HOUSTON – A decade-long neighborhood eyesore that residents called a “dangerous jungle” has finally been transformed, thanks to one man’s determination to serve his community and a KPRC 2 investigation that sparked action in Houston’s Fifth Ward.
The vastly overgrown lot in the 4700 block of Salina Street had become more than just an unsightly nuisance – it represented a serious safety threat to the community, especially children walking to nearby Fleming Middle School.
“You can see how weeds and grass become tall weeds, those weeds become bushes and bushes become trees. This is a jungle out here. That’s ten years worth of growth,” said Paul Holly, a resident who has lived with the eyesore just doors away from his well-maintained home.
Safety concerns mount
The neglected property had created multiple hazards for the neighborhood:
- Dense vegetation provided potential hiding spots for criminals
- A completely obscured drainage ditch created flooding risks
- Overgrowth had consumed the public sidewalk, forcing pedestrians into the street
Despite numerous complaints to Houston’s 311 help line and appeals to local officials, the lot remained untamed – until now.
A hero steps forward
Just one day after KPRC 2’s initial report, Clinton Johns, a local landscaping company owner, took matters into his own hands. Without any official support or requests from the City of Houston and without any compensation, Johns began the arduous task of reclaiming the lot from nature.
“My wife and I, Lady Benecia Johns, we’ve been ones who like to serve. We come from families that serve,” Johns explained as he worked through Houston’s notorious heat and humidity to transform the space.
Community impact
The transformation left longtime residents like Paul Holly overwhelmed with gratitude. “This would have never happened without you and Channel 2 showing them, hey, let’s take care of our community,” Holly said.
Next steps
All that Clinton cut down needed to be trucked away to complete this cleanup and KPRC 2’s Bill Spencer’s calls to Councilperson Tarsha Jackson’s office finally prompted action as the city cleared out the brush that Clinton cut down at the Salina Street lot where Paul lives, and officials say they expect a similar city cleanup on Jewel Street soon.
Neighbors thanked KPRC 2 and the good Samaritan who helped, but their gratitude was mixed with bitter relief. They’re thankful the immediate hazard was removed but furious it took public pressure and hands-on intervention to get the job done.
“I want to thank Channel 2 News and Bill Spencer... thank you Bill,” Paul Holly said.
“I want to say thank you to Clinton Johns and to Channel 2 news and thank you Bill for helping us,” Tasha Royal said.
Dangerously tall, overgrown lots are more than just ugly, they are magnets for pests, and a sign that city systems can fail the people who depend on them.
- If you live in Houston and see a dangerous, overgrown lot: report it to 311 with the address.
- If that doesn’t work, contact your city councilman’s office.
- Keep records of the number of complaints you file and the case numbers you are given through 311 and follow up.