HOUSTON – Elected officials and residents in Houston’s Historic Riverside Terrace neighborhood are pushing back against a proposed convenience store and gas station at Southmore Boulevard and Live Oak Street, saying it would threaten safety, property values and quality of life.
Standing in front of the property Tuesday morning, State Rep. Jolanda “Jo” Jones (D–District 147) made it clear where she stands.
“We have worked hard to make this neighborhood where people want to be,” Jones said. “If you think we’re about to let you come in here unchallenged, you’re wrong.”
The press conference, organized after neighbors say they discovered plans late last week, drew community leaders, law enforcement and homeowners who live directly behind the proposed site.
Their message was repeated throughout the event: “No to the store.”
What’s being proposed?
According to Jones, the project would be a convenience store gas station. She said the developer has been described as “anonymous” and that calls to the listed representative, Lisette Campos with Advance Surveying Inc., have not been returned.
Jones said the proposal would require a replat through the City of Houston Planning Commission. She said the project had been expected to appear on the March 5 agenda, but after the public notice sign was taken down, it is no longer scheduled. She said it would have to be placed back on the agenda to move forward.
“We’re going to show up at full force,” Jones said, adding that residents are closely monitoring the agenda.
Safety concerns from law enforcement
Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Smokie Phillips said deputies already spend a significant amount of time responding to issues at convenience stores along the corridor.
“Every weekend we are most likely on this street enforcing crime or trying to get these guys to move out the parking lot,” Phillips said.“ Maybe 40% of our time is trying to get these guys to not shoot.”
Phillips said his office has also launched what he called a “corner store initiative” aimed at addressing drug activity around similar businesses.
“Five stores within a two-block area,” Phillips said. “So I join my colleagues and say no to the store.”
Councilmember: “We don’t see the need”
Houston City Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, who represents District D and said she lives a few blocks away, also voiced opposition.
“We don’t see the need for a gas station here when there are two right down the street,” Evans-Shabazz said.
She said she has contacted the mayor’s office and planning officials to seek clarity about the proposal and potential environmental concerns.
“A gas station can impact the environment of the entire community,” she said, noting concerns about soil contamination.
Evans-Shabazz said she would prefer to see the property redeveloped in a way that aligns with what residents want.
“If you want to develop into something that is desired by the community, we will embrace you,” she said. “But if you don’t engage the community, you don’t know what we want.”
Homeowner living behind the site speaks out
Julia Saunders, who said she lives directly behind the property, said the proposal is especially alarming to nearby homeowners.
“This proposal for a replat and development of a convenience store and gas station threatens the safety and stability of our community,” Saunders said.
She said the neighborhood has already experienced serious crime in recent months and argued that gas stations can attract additional problems.
“These are real dangers that will land on our doorsteps and literally in my backyard,” she said.
Saunders also raised concerns about property values.
“For most of us, our largest investment is our retirement, our children’s future,” she said. “Who wants to buy a home that backs up to a late-night convenience store?”
Neighbors cite nearby issues
Scott Clements, who said he lives behind another convenience store at Southmore and Emancipation, described ongoing disturbances.
“There were people there last night till two in the morning playing music so loud you can’t sleep,” Clements said.
He also described prostitution, drug activity and said he has a bullet hole in his home that he attributes to violence near the store.
“I’ve got a bullet hole… in my back window,” he said. “I can’t sleep in my bedroom anymore.”
Community leaders repeatedly referenced concerns about crime, loitering and what they describe as overconcentration of similar businesses in Black and brown neighborhoods.
“You don’t see these stores in River Oaks. You don’t see these stores by Rice University. You don’t see these stores in West U,” Jones said.
What happens next?
Jones said residents are organizing two meetings at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church:
- Super Neighborhood meeting: Thursday, Feb. 19 at 6:30 p.m.
- Emergency town hall: Friday, Feb. 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., focused specifically on the proposed gas station
She said residents have contacted the City of Houston Planning Department and other agencies and are prepared to attend any Planning Commission meeting if the item is scheduled.
“We are not going anywhere,” Jones said. “We’re paying attention.”
As of Tuesday, organizers said they were seeking more information about the developer and timeline for the proposal.