The City of Lubbock Zoning Board of Adjustment is set to hold a public hearing next Thursday to talk about a variance that would allow a homeowner to open a group home in the Lakeridge neighborhood of south Lubbock.

Residents within 1,000 feet of the home were sent a letter by the Planning Department and told if they wanted to speak up in favor or opposition of the zoning change, they could do so at the meeting.

Pam Messick lives near 96th and Utica, just a few blocks away from the home. She said she got the latter and was immediately concerned about things like high traffic on the narrow roads, an increase of people in the neighborhood and property values decreasing.

“I see a lot of movement in and out of that house,” Messick said. “When you’re in a single family neighborhood people don’t move in and out every 90 days; not usually. So I think there will be a lot of transitioning going on. A lot of different people in and out of the neighborhood.”

The Lubbock Central Appraisal District reports the five-bedroom home on Vicksburg was recently sold for approximately $388,800 dollars.

The Planning Department notice notes the homeowner needs the variance because she wants more than six residents to live in the home. The homeowner, who could not be reached for comment, is requesting 10 residents for the home.

Councilwoman Karen Gibson, the District 5 representative which includes the Lakeridge neighborhood, said this issue is at the very early stages. She said getting approval from the Zoning Board is just the first step. She said if residents are truly opposed to the idea, the best thing to do is attend the public hearing and voice your concerns.

The public hearing will be held on Thursday, November 17th at 8:15 am in the City Council Chambers. Lakeridge residents that can not attend the meeting, can contact the Planning Department and submit an opposition reply form.