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The Concession Stand

The Midway

Lee Harvey's Was a Friend of Mine

Fri Aug 10, 2007 at 09:00:47 AM

On Monday, WFAA-Channel 8 ran a story about a guy named Chris Jones, who moved half a block away from an existing bar/live-music venue -- Dallas Observer readers' fave Lee Harvey's -- and discovered that, wow, living half a block away from a bar/live-music venue can be kinda loud sometimes. Debbie Denmon's story asserted that "many residents say [Lee Harvey's] is too loud," but, nope, all she could find was Jones; everyone else in the Cedars neighborhood says, yeah, like, no problem. Then there's Jones, who says, "I was aware that the bar was here before I moved here, but that is still inconsequential."

Not so much, say many of the patrons and musicians who've been peppering Unfair Park with e-mails this week (wondering why we haven't mentioned this ... um, sorry?). After the jump is word of warning, sent to UP HQ last night by Reid Robinson of Dallas Observer Music Awards-nominated Shanghai 5. Speaking of, you do know Shanghai 5's playing the DOMA showcase tomorrow night on Lower Greenville Ave., right? I hope they're loud. --Robert Wilonsky

KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'

South Dallas favorite Lee Harvey’s is under attack for live music on Friday and Saturday, 8:30p-12a. Lee Harvey’s has hosted artists including; Theater Fire, Sorta, White Ghost Shivers, THe BAcksliders, Shanghai 5, PPT, DJ Sista Whitenoise, EZ Eddie D, MC 900 FT Jesus, and many more.

Since photographer Seth Smith opened Lee Harvey’s five years ago, they’ve helped turn an industrial warehouse, and drug ridden area of Dallas, into a well lit, secure, and unique oasis.

A person by the name of Chris Jones recently moved into the Cedars District condo, about a block from Lee Harvey’s. They had been at Lee Harvey’s before moving to the area, and were aware of music, parking, and the well established business at the S. Dallas bar & grill.

After moving into into the Cedars condo a couple of months ago, The Joneses filed numerous noise complaints against Lee Harvey’s and other neighbors around the block. The Dallas Police recently sided with Lee Harvey’s on being well within the legal noise level, and Lee Harvey’s also monitors the sound with a noise db meter. They have installed soundproofing material over the stage, and taken other measures to accommodate the Joneses.

There has been an outpouring of support by neighbors,customers, musicians, and the majority of the Cedars District for Lee Harvey’s.

This is symptomatic of what’s wrong with Dallas on so many levels! Artists, musicians, photographers, etc. clean up, revitalize, and rebuild a neighborhood, keeping the character intact. But soon after, the McMansions/stucco-miniums are built, gentrification takes over, and the reason the neighborhood was unique, is no more.

WFAA 8 aired a story on the 6pm news, last Sunday. ‘Live music drives neighborhood clash’ Note this quote from Mr. Jones. “I was aware that the bar was here before I moved here, but that is still inconsequential,” said resident Chris Jones. “[It] still doesn’t give the bar a right to invade my household.” The story also states, “Dallas code enforcement officers measured the noise in mid-July and determined Lee Harvey’s was not violating city standards.” Something else peculiar about Mr. Jones, from the shots in this WFAA story, are the lack of furniture, rugs, or art, in his living room.

Chris Jones knew about music at Lee Harvey’s before moving into an outside condo facing the bar, and has been coached by Lower Greenville’s “barking dog”, Avi S. Adelman. The night shots that appeared on WFAA were apparently taken by Mr. Adelman, and the story appeared on the Barking Dog website.

Is Mr. Jones a tool for speculating real estate developers(not unheard of), or just a lone spoiler of
this cherished neighborhood establishment?

25 Comments:

Michael Davis says:

Unlike Lower Greenville, the clubs and bar were there first. I thought that's why people moved to the Cedars...to be in the middle of the action. The older houses in and around the Cedars.

