Talbot House Ministries and its representation are withdrawing an application to relocate its facility from downtown Lakeland to Memorial Boulevard.
According to the Sept. 16 Lakeland planning and zoning board meeting agenda, the application was withdrawn to “allow for consideration of alternative locations.”
Tim Campbell, an attorney representing the property owner CFTB Realty LLC., said they are “tweaking the plan.”
“We are looking at locations that better take into account concerns from the community,” he said.
Campbell said “design features” could also change, but declined to elaborate.
Leadership at Talbot House Ministries declined to comment Tuesday.
Talbot House Ministries, which provides services and an overnight shelter to people who are experiencing homelessness, is looking to expand and relocate from its Kentucky Avenue location in downtown Lakeland, with help from a private donor.
The plan was to relocate to 1115 E. Memorial Boulevard, an area undergoing a revitalization effort by the city of Lakeland.
The proposed move drew criticism from nearby residents and business owners, many of whom spoke at a July planning and zoning board meeting.
“This isn’t just bad planning. It’s dangerous. It hurts local businesses. It hurts families and it hurts the image of our city,” said Josh Borem at the meeting.
“Public safety, especially child safety, must be a significant driving force in the redevelopment, revitalization effort,” said Dwayne McDow, executive pastor at The Lakes Church, at the July meeting.
The Lakes Church is located across the street from the proposed site and has a school on site.
Tuesday, McDow told News Channel 8 the issue was “never us versus them,” but a “difference of an opinion about where the location should be.”
“I think this is a win for our community overall,” he said of the application withdrawal. “We are very supportive of them finding a location that better serves the community, for our students and the homeless population.”
Some people who live near the proposed site, including in the Edgewater Dr. neighborhood, opposed the relocation to Memorial Boulevard.
“I love it. It’s what I was hoping for because they want to serve a community that is drug addicted and that kind of thing and this is not the right place for it,” said Tina Novack on Tuesday.
The application withdrawal will be discussed at the Sept. 16 planning and zoning meeting.
Campbell, the lawyer for Talbot House Ministries, expects a new application to be heard at the Nov. 18 planning and zoning board meeting.