x
Breaking News
More () »

Neighbors protest plans for northwest Austin homeless hotel

Last month, the Austin City Council voted to buy the hotel for $9.5 million. The goal is to house people experiencing homelessness.

AUSTIN, Texas — Some business owners and neighbors in northwest Austin say they don't want a nearby hotel to house the homeless.

They protested at the Candlewood Suites on Pecan Park Boulevard on Saturday afternoon.

Last month, the Austin City Council voted to buy the hotel for $9.5 million. The goal is to house people experiencing homelessness.

Candlewood sits near US 183 and Texas Toll Road 45.

RELATED: Williamson County takes first step in filing lawsuit against City of Austin to fight hotel for the homeless

The chief financial officer for a nearby hotel says she's frustrated because she hasn't heard updates from the City of Austin.

“They want to push this project down our throats, and we say 'no,'” said Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites CFO Rupal Chaudhari. “We don't know much about it. We don't what impact study they've done. We want to know, how is this going to affect my business? I got an email yesterday from a sports team saying they don't want to be next to a homeless hotel. What am I supposed to do?”

Because the hotel sits in Williamson County, commissioners are also pushing back. They've recently hired a law firm and could soon file a lawsuit. The state attorney general could even get involved.

PEOPLE ARE ALSO READING:

Williamson County 24-hour Vax-A-Thon brings '80s fun to drive-thru event

Poet Amanda Gorman says security guard 'tailed' her on walk home

Senate passes $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill, including $1,400 stimulus checks

Before You Leave, Check This Out