He’s critical of the development in North Overton, and how it drove people out of homes. In the paper, Bergfeld is critical of a lot of things. It talks about the history of Lubbock’s disparities created by old racist laws and ordinances, and the lack of funding that have gone into neighborhoods in North and East Lubbock. The entire 47-page report is dense, and there’s a lot of information. He’s been back in Lubbock for about three years. He said he came back to find Lubbock’s old neighborhoods deteriorating while new development in cotton fields thriving. When he returned to Lubbock, Bergfeld said he couldn’t believe how much had changed in the decade he was gone. That position took him to places around the world. Prior to returning to Lubbock, he managed the development of the healthcare practice for LeapFrog investments, the largest specialized impact investing firm globally. He went on to earn a master of public policy from Harvard University and a medical doctorate from the Yale School of Medicine. He’s a graduate of Lubbock High who got his undergraduate degree at Texas Tech. He’s a fellow in economic growth and community development at Texas Tech’s Rawls College of Businessīergfeld is a Lubbock native. Nick Bergfeld is the author of the report, and the lead organizer. If it doesn’t happen soon, the report argues, “Old Lubbock in 2040 will consist of gutted out neighborhoods, untouchable slumlords, and a failed school district.” “Instead, what has occurred over time is the pooling of resources and wealth into one concentrated area of Lubbock.” “The rapid expansion of South and West Lubbock, much of it enabled by the infrastructure investments into Milwaukee Avenue, give the illusion of a city on the rise,” the report reads. They ask for Lubbocks’ policy makers to initiate smart-growth strategies and refocus attention on revitalization. The crux of what they’re advocating for is the prioritization of existing neighborhoods rather than new growth. Members of Lubbock Compact are sharing email templates to send to members of the city council, sharing talking points for when they speak outside the group, and sharing various research papers on related topics. Several weeks ago many members attended coffee with the mayor, and the meeting reached a point of contention not usually seen at events with local public officials. On Tuesday some attended the Lubbock City Council meeting to advocate for impact fees on development outside Loop 289, which they argue will help stop money from being taken away from old neighborhoods to pay for infrastructure in new subdivisions and developments. They seem passionate, and most are new to local politics.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |