Homeowners upset developer hasn't built promised pool and other amenities

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- "Land Tejas lies!" That was the chant Andrea Vickers led her neighbors in Monday morning.

About a dozen homeowners, including Vickers and her four-year-old son Gary, gathered in front of the Land Tejas corporate office for an informal protest.

"They lied to us," said Gary Vickers, the four-year-old who held a sign that read "Liar, liar, pants on fire. "

Vickers says she and her neighbors are upset because they felt like they were misled by the developer. Most of her neighbors purchased homes within the last five years at the Canyon Lakes West development in Cypress. They say the developer told them that once mostly built, a pool, splash yard, and basketball court will be placed in the development. There was even a sign erected at the development's entrance. However, the sign came down about a month ago.

"We just feel like Land Tejas is becoming the little boy who cried wolf," said Victers. "Allegedly putting a big splash pad, using it to reel people in to buy, and once they buy they're taking it away and putting it another section, and we just want people to be warned."

The original sign was replaced in mid-August by one saying there will be a splash pad. There is no longer a mention of a pool, or any additional amenities.

"We would like what we're promised. A lot of us built in that subdivision because of that specific amenity," said Marian Logan, who also lives in the subdivision.

Frustrated, the homeowners descended on Land Tejas' west Houston office Monday morning. We tried going into the office, but building security stopped us.

"Can they come out, since you won't let me in?" I asked a building security officer. "I can try that," he replied, "but I can't let you inside the building."

Someone from Land Tejas did return our call later in the day. The company then emailed a letter to us which was sent to homeowners a few weeks ago. A portion reads as follows:

Nowhere on the statement is a pool or a basketball court even mentioned. That's what's upsetting to residents. They said they paid for the home with the understanding it would include a pool and a basketball court. Now, they will have to settle for less, and they are worried their homes would also be worth less should they try to sell.