White Oak Music Hall faced with court-ordered temporary injunction

HOUSTON – An ongoing legal battle against White Oak Music Hall is taking yet another turn.

One that some neighbors who've complained countless times about the noise and their spokesperson feel is a huge victory.

Wayne Dolcefino, a spokesman for White Oak Neighbors, said, "We don't need outdoor stages planted in an established neighborhood."

On Wednesday, a judge granted a temporary injunction against the music venue that among other things limits them to only two outdoor shows over the next few months and sound monitoring weekly.

Amelia Garza, who lives in the area, explained, "I just hope for the best, for our neighborhood and our neighbors and everything we want to keep it quiet. It's a nice quiet neighborhood."

The music venue released a statement about the latest development stating in part:

"... any injunction against White Oak Music Hall is a blow to anyone who supports live music in Houston or the revitalization of the Northside neighborhood."

Body-cam footage from a Houston police officer responding to a noise complaint at White Oak the night of a concert has recently played out in court as evidence of how loud things can get.

The video will likely be back for an encore as the case works its way through the system.

The case will go to trial in May, officials said.

"It is time for city council and the mayor to join the side of people who have the right to live in peace, they wouldn't want this next to their houses," said Dolcefino.

Some neighbors are also worried the venue could have a negative impact on their home values.

"Our family has lived here for like 60 years, so we plan to stay here, but we hope it doesn't affect us in a negative way," said Garza.

Here is the full statement from White Oak Music Hall:

"We have not had time to thoroughly review the judge's order, but it does not affect our announced concerts. As such, the Pixies and Randy Rogers shows outside will continue as planned, as will all of our indoor shows and events at Raven Tower. However, any injunction against White Oak Music Hall is a blow to anyone who supports live music in Houston or the revitalization of the Northside neighborhood. The handful of residents opposed to 9 hours of live music a month may be reaping the benefits, but there are tens of thousands of other Houstonians — both near and far from the venue — who ultimately lose out. The good news is that the case is set for trial on May 15, and we expect this case to be resolved quickly."


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