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Residents and advocates tell Killeen council: halting enforcement should be paired with a transition plan
Summary
Dozens of residents, advocacy groups and veterans told the council that closing 605 North Grama Street would displace about 200 people, including disabled veterans and medically vulnerable tenants, and urged use of humane interim measures.
Multiple tenants and community advocates told the Killeen City Council on July 23 that revoking the certificate of occupancy at 605 North Grama Street would create immediate humanitarian harms for roughly 200 residents. One public commenter warned, 'We're putting 200 people out. Are we ready to deal with 200 more?'
A speaker representing tenants said the property 'houses up to 200 vulnerable, Killeen residents, including disabled veterans' and urged the council to 'halt the legal efforts to revoke the CO until a full assessment of resident needs and safety is conducted.' Residents and speakers asked the council to prioritize a transition plan and to partner with local housing agencies and nonprofits before final enforcement action.
Speakers emphasized physical‑health risks during extreme heat and chronic health conditions among tenants. The council heard firsthand accounts of medical vulnerability: 'She has 4 stents in her heart... We got put out on the street right now. She would not live,' one tenant said, describing the health risk if forced to leave immediately.
Council members responded publicly during the meeting by expressing empathy and stressing the owner's responsibility to maintain code compliance, but also by promising to explore community solutions. Councilwoman Nash King said the law is 'black and white' about owner responsibility while acknowledging the need for compassion and coordinated assistance.
