Houstonist: Local venue charges complaining neighbors with harrassment

Crystal Jackson

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 20:22:27 -0600

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.

monkypanda

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:42:45 -0600

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

CUERVO

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:40:26 -0600

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.

houston_chester

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:37:42 -0600

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.

JeffBalke

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:34:56 -0600

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.

MaryJane

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:24:23 -0600

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.