The Houston City Council meeting on January 28, 2025, highlighted urgent concerns from residents of Cottage Grove regarding the deteriorating infrastructure in their neighborhood. A resident, speaking on behalf of the community, emphasized the rapid growth of the area, which now houses over 6,000 people, yet lacks essential services and infrastructure.

The resident painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced daily, noting that 81% of the streets are too narrow for fire trucks, posing a significant risk during emergencies. Additionally, the drainage system is failing, with over 25% of drainage ditches either caved in or filled with dirt, leading to flooding concerns during rainstorms. The absence of safe sidewalks has also created barriers for residents, particularly for those with disabilities, as illustrated by the story of a neighbor who was unable to secure a service dog due to unsafe walking conditions.

Council member Kamen was acknowledged for her efforts in addressing some of these issues, particularly in the eastern part of Cottage Grove. However, the resident stressed that the problems are too extensive for one individual to solve, calling for a collective effort from all council members to secure funding and resources for necessary repairs.

The plea underscored the need for basic infrastructure improvements, such as wider streets for emergency vehicles and functional drainage systems, to ensure the safety and dignity of all residents. The speaker concluded by urging the council to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration and potential harm to families in the community.