True to his promise, then Mayor McDougal formed the North & East Lubbock Redevelopment Commission, and made it their mission to recommend an actionable agenda for economic development in the northern and eastern regions of the city to the Lubbock City Council. As a result of their efforts, the North & East Lubbock Community Development Corp. (NELCDC) was established as an official non-profit organization in Feb. 2004, and was charged with both developing a master plan and leading housing and economic development projects affecting this target area. Their efforts have since focused on, among other things, conducting education workshops and financial literacy counseling to increase the number of potential homebuyers, and they have met with much success.
Function of the NELCDC has been funded by the City of Lubbock until recent days. With resources dwindling and much work yet to be realized, the North & East Lubbock Community Development Corp. has seen great promise in partnering with the private sector to generate revenue.
The main economic driver will come in the form of a new shopping center called Parkway Place. This $2M shopping center will be located at the corner of MLK Blvd. and Parkway, and its 20,000 square feet will hold various retail, food, and other establishments. The intent is to hire workers from the surrounding area once construction is complete. The NELCDC is also working with the Texas Tech Small Business Development Center, LEDA, and Workforce Solutions to provide a business assistance center and business empowerment/coaching programs primarily for the benefit of women- and minority-owned businesses to ensure their viability. The official groundbreaking is scheduled for February 18, 2009.
Two other projects are also responsible for revitalization of these underserved regions. First is the Lubbock Industrial Park which is beginning to serve as a major economic driver in the region. As of February 2009, Lubbock Economic Development Alliance has assisted four organizations in relocating or expanding into our newest industrial mecca. While Lubbock is fortunate to retain these businesses, there are very few establishments in close proximity that can support its workers with food, gas, and other basic services. However, it is the belief of both the NELCDC and LEDA that with more rooftops in the area come additional companies willing to provide services.
Speaking of rooftops, Betenbough Homes constructed the first housing subdivision in east Lubbock since 1955. King’s Dominion is located east of Estacado High School, and boasts of 16 new homeowners with potential for 11 more on developed sites in the area. In addition, Betenbough is also building a new 40-site subdivision called Cyprus Grove located south of the Lubbock Country Club and near the Lubbock Industrial Park. Thanks to Ron Betenbough, more homebuyers in north and east Lubbock will be able to realize the American dream.