HOUSTON—Neighbors gathered around the Gables of Inwood Apartments in northwest Houston to watch the troubled complex come down Monday.
"I think it’s an improvement," said Rodney Wheaton. "It’s gotta start somewhere."
Nearby tenants have complained about the crime-infested complex for years.
Ester Thompson is one of them.
"It’s just really bad," said Thompson. "Today is the big day."
Just before noon, crews started tearing down the 163-unit, 10-building complex, located on Holly View Drive.
City Councilman Jarvis Johnson made the announcement to the crowd.
"The building that is standing behind us has been an inhibitor to the positive growth in our city for many years," said Johnson.
The complex has been closed for three years after getting 170 citations from the city to clean up. The owners never did any work, so the city had to step in.
The demolition of Gables of Inwood cost the city $400,000.
The entire 4.5 acres should be cleared out in 6 weeks.
Jim Noteware, Director of Housing and Community Development, calls the demolition a step in the right direction.
"The message is we’re all about cleaning up Houston," said Noteware. "We’re all about revitalizing neighborhoods to create a healthier economic development."
Thompson smiled and clapped her hands as the backhoe ripped through the first building.
"It’s like a new birth," she said.
There are no immediate plans for the property.
