The residents of neighborhoods near the intersection of Oltorf and I-35 fought passionately and persuasively at City Council last Thursday to stop Austin leaders from placing a homeless navigation center at 2401 I-35 S. The residents warned that the location of the center would endanger kids walking to and from local schools. They said it would worsen violence, theft, and drug use, which are already problems in the area. They said the center’s approval was being rushed. They begged city leaders to slow down the process.
But in the end, Council voted 8-3 to spend $4 million to purchase the building that will house the new center and begin renovating it. When it opens next spring, the center will provide food, showers, and medical care to people experiencing homelessness. It will also help them find jobs and housing.
Over two dozen people spoke in opposition. Many emphasized that it wasn’t their support for the homeless community that was in question, but the appropriateness of this particular location for the work. “I appreciate the need for homeless services, but the city has ignored neighborhood concerns about this site,” Alan Fisher said. “The homeless population is not one thing. It is good, law-abiding folks who need some help, but also it is mentally unstable people, addicted people, formerly incarcerated individuals, and sex offenders, all in higher numbers than in the housed population. And that is why a center like this does not belong near homes and schools.”…