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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1 DEC. 6 JAN. 10, 2025
2024 Senior Living Guide
Growing senior hunger
Local resident Eva Banda picks out groceries at the New Braunfels Food Bank.
KAYLA BROOKS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Local organizations step up to meet rising demand, combat food insecurities
Foundation, this challenge is not unique to Comal County but is being felt across the state as more seniors rely on food assistance. “The numbers are growing everywhere,” Jewell said.
has seen a signi cant rise in the number of meals served through its Meals on Wheels program, which now delivers more than 3,000 meals per week. The number of meals served annually has grown sharply, with 167,000 meals provided in 2023 alone. According to Alice Jewell, CEO of the McKenna
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
As the New Braunfels area continues to grow, local organizations are facing a surge in demand for services, particularly when it comes to addressing food insecurity among seniors. The Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation
CONTINUED ON 32
Also in this issue Development: Find out where the city’s rst digital billboard will go up (Page 15)
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Impacts
the first time Nov. 23 will remain open into the first week of January. • Open through Jan. 5 • 1613 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenetexas.com/rink 3 Nola Scott’s The health and wellness spa offers wellness treatments, from traditional massage to body contouring, laser liposuction and nonchemical facials. • Opened Oct. 12 • 900 Landa St., Ste. 104, New Braunfels • www.nolascott.com 4 ProCare Medical Centers The Texas-based medical group opened its seventh location in New Braunfels. It offers pain management, back pain treatment, weight loss and injury care services. • Opened Oct. 1 • 1860 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.procaremedcenter.com 5 Savage Orthodontics Owners Jackson and Sara Savage said they focus on “moving teeth and reshaping faces” through craniofacial orthopedics. • Opened Nov. 1 • 675 N. Business I-35, Ste. 208, New Braunfels • www.savageortho.com 6 Trudy’s Hallmark The gift shop offers holiday gifts, apparel and accessories, home decor, greeting cards and more. • Opened Nov. 23 • 261 Creekside Way, New Braunfels • www.trudyshallmark.com 7 Wildside Bar The new cocktail bar, owned by Dylan Wild, was previously occupied by Hermes Insurance. • Opened Nov. 16 • 399 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • Facebook: Wildside New Braunfels
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MAP NOT TO SCALE TM; © 2024 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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• Opened Nov. 16 • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 900, New Braunfels • www.fatburger.com 2 Gruene Ice Rink The new 100-by-40-foot ice skating rink opened for
Now open
1 Fatburger & Buffalo’s Express The fast-casual spot serves burgers, sandwiches, wings and more in its first New Braunfels location.
HOME FURNISHINGS • DECOR 325 S. BUSINESS 35
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY THALIA GUZMAN, SHAHERYAR KHAN & ERIC WEILBACHER
13 Landa Park Aquatic Complex New Braunfels City Council approved $2.75 million for the project as part of the FY 2024-25 budget, with $1.3 million allocated specifically to the Olympic pool renovation. The remainder will go toward the bathhouse and spring-fed pool, bringing Americans with Disabilities
Coming soon
Now open
8 Electric Evolution The new e-bike shop will be opening in the space formerly housed by Pedego. It will offer e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorcycles for kids and adults. • Opening in early December • 691 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.electricevo.com 9 Fruition Fruit Blendz The acai bowl food truck will be opening a second food truck in New Braunfels. Fruition Fruit Blendz offers handcrafted acai bowls and smoothies. • Opening TBD
Act accessibility and updated features. • 350 Aquatic Circle, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov
14 Mill Street Youth Center The New Braunfels Youth Collaborative broke ground Oct. 18. The new facility will provide a dedicated space for middle and high school students to gather, learn and participate in after-school programs like academics, wellness and personal development. • 430 W. Mill St., New Braunfels • www.thenbyc.com
