City says troubled apartment complex for elderly, disabled making progress

KPRC 2 Investigates visit shows residents still dealing with serious problems

Independence Hall bills itself as an apartment complex for people with disabilities.

The sprawling and aging apartment complex at Burress and Airline in Northeast Houston has many elderly residents on a fixed income.

As the Mayor pointed out during the storm, the complex did a poor job of helping residents weather the storm.

But some tenants—and even the city—believe the apartment complex is making progress in fixing up the place.

“The City of Houston is deeply committed to the well-being of the residents of Independence Hall.

In the aftermath of the May 16th storm, an HCD City inspector visited the property and spoke with the onsite property management team on multiple occasions to confirm that the damage sustained during the storm had been addressed. The temporary roof was completed, electrical issues were resolved, and air conditioning units were provided to 27 apartment units. Additionally, City Building Inspectors visited the site this morning and expressed their approval of the progress. HCD will continue to follow up to ensure all concerns are properly addressed.

While HCD has no oversight or authority regarding absentee management, we diligently and comprehensively conduct an annual inspection to ensure properties within our portfolio consistently meet established standards. Any issues found during inspections are promptly and effectively addressed.

Furthermore, HCD has proactively engaged with the communities that house high-risk, vulnerable residents to address potential risk factors before any future storms occur, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to the safety of all residents,” Brenda Cabaniss, public information officer for the city’s Housing and Community Development Department, said.

But a KPRC 2 Investigates tour of some of the apartments revealed there is still plenty of work to do make the place livable for some tenants.

We found leaks and mold is several apartments. 70-year-old Hugh DeShannon has given up on the complex fixing a leak under his bed, what appears to be a foundation issue.

“It’s been seven years,” DeShannon said.

DeShannon purchased a large wet/dry vaccum. It is now a permanent fixture in his bedroom.

Ana Aldaba, who uses a walker to get around and has assistance from a nurse, has a large stain on her apartment unit ceiling, covered in mold. She keeps a trash can under the spot at all times.

She also can’t get the complex to fix the problem.

The apartment complex, while perhaps improved from two weeks ago, right after a major storm, still has a long way to go, and some residents are paying full rent for dilapidated apartments.