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Residents and advocates urge Williamson County to rethink jail site near schools and therapy center
Summary
Multiple Georgetown residents told the Williamson County Commissioners Court they oppose siting a new justice complex on the Inner Loop Triangle, saying the county withheld key information and that the site is too close to homes, schools and a therapeutic equine facility.
Dozens of public commenters told the Williamson County Commissioners Court on Aug. 11 that the county should reconsider plans to place a new jail and justice complex on the Inner Loop Triangle in Georgetown. Amy Shillerstrom, who said the county's planning document showed only a 0.06-point difference between the preferred residential site and an industrial alternative, asked the court to "start with meaningful public engagement, not about where the jail should be placed on that piece of property, but if there should be a jail at all."
Residents described feeling excluded from the selection process and said outreach materials omitted nearby neighborhoods and child-serving facilities. Sylvie Stottie told the court the proposed location sits directly across from an equine-assisted therapy program and urged commissioners to watch a documentary about the facility before proceeding: "Please watch the documentary then explain the thought process behind placing a jail and justice complex directly across the street from a facility where horses help children, veterans, and vulnerable individuals heal."
Supporters of re-siting said public-safety arguments advanced by staff and the sheriff's office did not address neighborhood impacts. James Hedrick, a Georgetown resident, said the county had closed on a $75,800,000 property without adequate public support and that the format of upcoming outreach sessions moved the goalposts away from whether the site should host a jail. "This court has made an indefensible decision buying this property for a jail," Hedrick said, adding that the location would move risks into residential areas near children and school routes.
County leaders told speakers that the court had revised the agenda item and that planned public engagement was scheduled; Judge Snell and staff said last week's amendment removed architect and consultant design work so the sessions would focus on public feedback. The court did not take an immediate vote to change the chosen site during the meeting.
