Tree removal indicates big middle finger to Houston

Trees were cut down yesterday in order to make room for improvements in drainage and electrical systems for the replacement of part of the River Oaks Shopping Center, according to Weingarten Realty. After the property was recommended by the Houston Planning Commission to become a designated landmark (and don't forget the numerous letters, emails, and 25,000+ signature petition urging Weingarten not to demolish), Weingarten is still going forward with its big-box plans.

While we hoped there may have been a change of heart, we witnessed long-time tenants Three Brothers Bakery and the Black Eyed Pea among others ordered to be vacated by Weingarten in May, which was the beginning of the end for this part of the shopping center.

City Council has neglected to make a decision about the Planning Commission's recommendation, but even an approval would offer no additional protection because of Houston's notoriously abysmal preservation laws. The shopping center can (and probably will) face demolition as early as August 8th.