16 Rosie Lynn’s The ice cream and coffee shop serves bubble waffles, espresso-based drinks and ice cream from the Ice Cream Club, a Florida-based company known for distributing to small businesses nationwide. • Opened Nov. 11 • 1121 N. Academy Ave., Ste. A, New Braunfels • Facebook: Rosie Lynn’s
• 1485 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.fruitionfruitblendz.com
Worth the trip
Relocations
Cooper’s Kingdom The medieval-themed mini golf venue offers an immersive experience with full-size dragon animatronics, a black light putt-putt course, a board game room, arcade games and a party room. • Opened Nov. 16 • 129 Old San Antonio Road, Boerne • www.coopers-kingdom.com Laird’s Hideaway The recreational park in Canyon Lake opened seven new pickleball courts. Laird’s Hideaway offers 10 RV spot rentals, including three Airbnb rentals. • Opened in October
10 Capital Title The residential and commercial real estate company relocated to New Braunfels MarketPlace. • Relocated Nov. 14 • 675 N. Business I-35, Ste. 110, New Braunfels • www.ctot.com 11 Trinity Wellness The massage therapy business recently relocated to American Fitness. Previously located at 457 Landa St., Trinity Wellness offers sports and medical massage. • Relocated Nov. 1 • 1323 Industrial St., New Braunfels • www.trinitywellnessnb.com
• Closed as of November • 2164 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.korakoracoffee.com 17 Pedego The California-based e-bike franchise closed permanently in early December. Pedego sold and rents e-bikes that go up to 20 miles per hour. • Closed December
• 14181 FM 306, Canyon Lake • www.lairdshideaway.com
In the news
Closings
12 Clear Springs Restaurant The seafood restaurant—originally a cotton gin and a saloon—celebrated its 40th anniversary at its New
• 691 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.pedegoelectricbikes.com
15 Kora Kora Coffee The coffee company’s second location at Veramendi is now closed. Kora Kora Coffee offers a selection of hot and iced coffee beverages, smoothies, hot tea, breakfast tacos and pastries at 2348 Gruene Lake Drive, Ste. B, New Braunfels.
Braunfels location in November. • 1692 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.clearspringsrestaurant.com
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Government
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
WE’RE MOVING
Continental considers expansion of local facility
Continental Automotive Systems
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production, Jewell said. “The proposed expansion would add additional production and storage capacity to support Continental’s partnerships for self-driving freight truck technol- ogy,” Jewell said. The takeaway During the public hearing and first reading of an ordinance, the council discussed designating a reinvestment zone under Chap- ter 312 of the Texas Tax Code. This is a preliminary step toward negotiating a tax abate- ment agreement for the increased property value from the expan- sion. The city previously adopted guidelines for tax abatement agreements in August 2023 to encourage economic growth and investment, Jewell said. Final terms of a potential tax abatement agreement for the expansion are expected to be presented in early 2025.
The city of New Braunfels is taking steps to support a potential expansion of global tire and driving technology company Continental’s local manufacturing facility through a reinvest- ment zone and tax abatement agreement. The details Continental’s New Braunfels facility, which began operations in the fall of 2022, currently holds over $170 million in taxable commercial property and employs approximately 450 people, said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for the city, at a Nov. 12 council meeting. Continental’s proposed expansion could bring signifi- cant economic benefits to the area, including additional jobs, increased investment and a stron- ger position for New Braunfels in advanced automotive technology
Since 1942, New Braunfels Utilities has called 263 Main Plaza home. It has been a privilege to watch the entire downtown district transform and flourish over the years.
In order to better serve our customers today while we plan for the future NBU headquarters opening in 2027, the Main office lobby and drive-thru will permanently close to the public. From seeing the familiar faces of our long-time customers to welcoming the new folks to our thriving city, all of us at NBU will miss serving our community from the downtown New Braunfels location.
The new NBU Customer Solutions Center, located at 1488 S. Seguin Avenue, will serve NBU residential, commercial and developer customers with abundant parking, a convenient drive-up payment drop box and a fresh space to welcome you.
