[ad_1]
LAKELAND, Fla. — Talbot House Ministries in Lakeland is looking to move into a new space off Memorial Boulevard.
The homeless shelter says the proposed new location has much-needed green space. But some people who live and work nearby say they’re concerned about a homeless shelter moving into their backyard.
Since 1979, Talbot House Ministries has served the growing homeless population in downtown Lakeland, offering residential programs, free clinic help, and helping with affordable housing.
Executive Director Maria Cruz said the ministry has started to outgrow the current facility.
“We are at max capacity at our existing facility, and we would like to continue serving the community and have a major impact,” she said.
That concern is why they’re looking to relocate to a new facility off Memorial Boulevard. The plans were proposed during the city’s planning and zoning commission meeting last month.
The change would mean building a brand-new facility, roughly 58,000 square feet, something Cruz said is needed.
“In the new facility, everybody will have a bed, so that is different,” she said. “Right now we are converting every single day our dining room areas to be able to feed and serve as an overnight housing, so in the new facility it will have a designated area.”
Project renderings were presented during last month’s meeting. The move would mean more space for residents inside and more green space outside.
While the project would be a boost for the shelter, people who live near the proposed new location say they have safety concerns.
“The safety statistics — Lakeland has had 127 traffic deaths and 9,000 injuries in the last five years, there’s zero chance that’s going to get better based on this plan,” Lakeland resident Josh Borem said
Several nearby businesses also spoke out against the plan.
Traci Hughes, the owner of Jimbo’s Pit Bar-B-Q, says they are already dealing with a homeless issue in the area. She believes it will make things worse for her business.
“This is going to have unintended consequences for us,” Hughes said. “We don’t want to look like all the vacant lots that are fenced off around the Talbot house now, we want to grow it.”
Talbot House Ministries said it’s taking into consideration the challenges this presents and wants to create a space to help more people get off the streets.
The planning and zoning board will present a decision at its next meeting on Aug. 20.
[ad_2]
Lizbeth Gutierrez
Source link