There is definitely progress being made near the future location of the Lubbock County Expo Center, but I\u2019m not sure it\u2019s the kind of progress Expo supporters should be excited about.<\/p>\n
I live fairly close to the property\u2014or at least close to the sign that says something like, \u201cFuture Home of the Expo Center.\u201d I\u2019m probably a mile to a mile and a half away, and there isn\u2019t much between the site and my house.<\/p>\n
I have already accepted the fact that, if this place eventually starts hosting concerts, I\u2019ll probably be able to feel the bass thumping in my bedroom. Even if the acts they book aren\u2019t especially bass-heavy, big outdoor shows have a way of making themselves known.<\/p>\n
On a clear night, I also wouldn\u2019t be surprised if I could hear the rodeo announcer. I\u2019ve been around concerts, rodeos and large events long enough to know how far sound can travel.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s the strange part: They appear to be preparing to build houses right next to the future Expo Center grounds.<\/p>\n
There are pipes and other materials visible from the road that appear to be for sewer and water lines. It also wasn\u2019t that long ago that electrical towers in the area were added, replaced or upgraded.<\/p>\n
From where I\u2019m sitting, these future homes look close enough to the Expo Center property that you could practically throw a rock from one to the other.<\/p>\n
My question is simple: Who the heck would want to live there?<\/p>\n
I suppose it would make sense if you worked at the Expo Center. A groundskeeper, maintenance worker or livestock manager could have a very convenient commute. For everyone else, you might be close enough to hear people in the stands clapping.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Forget About the Smell<\/p>\n
We also haven\u2019t talked about the potential aroma.<\/p>\n
If the Expo Center hosts rodeos, livestock shows and agricultural events, I have to believe the grounds could develop a pretty noticeable funk on a hot West Texas afternoon. There may even be plans to keep animals on the property for extended periods of time.<\/p>\n
Some existing homes are already located about a quarter-mile away. When we first noticed them, our immediate thought was, \u201cThose poor people probably moved out there for peace and quiet, and now they\u2019re going to have an Expo Center right up their rear.\u201d<\/p>\n
That brings me to the question I ask every time I drive through the area: Are these builders betting that the Expo Center is never actually going to happen?<\/p>\n