HOUSTON – Residents in a Southeast Houston neighborhood say an abandoned home in the 8000 block of Lenore Street has become a long-standing nuisance, prompting repeated complaints to multiple city departments over several years.
Several neighbors declined to speak on camera, saying they feared retaliation from squatters inside the property. One resident, Paul, said the property has become both an eyesore and a safety concern for the community.
“Definitely is a nuisance,” said Paul to 2 Helps You.
The longtime resident said emergency crews have responded to the property numerous times over the years, but neighbors have seen little progress.
“I have seen fire department, I’ve seen definitely the police.”
Although the home has been on the city’s radar, he questioned why meaningful action has taken so long?
“It’s concerning. At this point at the end of the day, I mean we pay our taxes like anyone else and we definitely want to be heard,” said Paul.
After hearing neighbors’ concerns, 2 Helps You contacted Houston Public Works Director Randy Macchi about the property.
Although Macchi was out of town when first contacted, he met with KPRC 2 in the neighborhood less than 24 hours after returning back home.
After inspecting the property, Macchi described it as one of the city’s most problematic abandoned homes.
“This is clearly one of the worst ones we have in the city.”
Macchi said Houston Public Works has received dozens of complaints about the property over the years.
He also explained that demolishing abandoned structures is often a lengthy legal process because state law protects property owners’ rights.
“The process to get rid of a building, it’s not an overnight thing. There are significant laws in place,” said Macchi.
Macchi acknowledged residents’ frustration but said the city has been moving the case through an expedited process and just last week received a demolition warrant. While neighbors expressed concerns about ongoing activity at the property, including people working on the roof and the presence of an outdoor restroom, Macchi said the city cannot legally move any faster than it already has.
“We’re at a point right now where we cannot move any faster than where we are at.”
- MORE FROM 2 HELPS YOU: Overgrown vegetation by railroad tracks creating neighborhood eyesore and damaging fences
Macchi said his goal is to have the structure demolished within the next 60 days while making it clear that, “The process does work. It’s not overnight. It takes a little bit of time. But the process does work.”
The issue was brought to us through the 2 Helps You desk. If you have a consumer issue or neighborhood concern, remember we shouldn’t be your first call but we don’t mind being your last.