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Northeast community urges city to require neighborhood talks with Horizon International over long‑vacant Homestead Kmart
Summary
Multiple community leaders and residents urged council to require Horizon International Group, owner of a vacant Homestead Road shopping center, to meet with local stakeholders about redevelopment plans and tangible community benefits rather than brief or “private” meetings.
Multiple neighborhood leaders and clergy urged Mayor and council on March 20 to press Horizon International Group, the long‑time owner of a dilapidated shopping center at 9929 Homestead Street, to meet with local stakeholders to develop a concrete redevelopment plan.
Speakers described the site as blighted and an ongoing source of crime and community decline. “For nearly 30 years, what was once a thriving hub for the community…has sat empty,” said Alicia Rares Caulfield, a Northeast Houston resident and organizer. She asked the owner to “meet with local stakeholders, not as adversaries, but as partners.”
Nut graf: Councilmembers and community representatives said Horizon remains under negotiation with the city on a contract; residents asked the council to use the contracting process to require meaningful community engagement, local services such as grocery stores, job training and medical clinics, and to ensure that any public‑private work produces long‑term benefits rather than short‑term grants or cosmetic repairs.
Several church leaders and civic advocates said short‑term cosmetic fixes are insufficient. Pastor Roy (speaker identified as a Northeast pastor) and other faith leaders said the property’s condition harms nearby schools and residents, and urged the city and owner to pursue development that brings grocery and medical services to the neighborhood.
Council response: Council staff said councilmember Jackson (the district councilmember) is engaged on the issue and has been in contact with the owner; Mayor’s staff and council aides confirmed they will continue outreach and promised community updates when negotiations advance.
Ending: Community organizers asked that any city contract with Horizon include enforceable community‑benefit commitments and regular community meetings; councilmembers said they would press for continued outreach and updates to the neighborhood.