Plus, the DPD headquarters is right on Lamar across from the South Side building. You think they wouldn't have addressed the "noise" by now.

I don't think he'll get much sympathy.

Taylor Ellis says:

The bar was there first and it's a hell of a lot more likeable than THAT jackass.

Actually originally published as a column on Pegasus News yesterday morning...Moved to the comments later to tie it to the original story:

http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/aug/05/cedars-district-resident-isnt-fond-noise-lee-harve/#c13891

Allison a.k.a. DJ Sista Whitenoise says:

If I didn't like the smell of trash I would not knowingly move next to a landfill. Some people feel powerless in this life and grasp at anything they can to feel they have power over something. Relax Mr.Jones! Come have a drink on me. Something along the lines of a Cement Mixer should get that bad taste you have for us at Lee's right out of your mouth.Unless you don't have a taste for people enjoying themselves as they help breath life back into an otherwise discarded part of Dallas. Because bottom line sir, that's the only reason you were brave enough to move here in the first place. Bottoms up! XO, Yo' Sista

Julie Robinson says:

The only reason the Jones' were drawn to the area in the first place was because of Lee Harvey's. They should move to BFE, live in a McMansion, and have matching rocking chairs for their front porch. Lee Harvey's is a beloved bar, with a host of devoted regulars, and a loyal staff. Mr. Jones it's time to take the gloves off, you messed with the wrong bar.

Jim Dale says:

The many positives Lee Harvey's brings to the area - great music, great culture, a vibe on par with anything in Austin, and untold economic uplift to an otherwise depressed area - far outweigh the meager and short-sighted agenda of this one spoil-sport. No single place has done as much for the local music scene; a boon in an otherwise dearthy arts world.

Normally loud bands like The Big Guns have worked to stay well under the approved decibel limits while playing at Lee Harvey's - so we're doing our part on the music side to be accommodating. Time for a little sensible reason from the new guy in the neighborhood. Why not come down and enjoy the next show?

DALLAS NEEDS LEE HARVEY'S.

Jim Dale
The Big Guns

Regina Sisk says:

I used to live on the other side of Mr. Jones, on the corner of Ervay and Beaumont. I didn't know Lee Harvey's was there when I moved in. However, as soon as I discovered it, I knew I was home. We never had a problem with the noise, a matter of fact we would go on the roof top of our building and listen to it sometimes. I always felt safe walking there, I have even left my car there over night. A credit to how safe it is over there because of them. And, god I love the live music and DJs. Even though I no longer live in the cedars, I still call it my neighborhood bar.
It is sad that someone like Mr. Jones can cause such a problem for so many wonderful people.
I have got to say, it was pretty stupid letting all the Lee Harvey's fans know where he lives!

Tom Hall says:

I love Lee Harvey's and have never failed to have a good time there, but please let's keep this civil, y'all! It does seem like Mr. Jones is overreacting (and may even have ulterior motives, perhaps), but everybody's entitled to their opinion, right? I've walked to LH's plenty of times from a friend's place and never thought the sound traveled much, so I've little fear that our bar is going away. In the meantime, I suggest we smooth our puffy tails and act like the good neighbors I know we are! Peace!

Vivyanne says:

I wish that Mr Jones could come on down to Lee Harvey's and have a drink with us! I just know he would fall in love with the chill vibe and the yummy hamburgers. Lee Harvey's attracts the coolest people in dallas. Come make friends with us and give it a chance!

chris jones, please take your douchebaggery elsewhere. oops, i hope i didn't say that too loud since i live near you. thanks for playing!

Carolyn says:

While I understand that noise can be unsettling and detract from a new living situation - Chris Jones moved to south Dallas. Period. Chris probably moved to his new home because of what Lees has done for the neighboorhood. He may not be aware of that fact. Is he really complaining about noise? Is he packing? Have Chris and his wife gone to get concealed weapon licenses and have they become proficient? If this case has any authenticity then they will have. Noise? Please? Welcome to the city.

