In a 6-0 vote, city council approved the location of the new police sub-station in East Lubbock, on Thursday.
The substation will be built at Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and East 19th Street, near Historical Dunbar Park. It is a part of Police Chief Greg Steven’s mission to implemented community oriented policing in the Lubbock community.
“We needed to change our culture and philosophy so we very quickly adopted a community oriented philosophy,” said Stevens.
The 4.3 acres of land for the substation is considered dedicated parkland, and two factors had to be met to allow the substation’s construction including having no other feasible alternative location, and minimizing harm to the remainder of the park.
“We looked at other areas. They either didn’t have the right entry or egress, they were blocked by railroad tracks… or it wasn’t city owned property,” said Stevens.
Stevens and city council ensured this project had community support.
“We’ve had different forums where we have engaged and talked with them. All very positive feedback,” said Stevens.
“I hope we can lead into that neighborhood and encourage growth. Where it will make people feel safe, and feel secure to open a business, to go frequent a business, or move there family. I think it will have a very positive impact for that,” said Stevens.
This is just the first of three sub-station locations to be selected. The next step in the process will be for police to discuss architectural and engineering designs for this substation. They hope construction will start within a year.
