Pearland Residents Oppose Planned Grocery Store Near School

PEARLAND, TX -- The planned opening of German-based Lidl discount grocery store in Pearland drove concerned parents to a joint public hearing of the city council and planning and zoning commission recently who were concerned about the sale of beer and wine near the Shadycrest Elementary School campus.

According to the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission, establishments such as grocery stores or convenience stores that sell alcohol must have a separation of no less than 300 feet from a school. (Sign up for Patch’s daily newsletter for your neighborhood.)

The agenda documents indicate that the planned Lidl store meets that requirement, but other factors also come into play.

Former Pearland City Council Member Woody Owens said he doesn’t like the idea of alcohol being sold so close to his grandchild’s school, nor does he like the prospect of more traffic congestion where kids attend school.

"There will be serious traffic problems from the 18-wheelers coming in to make deliveries and customers and residents in that area,” he said. “The traffic in the mornings and afternoons is already very bad. I really think there must be a better location for this store."

In February, Lidl, which is similar to the Aldi grocery chain that has opened several stores in the Houston area since 2012, announced plans to open 100 stores in the United States this year.

Several store locations in Houston have already been identified and will begin construction this year in communities such as Tomball and League City.

After the public hearing, the planning and zoning commission held a meeting and voted 4-2 to approve the zoning for the planned grocery store.

The city council is expected to take up the measure in April.

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