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?
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