AUSTIN, Texas -- The Texas Health and Human Services Commission held its first of three public hearings Wednesday on the potential sale of state-owned property. The public weighed in on plans to redevelop two large parcels in the heart of Austin.
In 2015, the Texas Legislature approved exploring the sale of the Austin State Hospital near 38th Street and Guadalupe Street, as well as the State Supported Living Center near 35th Street and MoPac Expressway.
The properties combined are almost 200 acres. Twenty years ago, the State of Texas entered a long-term lease for the southwest portion of the Austin State Hospital property. It's home to a hospital, apartment complex and shopping center.
"Many of the early residents that constructed homes along Avenue A and B were employees of the Austin State Hospital, and that drove a lot of development in that area," Reid Long of the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association said.
Long said the state should preserve its historic administration building, which was built in 1857.
"As well as maintaining sufficient park land within that development, given its historic nature," he said.
Texas could sell both properties, merge the two operations onto one property, or keep them operating as is.
"The opportunity to use the campus as a stepping stone back into the community for thousands of Texans far outweighs any monetary gain," said Amanda Royston of Austin Clubhouse.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is accepting public input through the end of June.