Austin, TX
Candlewood Suites vandalized as Williamson County reports crime in the area
Choose Invoice Gravell mentioned residents within the space despatched him pictures of “what is going on on of their neighborhood.”
WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas — It has been 9 months because the Austin Metropolis Council voted to purchase a lodge in Williamson County to assist folks experiencing homelessness. Now individuals who dwell close to the lodge are voicing their considerations about what they mentioned the acquisition has accomplished to their neighborhood.
Final August, the council authorised the acquisition of the Candlewood Suites lodge on Pecan Park Boulevard, close to US 183 and State Freeway 45, to deal with folks experiencing homelessness. The lodge is situated in Austin but in addition in Williamson County.
Williamson County commissioners pushed again in opposition to the acquisition on the time.
Throughout Tuesday’s commissioners courtroom assembly, Williamson County Choose Invoice Gravell shared pictures that he mentioned he has obtained from residents who dwell close to the Candlewood Suites lodge. Gravell mentioned the residents declare the Austin Metropolis Council’s determination has introduced crime to the neighborhood.
PHOTOS: Homeless camp close to Candlewood Suites
Gravell launched a press release on Tuesday, promising to discover a answer for the residents’ security. Learn the total assertion beneath:
“I’m deeply dissatisfied that after once more town of Austin has made selections concerning their property in Williamson County with out involving Williamson County management in arising with options. I’ve heard from our residents that Austin’s property has introduced crime to their neighborhood. They despatched me footage of what’s going on of their neighborhood. The town of Austin made their downside Williamson County’s downside, so I promise our residents that I’ll work to discover a answer. Our residents need to not dwell in worry.”
However Austin Mayor Steve Adler mentioned the Metropolis is not at fault for the crime within the space.
“I had heard that the decide was one way or the other or one other linking the Metropolis’s possession of a vacant constructing with [the] homelessness problem that exists in Williamson County. And I do not see the connection,” Adler mentioned.
Williamson County commissioners mentioned they have been left at nighttime concerning the plans to renovate the lodge and so they filed a lawsuit to cease the method. Adler mentioned homelessness is a regional problem and the Metropolis hopes to work with Williamson County, together with different counties, to assist these experiencing homelessness.
The Metropolis purchased the lodge for $9.5 million to offer providers, shelter and housing. Renovations have been anticipated to value $1.6 million. The lodge has 83 rooms that may function a short lived answer for folks in want of housing, nevertheless it’s unclear presently when the lodge will probably be accessible to be used.
On Thursday, Austin Metropolis Council Member Mackenzie Kelly hosted a press convention to debate current vandalizations.
She mentioned the hearth division was known as to the lodge lately after an alarm had been activated. Upon arrival, officers found folks had been dwelling contained in the lodge. Kelly mentioned she relayed that data to town supervisor and Austin’s homeless technique workplace.
“I can guarantee you, the Candlewood is now secured,” Kelly mentioned. “There’s an investigation by Metropolis employees to find out how this occurred and what, if any, safety was onsite earlier than.”
She mentioned she went to the lodge on Wednesday to evaluate any damages from the reported break-in. In accordance with Kelly, damages develop all three flooring of the constructing and “practically each room.” She added that copper wiring additionally seems to have been broken and stolen.
“I wish to be clear, this act of felony habits shouldn’t be OK,” she mentioned. “Our metropolis has a purpose of making a protected and sustainable place for these experiencing homelessness. The felony exercise at Candlewood does nothing however hurt our metropolis and create additional delay in serving to to succeed in the Metropolis’s purpose in offering assist and housing to folks locally that want it essentially the most.”
She mentioned the Williamson County Sheriff’s Workplace and Austin police are investigating.
Metropolis leaders on Could 19 will talk about an merchandise to contract with Household Eldercare to renovate the property and 78 rooms for everlasting supportive housing. Kelly mentioned she has additionally requested an government session to debate safety considerations at vacant Metropolis properties. She additionally mentioned that the Metropolis is trying into 24-hour safety at Candlewood till it opens as much as providers.
Anybody with data on the vandalization is requested to name 512-472-8477.
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