Residents living near the Jackson Square apartment complex in southwest Houston are expressing their deep concerns over escalating crime, frequent gunfire, and the presence of squatters, which they believe have made their neighborhood increasingly unsafe. One homeowner recently discovered a bullet hole in his bathroom, leading to heightened alarm among the community.
Alan Lipman, a resident of the area, reported that a bullet recently penetrated his bathroom wall, which he suspects originated from the Jackson Square apartments located at 5300 N Braeswood. This incident is just one of many distressing experiences reported by neighbors, who have endured such circumstances for nearly a decade. “We hear gunshots almost nightly from the apartments,” Lipman shared, conveying his frustration and concern.
His wife, Lisa, echoed his sentiments, stating, “I don’t feel safe anymore,” while another local resident, Laura Garrett, described the situation as “horrible,” citing the high crime rate and the presence of squatters as significant issues. The ongoing situation has driven some residents to contemplate moving away from their homes, which they have occupied for many years.
The city of Houston is currently pursuing legal action against the Jackson Square complex, with five nuisance cases and three dangerous-building cases filed. The building’s office has a long list of code violations, and the city has initiated a nuisance lawsuit in response to residents’ complaints. “I think there’s something holding the city back and the state back,” said homeowner Kay Swint, suggesting that ample evidence exists regarding the crime issues related to the complex.
As frustrations mount, many residents feel that they can no longer tolerate living in proximity to a location where gunfire is a regular occurrence. “We can’t stay in a house living close to a place where bullets can come in,” Alan Lipman asserted, while Lisa added, “This is the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
During a recent visit, the office of the complex was closed, and the contact number had been disconnected. The city has refrained from commenting on the ongoing nuisance lawsuit, as it remains pending.
