Oak Park Trails, Katy residents fight store location

Oak Park Trails residents are joining together on the corner of Mason Road and Oak Park Trails in Katy to protest the incoming of an Aldi Food Store on Feb. 11 from 1-3 p.m.

"We recently participated in a conference call on Jan, 5 with Aldi representatives from their Dallas office," said Lisa Balkanli, President of the Residents of Oak Park Trails organization, in a press release. "We were very disappointed by Aldi's lack of answers to the questions from our residents. We wanted Aldi to look elsewhere in Katy away from the neighborhoods, but Aldi seems to be ignoring our concerns and requests. We're going to let them know we are organized and will be heard."

The global food chain is planning on opening 30 new stores in the Houston area, starting with the 2.5 acres it purchased in Katy, according to a press release.

Some of the biggest concerns for Oak Park residents is the possibilities of increased traffic and crime and lower property values in the surrounding residential neighborhoods.