickens in self-constructed chicken coop.

Simon is an engineering student now. He wants to stick around for as long as he can.
Still no plan for Manchester Square has been determined
Just the scar of the neighborhood remains

Speaking: Jim Tarleton

Current and longtime resident of Manchester Square. His parents owned the home he and his family live in now.


On what his community shall become. At this point in time, the airport is aiming to get a plan approved that will transform Manchester Square into a transportation hub. His community will become a giant parking lot.

Jim was an aerospace engineer, like many other former Manchester Square residents.
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