Troubled Crestmont Village set to be demolished this weekend

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Crestmont Village Apartments were a problem for neighbors when the complex was occupied. Now, the empty building and a neighboring apartment in ruins continue to be a nuisance.

On Saturday morning, city contractors will begin demolition on what people who live across the street call an eyesore, and a danger.

"You don't want company to see that," said Helen Foster, who's lived in the Crestmont subdivision more than 20 years. "I give them directions that makes them avoid Selinsky Road."

Crestmont Village was notorious for crime and substandard housing. Residents complained of leaking roofs, mold and bug infestations. Four years ago, we found a plastic banner that advertised 'first month's rent free,' re-purposed as a tarp, nailed to a ceiling, to keep out the rain.

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It didn't work.

The city condemned the complex. Residents were moved out two years ago, and it has sat vacant since.

City officials are negotiating with the current property owner to buy the land.

"We will do community outreach, to see what the people want. It could be single family housing, a senior or community center, or a park," said Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner.

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While Crestmont West is on the other side of the fence, it's in far worse condition. Buildings that went unrepaired since Hurricane Ike have collapsed. Mounds of trash and tires now litter acres of land. Two boats were also dumped on the site.

A private developer has purchased that property and plans to build low-income apartments. When complete, its new name will be Crestmont Pointe.

Neighbors are not enthusiastic about that plan.

"We need something that won't in 10 years turn out to be (Crestmont Village) again," added Foster.

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