Fort Worth Redevelopment Begins With Apartment Demolition

FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - An apartment complex in southwest Fort Worth, known to be a drug hangout, was torn down Friday morning.

According to Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead, the Granbury Hills Apartments were the source of a lot of calls for assistance from his officers. "It's [demolition] actually showing a regeneration, a rebirth, but also reducing calls for service," the chief said. Neighbors complained the complex had become an eyesore and crime haven.

"It has been a blight on our community and our neighborhood for some time now and we're ready to bring it down," said Fort Worth City Councilman Jungus Jordan.

Friday morning a huge crane began tearing down the aging complex.

Neighbors, like Shannon Johnson, say they were fed up with drug crime and gang members hanging out at the complex."I think it [demolition] helps a lot. I mean it helps a lot that they closed 'em down, but it's good that they're finally knocking 'em down for good."

Mary Reed has lived in the neighborhood since 1955. "It's kinda been a shambles now. And I guess there's only one alternative now," she said.

The area, near Granbury Road and Interstate-20, is being redeveloped.

The land will be used for retail and residential redevelopment near a future commuter rail station that will connect with downtown Fort Worth. The new rail station is slated for completion in 2014.