AUSTIN, Texas — An area in northwest Austin could soon become a new autism center, but neighbors against the idea, say the area is already too crowded.
The Autism Trust and a local mom with an autistic son are behind the new center.
"People are going to love it when it is open because it is going to be a family community place to come and do good," Polly Tommey said. "We want to show how people with autism have so much to offer society if they are just given the chance."
Tommey moved to the United States a few years ago to care for Kent Bradley. Bradley's mother owns the 82 acres that she wants to redevelop.
They've teamed up with MileStone Community Builders and Austin Christian Fellowship Church to bring an autism residential and treatment facility to River Place.
Those wanting to build the new center say it will fit right in with River Place Subdivision’s character. However, some neighbors think the housing development is already too dense, and the center should be built some place else.
"It's probably at about three-and-a-half times what a 'same as density' would be if it was built out using the existing zoning that we are standing on today," homeowner Ted Gaunt said. "The community has very valid concerns about turning the dial too far to the right, in terms of density."
MileStone said its development is right in line with other parts of River Place, with the exception of the division where Gaunt lives. On Milky Way Dr., which would be extended to support the new development, homes of at least 5,000 square feet are on one-acre lots.
City staff recommend using Austin's lowest zoning category for the project, SF-1, with a conditional overlay to match Gaunt's street.
"That recommendation from staff is based on all the considerations of the actual rules of law and zoning principles that we build the city on," Gaunt said.
Austin's Zoning and Platting commission will meet Tuesday night to discuss the proposed project. A final decision could come from Austin City Council as soon as next month.