Northeast Houston townhomes left empty since Hurricane Harvey now set to be sold

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It almost feels like a movie set. It looks like a neighborhood frozen in time. No people live there, but the townhomes still stand.

Weeds have taken over what's left of the Forest Green Townhomes Complex in northeast Houston.

Back in 2017, the Houston Housing Authority, now known as Housing Alliance HTX, said Forest Green was one of 28 properties it owned providing affordable homes to low-income, elderly, and residents with disabilities.

People were living in the homes when Hurricane Harvey hit in 2017.

The housing authority said more than 80% of the townhomes needed to be vacated so extensive repairs could begin.

As a result, the housing authority said it provided vouchers so residents could relocate to any unit that accepted vouchers in Houston or nationwide.

But nearly 10 years later, it looks like nothing has changed. No trespassing signs are posted across the property, and a security guard monitors the area. So, what exactly happened?

ABC13 found an online post on the civil engineer company Gradient Group LLC's website. In it, the company described how they were selected by the Houston Housing Authority to perform a preliminary drainage investigation of the townhomes.

The post said it, "determined that it is in the best interest of all parties, including the residents, to demolish and replace the existing 100-unit townhome complex with associated administration building."

ABC13 was told by the Housing Alliance HTX that the property is now under contract for sale, with closing expected late next month.

"After years of sitting vacant, we recognize the property has become a concern, and finalizing the sale is a priority," Housing Alliance HTX said.

The agency said earlier plans to rehabilitate the property were ultimately not feasible because of its flooding history.

"Funding originally associated with that work was later reallocated to support replacement units through Independence Heights II, which is now under construction," Housing Alliance HTX said.