Homeowners in a southside neighborhood in Houston, Texas have been dealing with the frustration of an abandoned house next door for nearly a year. The house on Mount Pleasant Street has become a problem for residents, with boarded-up windows, an overgrown lawn, and no signs of anyone living there. Brandon Smith, who purchased a home in the area in late 2022, expressed his disappointment, stating, “We keep our houses up. We take pride in our homes.”
The neglected state of the abandoned house has become a nuisance for neighboring homeowners. Craig Jones, another resident on Mount Pleasant, admitted that he couldn’t even remember the last time the lawn was mowed. Smith has taken it upon himself to have his landscaper trim some of the overgrown weeds encroaching on his property, but it has become overwhelming for him to keep up with the maintenance. “It’s just gotten so out of control. I don’t even think I could afford to get someone to mow it at this point,” Smith lamented.
Eyewitness News investigated the property owner’s listed address and discovered that it too appeared to be an abandoned house. Property records revealed that the owner owed $17,000 in back taxes on the house. Smith shared his frustration with the city, providing evidence of his numerous emails dating back to July 2023. In January, the city had posted a violation notice at the home. However, it seemed that little progress had been made.
The city spokesperson responded to Eyewitness News, informing them that the most recent inspection of the property was on May 15. The owner was once again notified of the code violations. Smith described the dire situation, stating, “People go behind the house to use the restroom. There’s rodents back there. Stray animals go back there.” Frustrated with the lack of action, Eyewitness News reached out to the city on Thursday for further intervention.
In response, the city spokesperson assured them that a city contractor would be dispatched within two weeks to mow the grass. The city also mentioned its plan to place a lien on the house in order to recoup the cost. However, the delay in resolving the issue has had a significant impact on the South Union neighborhood. Jones expressed his concern, saying, “It makes it seem like it’s a bad neighborhood.”
The residents of the South Union neighborhood are eagerly awaiting a resolution to the abandoned house issue that has plagued their community for so long. The city’s commitment to addressing the problem is a step in the right direction. However, it is important for local authorities to act promptly and efficiently in similar situations to maintain the quality of life for all residents. Neglected properties not only harm the aesthetic appeal of a neighborhood but also contribute to safety and health concerns, as evidenced by Smith’s account of rodents and unsanitary conditions.
This case highlights the need for stricter regulations and enforcement when it comes to abandoned properties. It is crucial for property owners to take responsibility for maintaining their homes or face penalties such as tax liens. Additionally, local governments should prioritize addressing these issues promptly to prevent further deterioration of neighborhoods. The South Union community deserves a swift resolution to this problem, as it affects not only property values but also the overall perception of the area.
