Last Chance To See 600 sq mi: Hidden
Missed Connections: Gefilte Fish...and "Chain Connections"
H-Town Rock
Rock Talk, Vol. IX
It’s no secret that we at Houstonist love music, especially of the live variety. We’re also not oblivious to the fact that Houston isn’t necessarily recognized as musical haven, especially not in Texas, which is why our collective ears tend to perk up when we hear about one of the few remaining stalwarts of live music in Houston in the news.
On Sunday, KHOU did a piece on Walter’s on Washington and the never-ending noise complaints. The drama behind Walter’s situation escalated into the national spotlight almost two years ago when neighbors Ryland and Scott Peveto called in a noise complaint during a performance of the San Franciscan band Two Gallants that resulted in a police officer tasering a few concert goers. Chaos, obviously, ensued.
The neighbors keep calling the cops with noise complaints, as is their right. However, KHOU reports that the police have been at the Walter’s with fancy, noise measuring technology a couple of times already and the bar has yet to receive a citation. Nonetheless the bar did make a few changes to soundproof the building, including a double door that really confused us the first time we saw it. The changes haven’t put a stop to the complaints, which led Walter’s owner Pam Robinson has filed harassment charges against the Pevetos, the most oft-complaining neighbors who live right behind the venue.
Bet no one saw that one coming, huh?
We certainly understand the desire by part of the community members for a little peace and quiet, not to mention a reasonable sense of security as far as property value is concerned. The Pevetos, who seem to be prominent supporters of the local arts community, have openly said that they’re not looking for Walter’s to close. As a business, however, Walter’s seems to abide by the law.
Funny enough, both parties have previously blamed their troubles on zoning. It’s hard to imagine a situation where both parties would be satisfied, especially when Robinson claims that she’s already spent large amounts of money to appease complaints. We certainly don’t assume that it’s the Pevetos’ responsibility to support local music, but (legit) venues are close every year with few opening to substitute them, a trend that has left Walter’s as one of the last bastions of indie, hardcore and all-around punk music in Houston.
So do we comply with tax-paying homeowners’ requests, do we support local business and musicians or can we do both?
add to stumble upon
add to reddit
tweet this
post to facebook
If the noise actually registered a volume worthy of a citation, that would be one thing. It sounds like, at a glance (IMHO), the Pevetos are trying for "complain enough and the City will close them". That being said, unless there has been a spike in criminal activity - Walter's is just fine. Also, I thought I read somewhere that the Peveto's purchased their property with the knowledge that Walter's was there? I could be wrong. Property values in that area are not "suffering" because of Walter's, lack of zoning or any other business, either. Surely there is a viable solution, like double-paned windows and insulation??? Just thinking out loud.
It is really sad commentary on the Houston music scene that a place like Walter's, which is a fine small club, but not close to a big time music venue, is one of only a small handful of places remaining to see local shows.
As for their sound problem, no doubt it isn't the sonic volume that is the problem, but the perceptible level of the low end. Not to get all techie here, but sound level meters used by police measure audible sound. Low end is really just the resonating of walls, buildings and even your own body. That can't be measured by a meter.
Cypress Saloon recently had to discontinue live music for the exact same reason. They were being threatened by the TABC due to lots of neighbor complaints.
Yeah, Walter's was there a couple of years before the Pevetos.
I'm glad that the tables have turned, though. Walter's shouldn't be hassled by neighbors that knew they bought property directly behind a live music venue; they should be grateful that the owner has at least tried to appease them out of her own pocket.
UH.... isn't "peveto" Italian for "petty complainer"
or "small , negative person"?
the first half of their name is "peve" maybe they need a new pet?)
or you could that the last half - "veto".
It all spells "whiny yuppies that should have realized that moving in next to a live music venue may be noisy"
I think everyone that reads this should go T.P. their house & yard.
Please. Do it for me. I'd do it except I'm in Minnesota.
According to the Harris County Appraisal District, the Pevetos purchased their home May 15, 2005. If Walter's on Washington was there first, then the Peveto's should move.
If you move next to a pig farm and complain about the smell, isn't it your fault for moving next to the pig farm?
Some more on the incidient from the Chronicle's HandStamp: Incident at Walter's on Washington
blogs.chron.com/handstamp/archives/2006/10/incident_at_wal_1.html
Another case of people moving into a neighborhood because they read somewhere it was the place to live and then doing everything they can to make it just like the place they came from. Boring.
Yes, Walter's was there first. And it was a different bar before that. So these people are either stupid, or they're jerks. Not sure which is worse.