Report reveals City of Houston approved numerous development projects in an area identified as a cancer cluster.

The City of Houston took a pause on permitting and initiated its own investigation following the revelation by 13 Investigates about development occurring in an area identified as a cancer cluster and industrial contamination site.

The site under scrutiny falls within the Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens, where the Environmental Protection Agency is considering Superfund authority.

The report highlights the approval of numerous new development projects in an area where the city detected elevated levels of various types of cancer back in 2019.

A wood treatment facility formerly operated by Southern Pacific, now Union Pacific Railroad, used creosote, classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a “probable human carcinogen.” The Texas Department of State Health Services confirms a cancer cluster in the Fifth Ward neighborhood surrounding the creosote plume.

Despite concerns, the report indicates the issuance of permits for 88 single-family and 17 multi-family projects in the area between January 2019 and December 2023. Currently, there are 71 active permits, with the most recent one issued in January.

Some permits were granted to the General Land Office for rebuilding homes lost during Harvey, coinciding with former Mayor Sylvester Turner’s allocation of $5 million for relocating residents.

The report also notes a perception among City Council members, including Council Member Tarsha Jackson, that permitting in the cancer cluster area had slowed down, while development continued elsewhere.

The cancer cluster issue was included in Turner’s “complete communities” initiative, and Metro constructed new bus stops in the area. However, there was a lack of communication within the administration regarding the permitting process.

Residents, such as Sandra Edwards, expressed relief but also frustration, feeling that the city neglected its responsibility.

Houston Public Works, responsible for issuing permits, required direction from the administration to halt permitting, which was only initiated recently.

In response to the report, the council approved $2 million for the Houston Land Bank to aid residents in relocation efforts, with plans to assess residents’ needs in collaboration with Family Houston while awaiting the completion of the EPA’s testing within the next six months.