HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — On Wednesday, the Houston City Council will again consider an agenda item that seeks to use $30M in flood relief money to demolish some buildings around the city. It’s an item that has some city leaders divided.<\/p>\n
Houston Controller Chris Hollins said he spends most of his time conducting business from his office in City Hall, but he took a trip north of Downtown to Semmes Street and Noble Street after seeing reporting from ABC13.<\/p>\n
The property at the intersection is a hub for illegal dumping. It was brought to the public’s attention when Houston Public Works used it as an example of how getting rid of old buildings would stop illegal dumping around that structure, and in turn keep nearby drainage ditches clear.<\/p>\n
“We are right across the street from the property that they claim was a success story for this program, and why we should be spending $30 million from the stormwater fund,” Hollins said while standing surrounded by illegal dumping.<\/p>\n
According to the city, the nuisance building was removed in August of 2025 to the tune of $272,465, but ABC13 has found illegal dumping on the three occasions the site has been visited.<\/p>\n
Hollins said this proves his belief that using $30 million to tear down buildings will not stop illegal dumping or help neighborhoods that flood. He’s also doubling down that using the flood money is illegal.<\/p>\n
Eyewitness News sat down with Houston Mayor John Whitmire, a proponent for utilizing the $30 million. He argues the controller approved the city’s budget at the start of the fiscal year, so this shouldn’t be a problem in the first place<\/p>\n
“It’s proper use of the money, he knows it, he’s playing politics,” Whitmire said.<\/p>\n
“While the budget was certified, this was still an item that went before him again for additional approval. So why seek that additional approval in the first place?” ABC13 reporter Lileana Pearson asked.<\/p>\n
“The gentleman is playing politics, and I don’t have time for politics. Council, the majority will vote this out tomorrow because it’s the right, safe, healthy thing to do,” Whitmire responded.<\/p>\n
The request to use $30 million in flood money to tear down buildings was originally sent to Hollins for approval in the fall of 2025. Hollins said he saw no correlation between the demolition and flood prevention and denied the certification. So, how did it still get before the city council for approval?<\/p>\n
Hollins said the proposal changed from creating a new contract to expanding an existing contract, getting around his office.<\/p>\n
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