As part of a complex zoning case in which the construction of a new adult autism center depended on a proposed 82-home development, the Zoning and Platting Commission unanimously approved the autism center but denied the applicant’s request for the coinciding residential development.

The cases, heard separately, were billed as an “all-or-nothing” scenario by the developer, MileStone Community Builders. ZAP Chairman Thomas Weber, in his final meeting as a commissioner, called it “one of the more difficult cases that we’ve dealt with on this dais.”

The 82-acre tract of land, which is split in two, is located in the River Place area just south of FM 2222 and River Place Boulevard. The properties have been owned by Berta Bradley for more than 42 years.

The rezoning requests sought to allow for the construction of the Autism Center Austin on one 40-acre tract and an 82-single-family home development on the remaining 42 acres, which would be denser than surrounding River Place neighborhoods.

The Autism Center Austin would be run by Jonathan and Polly Tommey. The Tommeys, who have a 20-year old autistic son named Billy, founded The Autism Trust, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing a meaningful life for people with autism. The Tommeys also take care of 47-year old Kent Bradley, the son of the tract’s owner.

MileStone had a contract to buy the 42-acre tract from Bradley. But the deal was contingent on MileStone using some proceeds from the land purchase to provide financial assistance and some construction service to The Autism Trust in the construction of the center.

The cases were heard separately Tuesday evening. The hearing for the Autism Center Austin included many emotional pleas from project proponents affected by the illness. Parents, teachers and family members said the city lacked adequate resources for what they cited as a growing epidemic. ZAP approved the recommendation with zero objections.

The residential case, however, was met with heavy opposition from surrounding neighbors who expressed concern over traffic, the accessibility of fire trucks and the increased density that an 82-home development would bring to the area. Each speaker opposed to the residential aspect of the proposal made it clear they strongly supported the autism center but could not budge on the residential component because of the anticipated increase in traffic.

City staff recognized neighbors’ concerns and recommended the development be limited to 60 homes. Although representatives for the developer made it clear that approving the staff’s recommendation would unravel the deal for the autism center, ZAP voted 6-4 in favor of the recommendation.

The case will head to City Council next month, unless the applicant withdraws the application, a move that the developer said could occur.