County flood warning system on tap
EFFECTIVE DATES
Monday, Jan. 6, 2025: NBU Customer Solutions Center will open its doors to the public at 8 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 3, 2025: NBU Main Plaza lobby will permanently close to the public at 2 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13, 2024: NBU Main Plaza drive- thru will permanently close.
County Commissioners Court meeting. These sensors will monitor real- time conditions to provide alerts when water levels rise quickly, ultimately reducing risk during flash floods and enhancing safety in frequently affected areas, Boyd said. The flood warning system will cost $160,000 annually to maintain, Boyd said, and the Water Oriented Recreation District will contribute $53,000 per year.
Comal County is investing $160,000 on a new flood warning system comprised of nine sensors at Canyon Lake and 16 sensors at low-water crossings throughout the county. What we know Comal County and the Water Oriented Recreation District of Comal County are collaborating to launch a flood warning system, said Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd at an Oct. 31 Comal
The Customer Solutions Center plays a vital role in meeting the growing need for expanded employee workspace while supporting NBU’s mission to deliver exceptional customer service and plan for the future. Purchasing the vacant building from the City of New Braunfels offers a cost-effective solution, saving over $300,000 by utilizing internal teams for labor and renovations. Additionally, the project promotes environmental responsibility by reusing key materials such as doors, fences and gates. We look forward to seeing our neighbors at the Customer Solutions Center. See you soon!
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN & ERIC WEILBACHER
City Council moves plan for former mill forward Plans to transform the grain mill that once operated in downtown New Braunfels for almost 137 years along the banks of the Comal River were initially approved by the New Braunfels City Council Nov. 25. The backstory Operating in New Braunfels since 1886, the ADM Milling Co., located at 398 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels, and formerly known as the Dittlinger Mill, closed in March 2023. What we know The rm Killen, Gri n & Farrimond PLLC presented plans Nov. 25 that include applying for a special-use permit to transform several parcels of the more than 9-acre riverfront area from zoning for general business, commercial-resort and light industrial districts into a high-intensity mixed-use
NBU to open new service center
New Braunfels Utilities will relocate its customer service operations to 1488 S. Seguin Ave., the city’s former police depart- ment headquarters. The details This move is part of a broader e ort to improve service and consolidate operations at a future headquarters set to open in 2027,” said Reagan Peña, director of enterprise communications for NBU. The Main Plaza drive-thru will perma- nently close on Dec. 13, followed by the lobby on Jan. 3. “We’ve loved serving customers here, but we have to close a lot because of all the di erent things that happen on the plaza,” Peña said. “The new place will not have those kinds of closures or tra c impacts.”
The plan includes a special-use permit that would allow for a hotel, parking garage and other uses.
SHAHERYAR KHAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
district. The project includes a boutique hotel, apartments, retail, o ces, and a 400-car parking garage, with plans to repurpose historic silos on the property, said Ashley Farrimond, a partner with the law rm. “The proposal is to do a mixed-use community. That’s desirable for people to visit, to live, to walk, to shop and for easier access downtown,” Farri- mond said. Some of the currently standing grain silos would be incorporated into the design, Farrimond said.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Government
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
West End Area Plan charts path for neighborhood revitalization
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the neighborhood, Whitney said. The plan recognizes “the rich history and a past here that you can see today” in the neighborhood, Whitney said. The plan’s focal point is Spur Street, a key corridor connecting I-35 to Live Oak Avenue and West San Antonio Street. Community engagement shaped the plan, with input gathered during events like Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo, along with meetings with residents and business owners.
