Lubbock Chronicle encourages readers to “Click Here” to read more and support local media.
The Lubbock City Council has approved an amended ordinance that lets residents petition to pave their alleys, with two-thirds of neighbors required to sign on.
The Chronicle reported earlier on the city staff proposal. The item was on the council's Nov. 3 agenda for first reading. KCBD reports that council members first considered requiring 100% consent before choosing the two-thirds threshold.
How the process works
Signatures: Residents must gather signatures from two-thirds of their neighbors on the block.
Fee: The petitioner submits the signatures with a $1,000 feasibility study fee.
Estimate: The city estimates the project cost, which can vary based on utilities.
Payment: The petitioner has 90 days after receiving the estimate to raise the full amount and deliver it to the city before work begins.
Reset: If the money is not raised in time, the process resets, and residents cannot petition to pave the same alley for 180 days.
What council members and a resident said
KCBD reports that the ordinance places no liens on property. District 6 Councilman Tim Collins said, “No one can be forced to pay for something they did not want.”
District 3 Councilman David Bruegel called the ordinance “an example of good governance” that streamlines a cumbersome process.
Resident Stephen Sanders warned that neighborhoods able to organize and pay would get paved alleys first. “Over time, that creates two Lubbocks,” he said.
