AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - Some Austin residents are raising concerns about preserving a generations-old pecan grove after the city's housing corporation prematurely demolished a house nearby without a permit.

The Austin American-Statesman reports that residents are asking the city to protect the grove by making it into a park.

Govalle Neighborhood Association Co-Chair Jessica Eley says there's been an erosion of trust after the demolition snafu involving the housing corporation, which owns the pecan grove property.

Housing officials said miscommunication between the contractor and city staff led to the demolition in December, a month before the Historic Landmark Commission was set to hold a public hearing about the 1930s home next to the orchard.

The housing corporation wants to redevelop the property for affordable housing.

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.