Revitalization of the West End neighborhood on West San Antonio Street in New Braunfels is in motion with the West End Area Plan. City sta aim to guide investment and redevelopment while preserving the area’s cultural identity and addressing critical infrastructure needs, as presented at a Nov. 18 special council meeting by Samantha Whitney, project lead from TG Partners, a business advisory rm. The West End Area Plan outlines strategies to enhance pedestrian connectivity, create gathering spaces and upgrade infrastructure in
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Assessing the need TG Partners advisor Samantha Whitney shared concepts grounded in community feedback, such as: • Sidewalk network expansion: Filling gaps for safer pedestrian access • Street redesign: Adding lighting, crosswalks, and bike lanes to reduce the highway-like feel • Stormwater upgrades: Addressing drainage issues affecting residents and businesses
SOURCES: TG PARTNERS, CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Public input
Next steps
Feedback revealed consistent themes: the need for improved sidewalks, better lighting for safety, drainage solutions and parking strategies. Whitney said the city aims to carefully manage redevelopment to bridge the scale gap between small-scale buildings and larger projects, preserv- ing the neighborhood’s distinctive identity. Jeremie Hernandez, owner of Butcher Boy Taco House, located on Spur Street, said the West End Area Plan is a positive step for the area. “I’ve lived on the west side my entire life. ... I think it’s great that we’re going to get some lighting, some curbing and some more parking,” Hernandez said.
The plan outlines several recommended next steps, including conducting further conceptual design work on the street right- of-way to address community concerns raised during the engagement process, Whitney said. The plan also calls for exploring in ll housing opportunities that are compatible with the existing neighborhood fabric, Whitney said, developing more detailed plans to create new place-making spaces. Public meetings and other community input opportunities will be scheduled on a later date to guide the plan’s implementation.
Revitalization of the West San Antonio Street neighborhood is in motion with the West End Area Plan.
SHAHERYAR KHAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
Amy Malone will be the rst principal of Legend Point Elemen- tary, one of New Braunfels ISD’s newest elementary schools, set to open in August. How we got here? Malone’s role comes amid a period of rapid growth for New Braunfels ISD, as the district continues to add new schools to meet the needs of its expanding student population. In May, the district broke ground on its 11th elementary school in the Veramendi neigh- borhood, funded through the Comal ISD acquired 28 new buses since 2019, funded in part by a Texas Commission on Envi- ronmental Quality grant totaling around $843,000. The district shared these updates during its Oct. 24 board of trustees meeting, which also included discussions on mileage trends and the status of bus driver sta ng. How we got here? Jessica Fischer, Director of Transportation, highlighted key changes, including the purchase and disposal of several buses, as well as the impact of state funding on the district’s transportation costs. The 2021 Bond allocated $10 million for 30 specially-equipped buses and for the replacement of 50 high-mileage general edu- cation buses. Mileage on those buses range from 250,000 to 300,000 miles, Fischer said. Comal ISD acquires 28 new school buses
School bus facts The 2021 Bond allocated: $10 million for 30 specially- equipped buses and for the replacement of 50 . Mileage on those buses range from 250,000 to 300,000 miles To promote student comfort and safety, Comal ISD has equipped newer buses with several key features, Fischer said, including: Seat belts, air conditioning and tinted windows 77 -passenger capacity Advanced camera systems for remote monitoring
Five specially-equipped buses are expected to be delivered this spring
SOURCE: COMAL ISD COMMUNITY IMPACT
Also of note In response to sta ng chal- lenges, the district implemented measures to attract and retain drivers, Fischer said. A wage increase reduced vacancies from 91 in September to 83 currently. Many new hires now possess commercial driver’s licenses, and teacher-coaches have pitched in by driving buses for extracurricu- lar events.
nov 23 - jan 5
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NBISD selects newest principal 2021 bond program, according to previous reporting. The details Malone
scan to reserve your spot
Amy Malone
is currently the director
of curriculum and instruction for grades K-5 in Comal ISD, according to NBISD. With 27 years in education, her career includes positions such as director of ele- mentary education and principal of Rahe Bulverde Elementary.
