Facing complaints about a rise in homeless camps in high-traffic areas, several Austin City Council members are considering at least partially restoring the city s camping ban, which the council repealed in 2019.
A proposal by Council Member Ann Kitchen instructs the city manager to find ways to house a first group of homeless people by August and ban camping in four areas that have been overtaken by tent encampments.
Kitchen s proposal, which is scheduled to come up for a vote by the council Feb. 4, directs the city manager to recommend steps to move people camping in those areas into shelters, including, if necessary, an amendment to strengthen the camping ban.
The hotels being discussed for purchase are the Candlewood Suites and Texas Bungalows Hotel & Suites. Author: Molly Oak, Luis de Leon, KVUE Staff Published: 11:28 AM CST January 25, 2021 Updated: 10:33 PM CST January 25, 2021
AUSTIN, Texas Members of the Austin City Council are meeting Monday to discuss potentially buying two Austin-area hotels intended to house those experiencing homelessness.
The hotels reportedly in discussion for purchase are the Candlewood Suites for $9.5 million and the Texas Bungalows Hotel & Suites for $6.7 million.
Additionally up for discussion is an item allowing the City to lease the Candlewood Suites prior to purchase for emergency housing, isolation, and support services related to COVID-19 for a 30-day term, with an option to extend for three additional 30-day terms, which would cost up to $699,200.