Willowbend neighbors say years of warnings ignored before fire; city now promises demolition

Residents in Willowbend say they spent years warning the city about a vacant apartment building that drew crime, dumping, and danger. Weeks after the complex burned, they say the problems persist — debris in the street, damaged homes, and no clear answers. They contacted KPRC 2’s 2 Helps You for accountability.

Ryan Brandon, who lives beside 9607 Riddlewood Lane, said complaints became routine.

“I know personally I would complain about this property at least once a week,” he told KPRC 2. When asked what the city told him, Brandon said, “They act like their hands are tied.”

Neighbor James described the fallout and the long-running issues.

“Window damage. Our neighbors next to us had a lot of water damage… They actually had the ceiling caved in on them from their bedroom,” he said.

Earlier this year, he says his wife found an extension cord plugged into their outdoor outlet and run into the vacant building.

“We’ve sent in emails and numerous calls to police… and we just can’t get anything done.”

After residents reached out to 2 Helps You, KPRC 2 contacted the City of Houston, Public Works, and the property’s owner, listed as a mortgage lender. Mayor Pro Tem and District K Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum met on-site and said the property is now on the city’s demolition list.

“There have been a couple of things in play. The ownership on these properties have changed hands several times,” Castex-Tatum said, noting the consolidation of Public Works and Department of Neighborhoods code enforcement. “The City of Houston has prioritized demolitions throughout the city, and we have over $20 million in our budget now to handle properties just like this. Typically, our budget would have about $1.5 million for demolitions.”

A timeline is still pending. “We’re still working on a timeline,” she said, adding that the district’s HOT team can sweep debris and that the city aims to hold negligent property owners accountable through citations, abatement, and liens after demolition.

Residents say promises are not enough. They want the site cleared, the lot secured, and consistent enforcement so the next neighborhood isn’t left with the same bill.