Houston Restaurant Owner's Nightmare: Repeated Fires at Adjacent Vacant Property

Repeated Arson and Business Impact

• 🔥 A Houston barbecue restaurant owner is facing a crisis due to repeated arson attacks on the vacant building next door.
• ⚠️ The adjacent vacant property has caught fire four times in two years, creating a dangerous situation with only a 15-inch gap between buildings.
• 📉 The owner estimates a 50% loss in walk-in customers due to the ongoing issues, relying heavily on catering and online orders to stay afloat.

Property Neglect and Vandalism

• 🏚️ The vacant buildings are described as being in a state of neglect, with evidence of drug use and vandalism.
• 🔌 Thieves have stripped copper from downspouts and destroyed security cameras, further compromising the property and surrounding businesses.
• 🚫 Despite a city violation notice issued in December, requiring demolition, repair, or securing of the building, the issues persist.

Safety Concerns and City Response

• 🚨 The restaurant owner expresses extreme fear for his safety, his employees, and his daughter who works at the establishment.
• ❓ He questions the city's inaction, worrying that the situation will escalate to a point where someone could die.
• 📞 Efforts to reach the city and the local council member for a response have so far been unsuccessful.