HOUSTON — The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) has confirmed a federal investigation was launched into their low-income housing project in the Second Ward.
According to the HHA, a search warrant served by the Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General was issued to collect soil samples at the HHA's property on 800 Middle St. dubbed The Pointe at Bayou Bend.
A team of federal agents could be seen at the housing project throughout the day. Video from Air 11 captured agents with EPA jackets using a drill to unearth soil. The FBI was also at the scene.
The ground around the apartment has long been the subject of environmental concerns. The soil is reportedly contaminated with toxic ash left behind by the Houston Velasco incinerator which burned garbage nearby for decades.
In July, Houston Mayor John Whitmire wrote a letter to the HHA asking the organization to halt the leasing process for The Pointe. He cited four different violations the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) had issued the HAA regarding ash found at the site.
Speaking to KHOU 11 Tuesday, Whitmire said the project should have never been built.
“It’s a project I’ve been very concerned about since I was sworn in. It should have never been built there, let’s just be real clear about that,” she said. “(It’s) an over $130 million project that someone foolishly built there, so we have to make the best out of it, we need to hold people accountable.”
Whitmire previously appointed new commissioners to the HHA board in February. On Tuesday, he vowed to keep them accountable as the investigation played out.
“Who in the world talked to who about approving affordable housing on top of a previous landfill,” he asked. “I’m holding them accountable, they’re waiting for the environmental studies to return.”
According to the HHA, the nearly 400-unit apartment complex was supposed to provide housing to low-income residents. All of the units are currently empty. The HHA has previously said it completed soil tests before building.
The HHA told KHOU 11 it would work with all federal investigatory organizations.
Read the full statement from The Houston Housing Authority below:
"The Houston Housing Authority (HHA) was served with a search warrant by HUD OIG today to collect soil samples from our 800 Middle Street property. We will continue to work with HUD OIG and all other agencies involved in this ongoing investigation. HHA is committed to providing a safe and secure living environment for all our communities, and we will continue to work diligently to ensure their well-being."