Houston Housing Complex to Open Despite Toxic Ash Concerns
A low-income housing complex in Houston's Second Ward is set to open March 1, despite a toxic ash discovery next door that halted plans previously. The Pointe at Bayou Bend, valued at $54 million, was purchased by the Houston Housing Authority from the Cockrell family in 2020 for four times its appraised value.
The project was subject to a federal investigation last October when agents collected soil samples. However, no information has been released on the results of that investigation. The agency's director, David Northern, stepped down shortly after the samples were collected amid heightened scrutiny.
Toxic ash from Houston's former trash incinerator was found next door at 800 Middle Street, prompting initial delays in the project. Now, despite concerns over environmental safety, construction is moving forward with occupancy anticipated to take place soon.
A low-income housing complex in Houston's Second Ward is set to open March 1, despite a toxic ash discovery next door that halted plans previously. The Pointe at Bayou Bend, valued at $54 million, was purchased by the Houston Housing Authority from the Cockrell family in 2020 for four times its appraised value.
The project was subject to a federal investigation last October when agents collected soil samples. However, no information has been released on the results of that investigation. The agency's director, David Northern, stepped down shortly after the samples were collected amid heightened scrutiny.
Toxic ash from Houston's former trash incinerator was found next door at 800 Middle Street, prompting initial delays in the project. Now, despite concerns over environmental safety, construction is moving forward with occupancy anticipated to take place soon.
. Like, I get that they need affordable housing and all, but toxic ash? That's not something you can just ignore or fix overnight. I've lived in Houston my whole life and I've seen the impact of that old trash incinerator on our air quality and environment. It's already a huge problem, and now we're gonna throw more money into it without making sure everything is safe for the residents? 
I'm all for progress, but can't they wait till this gets sorted out properly?
. I mean, what's the point of all that planning and funding if we're gonna let some toxic waste bring everything to a standstill? The Pointe at Bayou Bend is a chance for low-income families to get back on their feet and it's not like they're asking for much 
. Of course, I want everyone to be safe, but you can't just stop progress all the time...it's too expensive 
.
. First, they're gonna slap a fancy new complex on top of some toxic ash, and then what? Forget about the people living next door who might be breathing in whatever carcinogens are hiding in that dirt? I mean, come on. Did the city just decide to play environmental roulette with low-income families? 
. Is it a case of corporate cover-up or just bureaucratic red tape gone wild? The fact that we don't even know what those soil samples revealed is pretty suspicious. I'd want to know before my neighbor gets sick from moving into this new "complex".
. And what's up with the director of the agency just stepping down after collecting soil samples? was it a cover-up or something? anyway I hope those residents get some serious financial assistance 'cause if they end up getting sick from living in that toxic environment, the city is gonna be in big trouble 
I'm all for affordable housing, but this one has me scratching my head. $54 million is a lot of cash, and I wonder if it's worth potentially putting people's health at risk. Toxic ash from an old incinerator? That's not something you can just sweep under the rug. What's being done to ensure the site is safe for the residents? The fact that the agency's director stepped down after a federal investigation doesn't exactly fill me with confidence either. 
54 million dollaz for this place is straight fire 
dont @ me about the environmental safety thingy... who cares about that? 
lets just get it done and move forward with somethin new to talk about 
. I mean, think about all the low-income families who are going to be living there and breathing in all that poisonous stuff. It's just not right 
. I know the city needs more affordable housing options, but can't we find a way to make it safer for people? Like, what if they have kids or pets? 
The city should at least provide some kind of air quality monitoring system in place before letting people move in. And what's going on with the investigation results anyway? 
. What's wrong with these city officials that they can't get their act together? And now they're gonna open up this thing despite knowing there's toxic ash just next door? Not cool, guys 
. We should be fighting for better housing options, not settling for a potential health hazard 
. Can we please just prioritize people's safety over profits? 
. maybe we shud just wait 4 the results of dat investigation 2 see wut happens next? 
. It seems like they're just rushing to get this done without doing enough testing.
. We need safe and healthy living spaces, not toxic playgrounds 
