Neighbors fear mountain of trash causing health problems

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A mountain of problems just keeps piling higher on one Houston neighborhood, and some neighbors say the mess is turning into a serious health hazard.

The growing pile includes everything from building materials to a couch and a tire -- and the residents in the Fifth Ward neighborhood want it removed as soon as possible.

"It's not a dump site, it's where people live," said one resident.

"It's ridiculous. I have a case number right here," another resident said.

After dozens of calls to the city, they said, nobody has picked it up. The pile is getting worse because others are adding their trash on top.

To make matters worse, they said, one of their neighbors is eight months pregnant.

"When I come home, I don't want to come home covering my nose. My nose is sensitive, I can smell everything," said Quinella Caldwell.

Caldwell said her 4-year-old daughter can't play outside, and now rodents have made their way inside her house.

"There's baby possums I exterminated," she said. "Now, there's flying roaches."

The City of Houston said the problem is on their radar. There's an administration hearing May 17, where a hearing officer will decide what happens next.

However, residents say it's taking way too long.

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