The Walk for Karen Perez Continues

Problem:

An apartment complex next to local South Houston High School has been abandoned for over half a decade. It has been a haven for crime. It has also been a barrier to the educational mission of our school district. On May 30th a 15 year old freshman student was murdered during school hours at this very location. Her name was Karen Perez. Her death has mobilized a community to respond to these crime, safety, and educational issues. 

Goal: 50,000 signatures 

In doing so citizens of the community are working to influence City of South Houston, Pasadena Independent School District, and Harris County to purchase abandoned complex to serve educational and/or community purpose. 

The Story 

May 30th, 2016 a fifteen year old girl was raped and murdered in an apartment building next to South Houston High School. Her name was Karen Perez. Her death has brought attention to an abandoned apartment complex located on 1600 Ave M South Houston, TX 77587. It has hurt and wounded our city and community. There has been anger, tears, and sadness during this time. The community wants something done about the abandoned building, but there has been little traction, if any. Citizens have been divided about what the solution should be. In a time of mourning, citizens of South Houston must remember that we are in this together.

The city, Pasadena Independent School District, and citizens all want what's best for the Perez family and the city of South Houston. The fight for change is a long road filled with challenges and obstacles. It is important to be mindful and patient through these challenges. After tragedy strikes our community, we are all affected, but this is a situation that must be changed. It is not the property owner’s fault that this tragedy happened. This tragedy is connected to a bigger problem. The tragedy on 1600 Avenue M has highlighted the safety and educational challenges experienced by our community. This petition is an attempt to motivate the decision makers of our region to be proactive when confronting these challenges. This is our community mobilizing for positive social change. We want Pasadena Independent School District, City of South Houston, and Harris County to find a way to purchase the property and use for an educational and/or community enhancing purpose. Take five minutes out of your day and support our efforts. Full story and goals below 

 Media

ABC13 Houston- Teenager's Murder​

Details of Murder ​

5 Facts regarding Karen Perez ​

Domestic Abuse Affects Community​

1600 Ave M

Owner name: 1600 Avenue M LLC

Mailing Address: 23 Corporate Plaza DR Newport Beach CA 92660-7911

Property Manager: Rachel Arausa 806-239-8892

This building has stood abandoned for over five years. It has yet to be renovated and nothing has been done regarding the property. As long as the building stands, we will never forget what took place. It is a symbol of tragedy. The citizens know what takes place there: from crime, to truancy, and, finally, murder. Parents and students will be reminded every time they drive by it. It is an impediment to our kid's education, a barrier to safety, and a danger to citizens of South Houston.  Pasadena Independent School District has tried to buy the property, strictly for demolition purposes, but the owners asked an unreasonable price for the property.  

We are asking the property owners to do what’s right, to be sensitive to the issues that are in our community, and to show compassion. This is greater than profit or capitalism. This is a building that has been abandoned and left unrestored. It is by every sense of the word a nuisance to the community. It has been home to crime and not people. It has been a threat to the educational atmosphere and safety of our youth. 1600 Avenue M LLC, we are asking that you recognize the status of the building and be a part of the solution.

The Solution

The property owners as of July 15th are taking offers for the property. We ask the Pasadena Independent School District, city of South Houston, and Harris County either independently or in conjunction buy the property. The city, county, and district can purchase the property in a number of ways. (1)The most feasible option would be for the school district or county to purchase the property considering the size of their budget in comparison to the city. (2) Pasadena Independent School District or the City of South Houston can fund a capital investment project through a General Obligation Bond. This allows cities, counties, and school districts to raise funds for capital improvement projects that are otherwise not funded by regular revenue sources. A capital improvement project is a road, library, park, or other long term project. This project will directly benefit the community and/or school district. It is similar to home mortgage and can be paid over time. (3)The final option would include an interlocal agreement between the governmental agencies. This allows governmental agencies to enter into a contract agreement in order to provide more efficient public services. In addition to obtaining the property below are the summary of our goals:

 

1.  Purchase of property by Pasadena Independent School District, City of South Houston, or Harris County to serve an educational or community purpose.

2.  City of South Houston to update their fire and building code to prevent any other buildings from reaching a similar state of deterioration.

3.  South Houston and PISD Police vigilance in crime concentrated areas around school

4.  Increased lighting around apartments funded by the city of South Houston

5.  1600 Avenue M LLC be reasonable in their selling price considering the condition of the property and time spent unrestored.

This process will take voter and community support, but the goals are all practical. The School District would be the first option considering the size of their General fund for year 2015-2016 of $460,953,901. The city however is limited in their capacity and their general fund total is about $8,000,000. An inter-local agreement would also be an option.

Tragedy into Triumph 

The tragic death of Karen Perez has left an imprint on our community. It has highlighted issues in education, safety, and how students are treating each other. This isn’t simply about the property and what took place within it. It is about the comprehensive problems that are experienced by our community. This is the collective effort of South Houston citizens wanting what’s best for our community’s future. The community of South Houston is asking that the stakeholders work together to address these issues.  Go to city hall and file complaints on the building and take safety and educational issues to the school administration. Let's make this complex into a memorial, a community center, or an extension of the South Houston High School. A place where we can educate our kids, have summer programs, and sporting events. A place where families can feel safe, where we can honor Karen Perez and her family.We need parents, college students, and citizens to talk to your school board representatives​,city council, and other government representatives. We cannot turn the page on this issue. The Walk for Karen continues. Put your name on the petition and let’s make positive change possible. 

 Questions?

Email: southhoustonfe@gmail.com