Once upon a time, the neighborhoods off Houstons northwest FM1960 were a luxury homebuilders dream. Large wooded and level lots surrounded upscale country clubs such as Champions Golf Course, Raveneaux, and North Gate Country Club.
Affluent families were attracted to these homes because of great neighborhood schools, beautiful parks, challenging golf courses, and nearby fine dining and shopping areas. It was an area where I once lived, as did my sister Gayle Butler and our parents.
We never dreamed that dense apartment housing projects and a compatible WalMart Super Store would invade quiet lifestyles.
In fact, I received a distressed phone call last Tuesday evening from Gayle because the biodiverse preserve behind her home has reportedly been sold by WalMart to a low income housing developer. Behind her lovely residence sits a meadow with a large pond that is home to enormous colonies and species of frogs.
For almost 30 years, the entire neighborhood has been serenaded by thousands of singing frogs and hooting owls. They are a diverse natural treasure, residing at the back fence of the Super WalMart on FM 1960 at Walters Road.
(Im no biologist, but you might call me a frog and owl lover and Ill take no offense especially since we are inundated with reports of mysterious declining frog populations)
Gayle and her neighbors mourn the potential loss of these frogs, owls and other rare gifts of nature to asphalt, concrete and greed. In fact, they are starting to mumble about the Walmortification of neighborhood, flora and fauna.
They are also understandably concerned about:
- Declining property values over which they have no control.
- Increased crime.
- Deterioration and overcrowding of schools.
- The loss of peaceful sleep.
- Flood control: The pond and surrounding grounds contain and absorb water during heavy rainfall (which already floods at the northern end of the property).
- Impassible traffic on FM1960 that is already overly congested.
WalMart touts that it œSells for Less, but at what cost to the people, animals and the environment around their neighborhood stores? From my zoning-secured and and bio-protected community in North San Diego County, I cant help but question why WalMart didnt take steps to secure this 40-plus acre preserve from Radler Enterprises for all to enjoy? This would have been an opportunity for WalMart to truly create an atmosphere of saving.
Is it any wonder that empowered cities like San Marcos, California voted to keep WalMart out? Or that their super centers are resisted by so many?
WalMart: This is your challenge to save a biodiverse treasure pleading for life at your back door.
Harris County: Are you really going to allow this destruction?
