HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has agreed to temporarily pause leasing at Pointe at Bayou Bend, a newly constructed affordable housing complex in the Second Ward, following a request from Mayor John Whitmire’s office.
This decision follows a letter Mayor Whitmire sent to HHA last week, expressing concerns about high lead levels and ash contamination on the property, which had led to four violations cited by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).
According to housing authority documents, the complex was set to begin leasing its 398 units in the fall and to be fully occupied by December.
Shon Jones, a resident who moved to the neighborhood eight years ago, reported developing respiratory problems after construction began at the complex across the street.
“I have developed inflammation in my face and chest. We believe this is because contaminated dirt has been hauled through our neighborhoods, entering our homes,” Jones said. “My concern is that this area could become a cancer cluster.”
Neighbors near the development at 800 Middle Street have long raised concerns with the City of Houston and their elected officials about the exposed toxic ash from an old incinerator site used between the 1920s and 1960s. They also cited worries about traffic and infrastructure with the expected influx of hundreds of households.
Tony Padua criticized the city’s decision to proceed with high-density housing before fully addressing environmental concerns.
“Why were they trying to put housing here before it was cleaned up? It will be much harder to clean up once 400 families are living here. There were many opportunities to pause this before so much money was spent,” Padua said.
Ed Jordan echoed this sentiment and praised Whitmire’s letter, saying it validated their longstanding neighborhood concerns.
“You can see the contaminated ash along the bayou. When the wind blows, people will breathe it in, leading to long-term health effects,” Jordan said. “At a minimum, I want our neighborhood to be safe and clean. This is my home, my investment, my 10-year plan.”
David Northern Sr., president and CEO of the Houston Housing Authority, stated that additional testing on the housing development site at the Mayor’s request showed no concerns. HHA is also conducting an environmental assessment of the surrounding undeveloped property before residents move in.
“We have provided the requested supplemental information to TCEQ and believe we have addressed all outstanding questions,” Northern Sr. said. “We are actively working with TCEQ to achieve full compliance and will continue to uphold the highest safety standards for our future residents and the community.”
