HOUSTON, Texas — Recently refurbished sidewalks are a welcome addition along Imperial Valley Drive, but residents keep waiting for work to begin at the former Biscayne at Cityview apartments.
It's a massive apartment complex awaiting demolition after a multi-million-dollar buyout to help improve flood control.
Neighbor Jamie Arriaga said the apartments have been abandoned for a long time.
She and her parents have lived in one of the only single family homes next door to the complex for nearly 25 years.
"They said they're going to replace it with like a retention pond," said Arriaga. "It hasn't been built. We're still waiting on that."
Actually, a stormwater detention area is planned for the land adjacent to Greens Bayou where we've covered multiple floods over the years.
"Hoping they get it done quick so we can have it nice and a little bit safer," said Arriaga.
We found plenty of evidence of vandalism among the hundreds of former units and what appeared to be evidence of copper piping being ripped from walls and other areas.
"I'm sure there's thefts, squatters, people looting," said Arriaga. "I don't know what's left to loot."
We checked with the Harris County Flood Control District about the possible demolition timeline.
But it confirmed that's the City of Houston's responsibility and sent this statement:
"Per the terms of the interlocal agreement, the City is responsible for acquiring the property, relocating any residents, and demolishing the structure. Once all of that is complete, the City will transfer the ownership of the land to the Flood Control District."
Meanwhile, neighbors like Arriaga will wait and wonder how much longer..
"It's just a matter of getting it done," said Arriaga. "I'm hoping it gets done sooner than later."
We reached out to various city departments Thursday, but have not heard back about any specific demolition timeline.
It was bought out around the same time four years ago and demolition is expected possibly by the end of this year.