Follow the money. I agree that he's most likely a pioneer in the gentrification industry. There is a goldmine in the area. Sounds like the author of the article thought so too due to the sparse decor comments.

In the end, it all comes out in the wash. Everyone play by the rules...it's just business afterall...

Missy (Button) says:

Mr. Jones:

If you would take the time to visit this local mecca you would find that the people and the music are the things that make it one of your neighborhood's local treasures. Not mention one of the reason Mr. Miller keeps sinking a butt load of cash into building all that real estate that you just bought ;)

You would also find it's ONE place in this snobby town where EVERYONE - bikers, bankers, punkers, cowboys, artists, muscicians, gays, straights, lesbsians, goths, Christians, cops, not so law keepers, young, old ... they all come to celebrate life .. and on Friday and Saturday nights ... LIVE MUSIC ... outdoors .. in the BEAUTIFUL Texas weather. Other places are gone now - The Gypsy Tea Room, Clearview, Royal Rack, Trees, and others.

Dude -- don't be single handedly resposible for taking down another one. And I got news for you. You may silence the noise to a whisper. But we'll still be there drinking Mr. Jones. We're a family. I drive all the way from Marsh and Walnut Hill to drink here 2 to 3 nights a week with my peeps. I ain't stopping because you're a cry baby.

Step out for a night, take the corb cob out of your behind, order a nice imorted beer and kick back and relax. Take the Mrs. out for a nice night. Youo don't have to stay out too late -- Lee Harvey's ALREADY shuts the music down EARLY because of the neighborhood noise ordinance. Stop complaining and start LIVING, my friend.

-- Button

I am a former employee of Lee Harvey's and I doubt that Chris has ever been to Lee's. If he had he would never of complained. The only way you can go there and not feel part of it, is if you set yourself apart. I guess this guy wants to play the role that everyone knew would be played sooner or later when everyone started moving in the area for the "cool of it". That area is cool because of Lee Harvey's. Z-rock said it best.
"If it's too loud, you're too old"

Liles says:

I live near the airport in Burbank, California. I am SO SICK of these freakin' airplanes and their godawful noise!

I've tried everything - I called the airlines and asked if they could possibly just fly in and out of Burbank while I was away at work in Hollywood, I begged them to put to put mufflers on the engines, I even asked them to just move somewhere else. Nothing has worked. Now I guess I'm going to have to sue them and put the airport out of business.

I know they were here first and everything, they just need to know that the world revolves around ME and whatever I need to feel comfortable. If that means totally disrupting pre-existing conditions or situations, then so be it.

You feelin' me, Chris?

Rawlins Reality Realty says:

Clearly on this one, PegasusNews.com is the tail wagging the Observer dog since they were all over this story that you are reporting as 'news'. Yesterday's (Pegasus) News, thank you.......

Lee Harvey's Patron says:

I can't believe someone who uses sign language, in the form of the "bird", has a problem with noise. I honestly thought Chris Jones was deaf since he likes to drive by Lee Harvey's and communicate through the use of his middle finger. Class Act!!!

Charlie says:

It's so sad that one man had to spoil the party. We are losing venues fast here in Dallas and Jones here is personally responsible for another loss. Lee's only has live music twice a week for four hours. Are you so lame that you spend both Friday and Saturday night at home calling 311 for noise violations? Hit the town, this is a great city with an awesome night life. Stop being a party pooper Jonesy!

TK says:

It's a shame that Mr. Jones has such selfish disregard for a neighborhood and for the people in it! His complaints tie up officers and slow general response time. He is wasting the time of the Dallas police, who have much better things to do than worrying about the decibel level at a local drinking establishment! He is literally putting others' lives at stake while he has the police busy with his petty sound complaints!

Neighbors in the Cedars, when someone is trying to steal your car, breaking into your home or assaulting your wife and the police are taking forever to respond, know that Mr. Jones probably has the police tied up at Lee Harvey's checking those pesky decibel levels.

