The Pointe at Bayou Bend apartments, also at the center of a federal investigation in 2024.
Thursday, Mayor Whitmire and the HHA said the property was safe for those looking to live there, following toxic ash found nearby and questions surrounding how much the HHA paid for the property.
Documents show the complex is next to the former Velasco incinerator site, which is laden with toxic ash.
In July 2024, Mayor Whitmire wrote a letter to the housing authority, asking people not to move onto the property.
The letter stated the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality cited the HHA for 4 violations.
Those included not ensuring the site was safe and for not taking samples of the ash waste on the property.
Months later, in October 2024, federal investigators said they took soil samples from the complex.
In addition, ABC13 obtained records showing the Housing Authority bought the location in 2020 for $54 million, four times its appraisal value.
Now, the Houston Housing Authority and Mayor Whitmire said about three weeks ago, they received a letter from the TCEQ, deeming the apartments up to standards.
The housing authority says the TCEQ fined the city $175 thousand for remediation still needed near the complex, but said the site of the complex was ready for use.
Mayor Whitmire said it's now a safe space for families.
"We wouldn't want you to be here if it was not meeting the highest standards, do you think I'd be standing here? I would not hesitate to bring my 10- and 12-year-old grandsons here to enjoy the fellowship, get the services, enjoy this environment. It's great for Houston; it's been mishandled in the past, but those days are over," said Mayor Whitmire.
Councilmember Mario Castillo, who represents the district, said he understands people's concerns but acknowledges the approval from all ends and said the choice is up to future residents.
"It's up to the individual, it's up to the family, and if they don't feel comfortable living here, they don't have to," said Councilmember Castillo.
Editor's Note: KTRK's January 15 broadcast accompanying this report included images of historic East End silos and the adjacent residential properties. These properties are not, nor are they adjacent to, the Velasco incinerator site discussed and in the broadcast. Further, KTRK is not aware of any contamination or toxic chemicals on any of those properties.