Austin residents pressed city leaders for clarity on a proposed homeless navigation center in southeast Austin, citing concerns about safety and community impact.
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin city leaders are facing growing pressure from neighbors over a new proposed navigation center in southeast Austin.
The new center would be located at 2401 S. Interstate 35 Frontage Road, near East Oltorf Street. Residents are demanding more clarity on how the facility could affect nearby schools and the broader community.
During a community meeting on Tuesday, city leaders met with neighbors and parents to discuss the site, which aims to provide supportive services for individuals experiencing homelessness. The meeting was marked by tense exchanges, with many residents expressing concerns about safety, sanitation and the potential impact on nearby schools and businesses.
City officials said the location was selected due to its square footage, access to public transportation and proximity to the existing Southbridge Homeless Shelter. They emphasized that the center would be city-operated and not affiliated with the Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center, which was a concern brought up by neighbors.
Despite these reassurances, residents said they feel the community is already strained by issues related to crime and public health. Some fear the addition of another facility could worsen these problems.
“They’re going to be congregating around these businesses and around our homes. Like I said, I’ve already had somebody sleeping in my backyard who just got released from jail the night before. I would assume there’s going to be more of that trespassing, which is unfortunate for those people, but very scary for the neighbors that live there,” said neighbor Brandon Willin.
Willin and other residents urged for more time to continue discussions and consider alternative options. City officials, however, said the purchase agreement requires council to make a decision by Oct. 9.
Council Member Zo Qadri, who represents District 9, said he currently does not support the acquisition due to lingering questions and community concerns.
“You know, I want to see this successful, and I did say that this is something that I do want to vote for. But currently how things are with a lot of questions and a lot of uneasiness at this time, it’s not something I can support,” he said.
City leaders have scheduled a virtual meeting for Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to continue discussions with the community.