The Lubbock City Council approved an amended ordinance that sets out how residents can petition the city to pave alleys. Council members first considered requiring 100 percent neighborhood consent but approved a two-thirds threshold instead. Residents must gather signatures from two-thirds of homeowners on the block and submit them with $1,000 for a feasibility study. The city will estimate the project cost, which can vary based on utilities. The petitioner then has 90 days to raise the funds. Work cannot begin until the city receives the total cost upfront. If the money is not raised within three months, the process resets, and residents cannot petition for the same alley for 180 days.
District 3 Councilman David Bruegel said the ordinance streamlines a process that is cumbersome for residents. He said it helps homes keep their value and gives residents access to garages during rain. District 6 Councilman Tim Collins said no homeowner will be forced to pay for a project they did not want. According to City Engineer John Turpin, the petitioner is fully responsible for gathering the funds. The ordinance does not place liens on property.
Resident Stephen Sanders raised concerns about the financial requirements. He said neighborhoods that can afford to organize and pay will get paved alleys, while others will keep dirt, potholes and mud. Turpin said he would look into whether community development grants could help fund the process.