The proposed site of the Lubbock County Expo Center was recently unveiled, but the suggested location has raised some questions in the community.
Out-going county commissioner Patti Jones is both owner and part-owner of several parcels of land around the site.
“I think it’s unfortunate that the commissioner’s farmland has come into question in regards to the expo center,” said Tim Collins, a member of the Expo Center Steering Committee.
If voters approve the Expo Center, Lubbock’s new dirt floor arena would go up at North Loop 289 and University Avenue. The center could raise the property values around that area.
However, Collins said he does not believe Jones’ property factored in to the proposed location.
“When this was put before the commissioners court back in July and then again in August, we as a steering committee had no idea where this facility might end up. We didn’t think it necessary or critical to talk about it at that time,” Collins said.
Collins said they’re still negotiating, and the land still is not yet under contract.
“Negotiations have occurred for this piece of property, it’s not under contract, but it is understood that it could be a great location if the bond were to pass,” Collins said.
He said the expo center might even have a negative effect for Jones as a property owner.
“I don’t see very many folks wanting to have their private home, their personal home, adjacent to a facility that it will be busy seven days a week with activities and lights and traffic,” Jones said.
However, he does say the commercial land around the Expo Center has potential to grow.
“The commercial land that will be around the expo center certainly has some potential for hotels and restaurants but where her property is, it’s another half mile,” Collins said.
We reached out to commissioner Patti Jones for a comment. This article will be updated if a response is granted.
