Trendy shopping centers duke it out over parking with surveillance cameras & tow trucks

On the west side of Houston, a quiet war is waging.

Ambassadors and video surveillance are typically reserved for international border disputes — unless you're looking for parking at CityCentre or Town & Country Village.

Though only a narrow thoroughfare separates the adjacent properties, parking at one and walking to the other is frowned upon. And now, it can get your vehicle towed for a cost of around $200.

The two shopping centers have enjoyed a peaceful co-existence since CityCentre was built in 2009, drawing like-minded customers to their outdoor promenades of shops, restaurants and bars.

But, through the years, the nondescript Queensbury Lane that divides the developments has become an Iron Curtain between two philosophies on parking.

"It's harsh," Town & Country general manager Diane Daleo said about  the towings, "but it's an obligation we've made to our customers."

Above Queensbury, low-cost street parking and three free garages serve visitors to the ever-expanding CityCentre complex, which houses popular spots like Lululemon, Ruggles Green, and Urban Outfitters. Large swaths of parking is reserved for several businesses like Life Time Athletic, but it's rare to search long for a space.

Just below the lane, surface lots are reserved for customers at the decades-old Town & Country Village.

"We started more than 40 years ago and have been a successful shopping community ever since," Town & Country general manager Diane Daleo told CultureMap. "When CityCentre arrived, it was a perfect compliment to us.

"Our customers find it comforting and welcoming to keep parking here. Our merchants, however, were saying they didn't have a place for people to park."

Town & Country placed signs throughout their lots requesting guests to take their cars with them when shopping at CityCentre. When the issue continued, management hired "courtesy ambassadors" to gently remind people about the parking policy. When the more personable approach didn't work, they monitored shoppers' parking habits with surveillance cameras and resorted to towing. 

"It's harsh," Daleo noted, "but it's an obligation we've made to our customers."

Meanwhile, CityCentre officials told KTRK Ch. 13 they will not tow their customers if they shop at another location.

Marketing manager Dana Lee Harms said in an email that CityCentre was hesitant to escalate the situation beyond what it was, adding that similar scenarios with adjacent businesses happen throughout Houston. She mentioned that the two shopping centers are currently in talks to find solutions.

"We're friends with CityCentre and this is a shared problem," Daleo said. "But people park at Town & Country, not CityCentre. Our merchants can't remain in business like this.

"You could have a great relationship with your neighbors, but you wouldn't have your guests park in their driveway."