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Neighbors press council over noise at Palapa's; city attorney says litigation limits permit revocation
Summary
Residents described repeated noise and permit issues at Palapa's (1916 Baldwin St.); the city attorney said the club sued and a district court injunction has temporarily blocked enforcement of a permit revocation, but that citations for continuing violations remain possible.
Houston — Neighbors of Palapa's bar at 1916 Baldwin Street urged the City Council on Oct. 22 to take stronger action after years of alleged noise and permit violations, saying the club's operations have harmed residents' sleep and health.
Maria Chernova, who said dozens of neighbors testified at an earlier hearing, told the council the club's noise permit was revoked after a May hearing but was later reinstated after the club filed a procedural complaint. “Some of these citations are finally going to court now,” she said, but added repeated court delays and no-shows by officers hampered enforcement.
City legal counsel told council the business sued in state district court and that a district judge issued an injunction requiring the city to treat Palapa's as if it retains a permit while litigation proceeds. The legal representative also said that despite the injunction, police retain the authority to issue citations for ordinance violations and that at least one citation has been filed since the injunction.
Councilmember Ramirez and others voiced sympathy for neighbors and said enforcement tools and administrative hearings remain options; they asked police and prosecutors to improve coordination, including potentially scheduling municipal court matters at times when officers can attend. Ramirez also said the enforcement portions of the noise ordinance may need revision to produce convictions in municipal court.
Speakers quoted or paraphrased in this report are: Maria Chernova (neighbor), Councilmember Alcorn, Councilmember Ramirez, and City attorney (legal counsel).
