While no vote was cast, Lakeland’s planning and zoning board heard from residents and business owners about plans to relocate Talbot House Ministries.
“Let me be blunt. It’s foolish to think that you’re not going to have these transient people hanging out in the blocks around it. It’s just nonsense to think that that won’t happen,” said Josh Borem, who lives in Lakeland.
“This is only making it better, and I would ask you as board members to not be an obstruction to making an actual improvement because it’s not perfect,” said Michael Porter, a Lakeland resident who is in support of the relocation. “I am here to tell you my unequivocal support for this.”
With help from a private donor, Talbot House Ministries has proposed moving its center, which serves people who are homeless and includes an overnight shelter, from downtown Lakeland to 1115 E. Memorial Blvd.
The new location is across from Lakes Church, a well-known church in town that also operates a school, Lakes Church Academy.
“The Talbot House mission is noble and the proposed facility renderings are certainly beautiful. However, the proposed location does not serve to promote overall public health, safety and welfare,” said Lakes Church executive pastor Dwayne McDow.
McDow urged decision-makers to prioritize the safety of children.
The owner of Skate World, which hosts thousands of children a week, is also opposed to the relocation.
Owner Chanel Bellotto’s grandfather opened Skate World in 1973.
In recent years, Skate World underwent a massive renovation, an investment in the future of the property.
“Our mission statement is to provide a safe, fun, Christian environment for families and friends to enjoy. I am concerned about the impact of the transient population and how it would impact Skate World,” said Bellotto.
“We don’t want to look like all of the vacant lots that are fenced off around the Talbot House now. We want to grow it. We’ve been promised revitalization,” said Traci Hughes, owner of Jimbo’s Pit Bar BQ.
John Kirk, with Straughn Trout Architecture, said he worked on the design with Talbot House Ministries for a year.
The design of the new facility includes housing, a medical clinic, administrative offices and an employment solution center for workforce training.
“We all are aware of the issue of loitering. It’s really, it’s a nuisance. They have nowhere to go though,” said Kirk during Tuesday’s presentation.
Kirk outlined design decisions aimed at not only benefitting the clients served, but also discouraging loitering by providing greenspace and daytime services.
“You’re providing a place where people aren’t going somewhere else and hanging out and doing those things. That was an impact that they recognized and this design with John’s help, they’ve addressed that,” said Tim Campbell, a land use attorney for Talbot House Ministries.
In order to go forward in the approval process, the planning and zoning board must adopt a “Planned Unit Development” to “allow a transient lodging and social services facility with a health clinic as an accessory use.”
“We’re trying to bring business into that corridor and I’m concerned that this is going to be detrimental in that attempt,” said Susan Seitz, a planning and zoning board member. “I’m not sure moving the problem from one part of the town to another is actually an answer.”
Board member Silvana Knight said Memorial Boulevard is “far better suited” than downtown.
“If you can provide a place that is open and welcoming and they can relax and feel dignified in just sitting in that area, I think that’s a win,” she said.
City of Lakeland staff will provide a recommendation for the site, followed by a vote at the planning and zoning’s next meeting in August.
If approved, it will move to the city commission.
Last week, the city commission approved a strategic plan to revitalize Memorial Boulevard over the next several years.
Editorial comment: Talbot House Ministries was offered property off Combee Road, but turned it down. why?