HOUSTON – Neighbors in the Houston Heights are frustrated with the city’s confusing information and lack of action on an alley in terrible condition.
“I’ve had to get my car aligned twice this year already” said Wyn Micheals.
For over 10 years, residents have fought to get help with maintenance for the alley filled with large potholes that damage their vehicles, hold water after rains that attract mosquitos, and disrupt daily life.
Damaging potholes and safety concerns
Residents say the alley’s potholes fill with water when it rains, creating hazardous conditions. One resident described the alley’s condition after Hurricane Harvey and during floods as a “lake,” making it difficult and scary to exit their driveway safely.
“In Harvey, it was such a nightmare. It was so scary that the water was up to the garage and when I pulled out, I mean this was a lake and I just aimed at the street to try to get out of here” said Marie Vandusen
City promises broken
Residents reached out to the city multiple times, but promises to fix the alley were never fulfilled. A 311 ticket closed in March reported a work order was created to repair the alley, but no action followed.
Residents who followed up received an email stating the alley is “not an approved alley for City of Houston maintenance.”
What the city says
Public Works explains that although the alley is within city boundaries, not all city-owned alleys are maintained by the city. Only alleys meeting specific criteria, such as being on an approved list, are eligible for maintenance.
To get the alley added to the approved list, residents must submit a petition to the city engineer and the alley must meet requirements including:
- Intersecting streets at right angles
- Being a one-way if 20 feet wide or less
- Having improvements meeting current standards
- Residents showing the financial ability to complete the required improvements
Residents demand accountability
City Council Member Abbey Kamin stated the confusion over alley maintenance responsibility “has to stop,” and that residents deserve better.
“The punting over who is responsible for maintaining alleyways in our city has to stop. Residents deserve better. I will continue to seek answers on behalf of Houstonians who are stuck in this very expensive legal quagmire” said Kamin.
Residents question where their tax money goes, noting they have collectively paid about $500,000 in property taxes.
“Where is our tax money going? Why can’t it be used for this?” Micheals said.
The petition process
To move forward, 75% of residents must agree to share the costs for improvements. The petition is then submitted for consideration by the county engineer.
Residents remain hopeful but frustrated, seeking clarity and action to make their alley safe and functional again.
“Just give us our tax money and we’ll do it,” Kiki Budinzski said, reflecting frustration with the process.
