HOUSTON – A spokesperson for the Department of Neighborhoods tells KPRC 2 the property owner of the Arlington Place Apartments in southeast Houston is abandoning the complex.
The complex is the focus of KPRC 2′s reporting following social media reports of trash piling up.
“The apartment complex at 116 E. Edgebrook has been abandoned by the property owner, leaving residents with no dumpster trash collection services. The Department of Neighborhoods has made attempts to reach the owner with no results,” a spokesperson with the Department of Neighborhoods tells KPRC 2. “The city is working on a coordinated effort involving several departments and possibly community agencies to respond to this situation, which poses health, safety, housing concerns for apartment residents.”
It is unclear what will happen to residents.
KPRC 2′s Rilwan Balogun obtained nearby security footage showing Waste Management removing its dumpsters from the property on January 2.
A spokesperson wouldn’t explain why due to privacy but said the account is closed.
Before the dumpsters were removed, the trash overflowed. Now, tenants told Balogun they had no choice but to leave the trash out since they’re still paying for it.
“If we’re constantly giving you money every month, you can’t tell me that we’re giving you this amount of money every month and someone can’t come and get this trash,” Monica Winfree asked.
Navy Veteran Cindy Rogers compares living at the complex to her time in service.
“I’m from the military so I’m used to it,” Rogers said. “I can handle it.”
The Houston Health Department has written 30 citations since January 8th.
- Dumping of garbage to cause breeding place for rats. Observed: No dumpster on property; garbage on the ground
- Owner of property using property for open storage of refuse. Observed: No dumpster on property
- Maintaining a health nuisance. Observed: Garbage on the premises in multiple locations
Balogun asked Rogers if she feels she and others are being taken advantage of.
“Oh yeah, because I don’t know who’s getting our money,” Rogers said.
Department of Neighborhoods Statement:
“The apartment complex at 116 E. Edgebrook has been abandoned by the property owner, leaving residents with no dumpster trash collection services. The Department of Neighborhoods has made attempts to reach the owner with no results. The City is working on a coordinated effort involving several departments and possibly community agencies to respond to this situation, which poses health, safety, housing concerns for apartment residents. Meantime, the Department of Neighborhoods will schedule contractors to remove the trash, and the Solid Waste Department will place trash dumpsters at the complex. A lien will be placed on the property for the cost of the cleanup and dumpsters.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining their properties in compliance with city codes. When a property owner fails to comply and the City steps in to correct the problem, a lien is placed on the property to recover taxpayer dollars spent on the abatement. This is standard procedure in accordance with the city code of ordinances. - Houston’s Department of Neighborhoods spokesperson.
Waste Management of Texas Statement:
“At WM, our practice is to service our customers in an efficient and timely manner.
Due to company policy, we are unable to disclose the specific customer dynamics which led to the initial non-service and removal of equipment; however, you could contact the apartment complex to see if they would like to share an explanation.” - Waste Management of Texas, Inc.