HOUSTON, TX – Dr. Matthews returned to Vance Plaza Apartments, also known as Vance Gardens, located at 7301 Jensen Drive, alongside Houston city officials, police, health department personnel, and code enforcement officers following complaints about conditions at the property.

During the walkthrough, city officials saw active sewage overflows, structural concerns, damaged walkways, plumbing problems, and conditions they described as unsafe for tenants. Residents also alleged management retaliated against tenants following previous complaints and exposure of conditions at the complex.

At one point during the walkthrough, an environmental investigator went to inspect an alleged sewage overflow near the property and later returned, describing the conditions as “terrible.”

Dr. Matthews also pointed out the area where individuals previously reported smelling gas near one of the buildings. During the walkthrough, she and others discussed the earlier response from the Houston Fire Department after a possible gas leak was reported at the property.

During the visit, a city official stated the property would receive citations related to sewage overflow and structural concerns, adding that citations could continue daily if the issues were not corrected.

Dr. Matthews said the walkthrough was tied to Houston’s recently passed slumlord ordinance and stated additional apartment complexes could face similar inspections in the future.

Residents also discussed previous violence at the complex and ongoing concerns about safety and living conditions, including allegations of human trafficking and narcotics sales at the property. No charges or enforcement actions related to those allegations were confirmed by law enforcement at the scene.

Dr. Matthews stated more inspections and follow-up visits are expected as complaints continue moving forward.