Annexation meeting ends with good, bad news for Sharpstown residents

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 350 people packed a Sharpstown community meeting Wednesday night, concerned they could lose their homes.

"It should be my choice to sell my house," said Elizabeth Schooler. "I shouldn't have to be forced out of my house."

Schooler and her neighbors live in a part of Sharpstown that has been designated as a TIRZ, or Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.

The area gets grant money for redevelopment. But it also means that the city of Houston has the ability to declare eminent domain in the interest of development, and seize the 109 homes in the zone.

Most people who live there didn't even know they were part of the TIRZ until recently.

But when asked if residents will be forced out of their homes, TIRZ executive director, Bill Calderon, said, "that's not even within the realm of possibility."

Houston Baptist University has announced a $160 million plan to build new sports facilities and dorms, just across from people's homes.

And, as long as construction is planned, neighbors are nervous.

"Well then de-annex the homes," Schooler said. "Whatever procedure they have to do. Give these people their comfort back."