What started as a push for solutions in one Houston neighborhood has now grown into a city-wide call for accountability.
HOUSTON — What began as a neighborhood call for help has turned into a citywide push for accountability. After KHOU 11 highlighted neglected lots and illegal dumping across Houston, frustrated residents continue to speak out—and city leaders are taking notice.
In the South Union neighborhood, a once-overgrown lot on Goodhope Street is finally seeing signs of progress. While KHOU 11 was on site Wednesday, city-contracted cleanup crews rolled in to clear debris and mow down thick weeds.
“Thank you,” Council Member Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz said as the sound of mowers filled the air.
Shabazz—who represents District D—admits the cleanup was unexpected. “No, not here. I knew they were in the area working, but I didn’t know they were particularly come here where we are, little ironic I would say,” she told KHOU 11’s Michelle Choi.
For years, residents in the area say they’ve called 311 with little result, fed up with overgrown lots, abandoned homes, and illegal dumping. When asked how she feels hearing residents refer to District D as the “District of Dirt,” Shabazz didn’t hold back.
“It makes me feel terrible … but I can’t say they’re wrong,” she said. “This is supposed to be the District of Destination — I meant that positively — but they’re not wrong when you see things like this.”
Shabazz says she’s using Council District Service Funds to launch “hot teams” and deploy Career & Recovery crews to speed up cleanups, while also holding repeat violators accountable. She’s also assigned a dedicated code enforcement officer to help fast-track problem properties.
“I want within a week to say that we have either abated it or we have done a significant attempt to get it done,” Shabazz said when asked for a cleanup timeline.
That promise came directly to residents, including South Union Civic Association President Tamara Alexander.
“This is happening across multiple districts … all of City Council and the Mayor too need to see first-hand our infrastructure is falling apart!” Alexander told Shabazz.
“I think you’ve painted a great picture,” Shabazz replied. “So just give me a chance to get it done.”
Alexander responded, “We’re going to hold you to three weeks.”
“Hold me! We’ll be right back out here!” Shabazz said.
Alexander, who first reached out to KHOU 11 after seeing the Fifth Ward cleanup coverage, says she appreciates the response but wants consistent follow-through.
When asked about long-term accountability, Shabazz was direct. “It shouldn’t take a camera crew for people to do their jobs,” she said. “The city has to follow up on these violation notices and prosecute these lot owners to the fullest extent of the law.”
Lasting change, she added, will take teamwork. “Take pride in where you live and help us,” Shabazz urged.
For Alexander and her neighbors, trust will only come with visible progress.
“I do have hope for my community … because if I didn’t, I wouldn’t be fighting,” she said.
Council Member Shabazz has agreed to return to South Union in three weeks to show what progress has been made.
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