HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – During its Oct. 16 meeting, Harris County Commissioners approved the demolition of a southeast Harris County home in the Kirkmont subdivision.
The home off Glenkirk near Blackhawk became the target of numerous neighborhood complaints after being damaged in a fire earlier this year. Large of amounts of debris and trash could be seen in the backyard and driveway.
On Oct. 1, Harris County Public Health placed a sign in the front yard of the home stating the structure has been deemed a public nuisance.
2 Investigates then reached out to Precinct 2 Constable Jerry Garcia, Precinct 2 Commissioner Adrian Garcia and officials with Harris County Public Health.
Constable Garcia said the man living on property is the son of the deceased owner. Garcia said since he is the next-of-kin he has a right to be on property and anyone he invites to the house is not considered trespassing.
Garcia said the man is homeless and he has offered to help relocate him several times but refused. Harris County Public health officials said they have also offered to connect him with services to help him relocate.
Officials with Harris County Public Health said, unlike the city of Houston, the county does not have an ordinance prohibiting people from living in uninhabitable conditions. Therefore, county health officials don’t have the authority to remove the man from the property until Commissioners have approved the structure for demolition.