Williamson County asserts in a lawsuit filed on Friday that the City of Austin has no right to use a former Candlewood Suites hotel as a housing complex for the homeless, Austin-based media outlets reported.
The suburban county, which is at least 35 miles north of Austin, is requesting a temporary restraining order and a temporary and permanent injunction against AHFC Pecan Park PSH, a nonprofit formed by the city, according to Austin FOX affiliate KTBC and Austin CBS affiliate KEYE.
KTBC reported that the complaint labels Austin's plans as a violation of the restrictions for the intended use of the defunct hotel.
According to the station, the Williamson County Commissioners Court has consulted attorneys as to how best to help the County Attorney's Office (CAO) and local residents in fighting the Austin city government.
Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell called out the state capital on what he perceives is its disrespect toward authority and the public in a statement distributed to the media.
"The City of Austin continues to show complete and utter disregard for the law, its neighbors, its citizens and community leaders as it barrels recklessly ahead with its plans for the permanent housing of the homeless at this location in Williamson County," Gravell, a Republican, said in the statement. "The actions by the City of Austin have left no other options than to pursue legal action. Taking this action is necessary in order to protect Williamson County’s tax-paying, law-abiding citizens to whom the City of Austin has turned a deaf ear to and trampled on."
KEYE reported that Austin purchased the property in question on Pecan Boulevard in the northwest part of the city for nearly $10 million last August and city leaders on Thursday approved a contract to finish renovations for its new use.
Last month, the site was allegedly hit by burglars to which Dianna Grey, Austin's homeless strategy officer, admitted to officials was failing, per Austin Journal.