Trader Joe’s has been expanding across the Houston area lately. Specifically hitting up the suburbs for new locations. Earlier this year, HHR identified two new locations headed to the north of Houston. One headed to the former Kingwood, Randalls, and the other was destined somewhere for the Cypress Masterplanned community of Towne Lake. The details of the Towne Lake location were debated, with residents of the neighborhood questioning whether the address provided on the permits was accurate. The confusion seems to have stemmed from the original plans for that property. The space Trader Joe’s selected was initially designated by the neighborhood’s developers as an amphitheater. A parking lot was constructed, and Google Street View shows a mound of Earth was left on the site for many years. Some residents have taken issue on social media with the amphitheater not being built. Others believe that the rear face of the building will impact the views from Tuckerton Road. While some residents are not pleased with the new store, the majority seem to be in favor of it. Trader Joe’s has yet to announce the opening date of this store. The store will be at the corner of Tuckerton and Town Lake Parkway.
Looking sideways at the Towne Lake views from Tuckerton is a questionable safety practice to begin with. An amphitheater in a common area likely pays no local MUD or WCID property taxes. Trader Joe’s certainly will.