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Austin Approves Purchase of South I-35 Site for City-Run Homeless Navigation Center

City leaders cite stricter rules to boost capacity, with an operator still to be chosen.

Overview

  • The City Council voted 8–3 to acquire 2401 S I-35 near East Oltorf for conversion into a homeless services hub at a cost of more than $4.3 million.
  • Council Member Ryan Alter said Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center will not relocate to the new site for now, leaving the future operator undecided.
  • Officials plan to retrofit the building and select a vendor, with the center targeted to open in the spring.
  • Public testimony showed both support for one-stop services and objections over proximity to schools and homes; José Velásquez, Zo Qadri and Marc Duchen opposed the purchase.
  • City staff say a municipal facility will enable tighter rules and security, as a state lawsuit against Sunrise continues to influence community concerns.