HOUSTON – Theresa Florence has lived in Houston midtown for more than a decade. But despite being just a block from a community Zumba class, she said she won’t walk there.
“These buildings actually make it so I won’t walk to the amenities we have,” Florence said. “This entire block, all four corners are vacant.”
Florence said these buildings aren’t just eyesores. She points to trash piling up, weeds out of compliance with city code, and people moving into the buildings.
“You can see the trash, the weeds that don’t comply with city ordinances. It’s also that there are people living inside of these buildings, which is not safe for them or us,” she said. “I’ve even seen completely naked humans, intimidation of neighbors that come up to cars.”
As of last May, Houston’s Department of Neighborhoods listed 1,061 properties as “dangerous buildings,” that includes any vacant structure left unsecured for more than seven days.
Houston’s 311 service request system show 26 calls this month so far have flagged abandoned properties.
Houston Public Works and Community Code Enforcement presented a new Vacant Building Ordinance this week to City Council’s committee on Proposition A.
The draft measure would require:
- A 6-foot fence installed around a building within 10 days of vacancy
- Exceptions for active permitting projects or cases where city officials grant exemptions
- Daily fines up to $500 for owners who fail to comply
Florence hopes city leaders hear directly from residents.
“I would really just like some support,” said Florence. “You’ve got very close, tight quarters with neighbors, which is why it affects us a lot.”