What’s happening on the street behind Angie’s Pizza?

Residents who live along Lawrence and Alexander Streets behind Angie’s Pizza on 11th say they’ve been dealing with two ongoing issues since the restaurant opened: loud noise from the restaurant’s HVAC system and parking problems during the dinner rush.

Several residents described the HVAC noise as similar to a constant leaf blower, or a data center. One resident shared video with KPRC 2 showing the noise from their back porch and said the sound has at times been loud enough to hear inside their home, including overnight.

Residents say parking has also become a problem, particularly during the restaurant’s busiest hours. They say some customers choose to park along Lawrence Street instead of using the restaurant’s valet service.

According to residents, that has resulted in cars blocking driveways, preventing trash from being collected and, at times, making the street difficult to get through.

Residents say they spent months trying to address the problems before contacting the city and the Houston Police Department.

HPD has responded to complaints

Residents tell me that after Council Member Sallie Alcorn’s office became involved, they were connected with the right HPD division to help.

The residents showed me a message from Alcorn’s office quoting HPD. According to that message, officers had issued at least one citation and had received an increasing number of complaints involving “various” violations, not just noise.

The message also said the restaurant had made attempts to address the HVAC noise, including installing insulation blankets on the unit. Residents say that effort has not made a significant difference.

I contacted HPD directly to verify what has happened at the property.

HPD could not provide additional details about the “various” violations referenced in the message from Alcorn’s office. However, the department confirmed officers have been out at the property at least three times and that several citations have been issued.

Residents also say the restaurant has recently made other attempts to address the noise.

They told me a row of trees was planted along the back fence, although they don’t expect the trees alone to solve the problem.

What about the parking?

While HPD is handling the noise investigation, Alcorn’s office told me residents dealing with ongoing parking problems have another option to consider.

Houston’s Residential Permit Parking program allows residents to request that their street be designated as a residential permit parking area.

If approved, the designation can make the street “permit parking only,” with exceptions for residents.

Alcorn’s office said this could be an option for those who are dealing with recurring parking problems related to nearby businesses.

Angie’s Pizza has not responded

I reached out to Angie’s Pizza and owner Angelo Emiliani for the restaurant’s side of the story.

I have not heard back.

I’ll continue following the situation and will update this story if I hear back from Angie’s Pizza, HPD or Council Member Alcorn’s office.

If you live nearby and have experienced the noise or parking issues yourself, I want to hear from you. If you’ve dealt with a similar issue involving a business in the Heights, you can reach out to me as well.