HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Frustrated and seeking answers, a Spring Branch couple reached out to Action 13 for assistance in removing a fence from a drainage ditch behind their home.
The fence had been knocked into the ditch behind Keith and Sondra Hardy’s home on Soway Street during the May 16 derecho.
With rain in the forecast, the couple worried the debris would cause flooding on their property and disrupt their sanctuary.
“It’s a playground for all of us,” said Sondra Hardy, referring to their backyard, which borders the ditch.
The yard is decorated with eclectic items such as colorful street signs and statues. The couple explained to that they started collecting lights to assist Sondra Hardy, who has Usher’s Syndrome.
“A syndrome where you lose both your hearing and your vision,” she explained.
Recently, Sondra Hardy, who is legally blind, was devastated to learn her 6-year-old granddaughter has the same condition.
“I don’t want anybody to have to go through this. So we started really decorating the backyard, doing things because I want her to see everything she can,” she said.
Worried that their labor of love could be washed away, the couple contacted the county, city, and developer InTownHomes, requesting the fence be removed.
“It seems like they’re just pointing fingers at each other, not taking any responsibility,” said Hardy.
Three hours after contacted InTownHomes, the fence was removed from the ditch.
learned that while the property owner is obligated to remove their debris, the Harris County Flood Control District is also responsible. The Flood Control District told in an email that they had planned to remove the fence the following day.
