Residents Want Plans For Shopping Center Changed

HOUSTON - It's not the first time the construction at the River Oaks Shopping Center is in the middle of a controversy. Neighbors say the part of the building that faces Shepherd Drive is breaking the law, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

Weingarten Realty asked for a city variance on plans to build an open-air wine bar on top of a covered place to valet vehicles. The wine bar could be booked for private parties. Combined with a downstairs restaurant, it would seat 150 people.

The problem? Some say it's too close to the road and violates Houston's setback ordinances.

"If you believe Weingarten Realty says they're unaware of the ordinance, well, I've got some ocean front property in Arizona to sell you," said Tom Horan, whose yard backs up to the new four-story garage that's part of the shopping center.

Horan said he's not too happy with the owners.

"They would rather beg for forgiveness than ask for permission," said Horan.

KPRC Local 2 called Weingarten Realty for comment but got no response.

Neighbor Harvin Moore said he believes it's more innocent.

"They admitted they made a mistake," said Moore. "They really want to work something out."

The bar would be right across from Moore's house.

"There's a lot of noise that would come from an outside bar," he said.

Moore and his wife started a petition to fight the company and change its plans. Hundreds have signed.

"We're really optimistic Weingarten will deal with the problems and find a solution where everybody's a winner," Moore said.

There is a meeting on Thursday with the City Planning Commission at 2:30 p.m. in the City Hall Annex at 900 Bagby Street.