RCA Priority
Illegal Dumping and Nuisance Conditions
Cleaner streets, vacant lots, and corridors across the neighborhood — neighbors are calling for action on illegal dumping, trash, and the eyesores that signal neglect in Riverside Terrace.
A top write-in concern in the 2024 RCA survey
Neighbors repeatedly named illegal dumping, trash, and nuisance conditions among the issues most affecting their daily lives — especially along the Southmore & Emancipation corridor.
From the question: "What are the most important issues you would like to see addressed in Riverside Terrace?" — 2024 RCA Neighborhood Survey
Why It Matters
Illegal Dumping & Trash
Dumped furniture, debris, and litter pile up on medians, corners, and yards — neighbors describe finding trash from nearby venues blown into their own property.
Vacant Lots & Eyesores
Overgrown lots and neglected properties become magnets for dumping and loitering, dragging down the look and feel of the whole block.
Commercial Corridors
The Southmore & Emancipation intersection is a recurring hotspot — residents call it embarrassing to pass when guests visit their homes.
Property Values & Neglect
Visible blight lowers property values and signals neglect to outside agencies, making it harder to attract the investment and services the neighborhood deserves.
Illegal dumping degrades quality of life, lowers property values, and signals neglect to outside agencies. Clean, well-kept streets and corridors are the foundation of a neighborhood that residents are proud to call home — and they're something every Riverside Terrace family deserves.
What Neighbors Are Saying
These are neighbors' own words from the 2024 RCA Neighborhood Survey, lightly edited for length and shared anonymously.
"The trash and illegal dumping is a nuisance — particularly at the Southmore and Emancipation intersection and medians. It's embarrassing when I have guests come to my home knowing they'll have to pass all the trash."
"Illegal dumping and trash is my issue #1, #2, and #3!"
"Illegal dumping, people knocking on our doors, and trash from the bars that ends up in our yard."
"The amount of trash in the streets from the nearby clubs is outrageous!"
"The apartments at Southmore and Emancipation — loitering, trash, a true eyesore."
"Once the neighborhood is cleaned up, the problems that come with the neglect will follow."
What RCA Is Doing
- →Tracking recurring dumping locations and documenting them by site so patterns are clear
- →Coordinating neighborhood cleanups and rallying volunteers to restore problem spots
- →Pushing the City for stronger enforcement and prevention at hotspots like Southmore & Emancipation
- →Encouraging coordinated civic action so residents speak to officials with one voice
How Residents Can Help
- →Report illegal dumping to Houston 311 — by phone, the app, or houston311.org
- →Support RCA cleanup days and help keep restored areas clear
- →Share photos with RCA, with dates and locations, so we can document patterns
- →Attend RCA meetings to add your voice and stay informed
Ready to take action? Get involved with RCA or see all the issues we're working on.