Surely Mr. Jones has not considered this, or could it be that this, too, is inconsequential to him?

Anonymous says:

While I agree it must be bothersome living next door to an establishment that has live music outdoors - the truth of the matter is that the bar was there long before this neighbor moved in. He knew about the bar, he knew about the outdoor entertainment and he decided to move in anyway.

It is just like what is happening in the Lower Greenville area. People move into an entertainment area then complain about the noise and traffic that goes along with it. They are now petitioning the city to have all streets from Greenville to Matilda Resident Parking Only. If I purchased a home next to the train tracks then complained about the noise I would be told that is the price I pay for living next to a train. If I moved into a home across the street from the Dallas Zoo then complained about the stench of elephant waste I would be told that is the price I pay for living across the street from the zoo. If I lived next door to a school and complained about the noise the children make at recess I would be told that is the price I pay. Why is this any different?

I do not understand the attention that the media and the city officials give to these people who complain about bar noise and traffic. Would Dallas really be better off without entertainment? Would this city thrive if we rolled up the sidewalks at 6:30? Can Dallas really afford to loose the tax revenues from these establishments?

I do not want to live next to a noisy, traffic congested entertainment area so I purchased my home elsewhere. The bar didn’t move into his neighborhood – he move into theirs. It really is that simple.

Shandra Simpson says:

It's sad that Mr. Jones has to put so much energy into trying to destroy the things that make Dallas good. Lee Harvey's IS Dallas. Buy some earplugs, Mr. Jones, because the rest of us plan to make a lot more noise than Lee Harvey's ever has!

Bucky Rhodes says:

Chris, come on now! Your noise complaints are un-warranted! Would you like the neighborhood back the way it was with the crackheads and prostitutes? Lee Harveys was instrumental in cleaning up a run down neighborhood. Show us your true agenda, its not about noise its about money i.e. how much can you make selling worthless condos and lofts to souless uptown wannabes..Leave Lee's alone and take the high road back up 75 to suburbs where you belong..

Cedars Resident says:

I'm sure Mr. Jones is just trying to be a good neighbor by making the neighborhood safe for everyone. Perhaps we could all give Mr. Jones a nice welcome to our neighborhood and honk our car horns as we drive by his house on Beaumont Street, one block east of Lee Harvey's. It's the first house closest to Lee Harvey's. It's such a nice new house. It would be a shame for Mr. Jones to have to clean egg off of it every day.

Anonymous says:

oh dear lawrd! Before I bought my house, I checked the crime stats, the schools, & made sure & drove around the neighborhood in the morn & the weekend just to get the feel of where I'd live for eternity.
Um....as one dear commenter put it, I used to live near an Air Force base & now live near DFW....gee! Domestic planes have NOTHING on super jets deafening your ears. BUT we knew before we moved of what we'd be subjected to. You can't complain about what you knew was already there.....
"Um....when I bough this shirt, there was a stain on it but I wore it already but can i return it......" Wha?

Tom Cain says:

We hear this same story over and over again. Somebody moves in near an airport, a gun range, or a music venue and begins complaining about the noise. Mr. Jones, the bar was there first. Perhaps you should have done a bit of due diligence prior to moving in. This appears to be your error, not Lee Harvey's. Since it was your error you are the one that needs to change either your attitude or your location.

Danielle says:

I have been the White Ghost Shivers' manager/agent for 2 years and during that time I have seen many poorly-attended shows in Dallas - enough to make any band want to play Denton or Ft Worth instead. No matter how hard we tried, nothing worked for the Shivers in Dallas and we were all ready to wipe it off the tour calendar... until we found Lee Harvey's. It revived our hope for live music in Dallas and is HOME for the White Ghost Shivers in north Texas. If Lee Harvey's goes away, I don't know if I'll be able to convince the Shivers that Dallas still makes sense for them.

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