gruenetexas.com/rink
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Transportation
New bridge over Dry Comal Creek, Altgelt Lane realignment
Goodwin, Conrads work to begin The City of New Braunfels is preparing to begin a reconstruction project on Goodwin Lane and Conrads Lane to improve traffic flow, safety and pedestrian access. The takeaway This project involves reconstructing Good- win Lane from FM 306 to Conrads Lane and Conrads Lane from Goodwin Lane to I-35, said Capital Projects Manager Brenadette Faust. The plans include the addition of shared- use paths and drainage improvements to enhance the area’s infrastructure, Faust said. Construction is expected to begin early in 2025, with the city currently preparing to receive bids for the work, Faust said. Part of the city’s 2019 Bond, the cost is yet to be determined, Faust said.
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The New Braunfels City Council approved Comal County’s request to disannex approximately 3 acres of land along Altgelt Lane. The backstory This decision, presented by Comal County Engineer Robert Boyd at an Oct. 28 council meet- ing, facilitates a road project that includes to realign the roadway and build a new bridge over Dry Comal Creek, enabling county management of infrastructure outside city limits. According to Boyd, the project will realign a portion of Altgelt Lane and construct a new bridge over Dry Comal Creek to accommodate increasing traffic demands and ensure safer passage for vehicles.
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Zooming in The land was annexed into the City of New Braunfels in 1974, said Christopher Looney, director of planning and development services for the city. Comal County recently purchased the property from a private owner to support the upcoming infrastructure improvements. “The disannexation will allow us to move forward with the road and bridge project, which is critical for managing the heavy truck traffic in the area,” Boyd said.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
Union Avenue sidewalk gap project coming soon New Braunfels is set to improve Union Avenue with a project focused on enhancing roadway conditions and pedestrian access. The details The project will include milling and overlaying the roadway, spot base repairs, and installing sidewalks where gaps currently exist from Lincoln Street to Common Street, said Capital Projects Manager Brenadette Faust. In addition, the project will partner with New Braunfels Utilities to update the area’s water system, Faust said. Construction is expected to begin in the next few months as part of the 2023 Bond Program, Faust said. The cost and timeline are still to be determined.
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McQueeney Road work to start again New Braunfels is set to improve McQuee- ney Road with key upgrades aimed at enhanc ing traffic flow. The gist The project includes repaving the roadway, conducting targeted repairs and completing sidewalk gaps to provide better pedestrian access, said Capital Projects Manager Brenadette Faust. Construction is expected to begin in the next few months.
Gaps in current Union Avenue sidewalks will be lled.
SHAHERYAR KHAN COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY SHAHERYAR KHAN
City greenlights first digital billboard
Affordable housing opening in 2025 The New Braunfels Food Bank-sponsored Apple Seeds Apartments—an affordable housing initiative for families with chil- dren—broke ground in June and is expected to be completed by the fall of 2025, said Eric Cooper, CEO of the San Antonio Food Bank. The backstory Cooper said the development is part of a partnership to provide more affordable housing options in New Braunfels.
Billboard location Billboard to be removed
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New Braunfels City Council approved the con- version of an existing billboard along I-35 to a new digital format that will be used for public safety communications, promoting local events and providing the city with advertising opportunities. The two-minute impact Christopher Looney, director of planning and development services for the city, said at a Nov. 12 council meeting that as part of the agreement with the billboard owner, the city will receive free advertising space on the digital billboard, which will rotate between city-sponsored messages and emergency communications, Looney said. The city plans to utilize this space to promote: • Local events • Provide weather updates • Local and state emergency messages
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Additionally, the agreement stipulates that the billboard owner, Lamar Advertising, must remove three other existing billboards across the city as a condition of the digital conversion. The draft agreement indicates all four of these signs must be fully removed before the converted digital one could become operational. “These emergency messages will remain in that rotation for 48 hours, unless more or less time is requested, depending upon the nature of the emergency message,” Looney said.
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HealthCare. Better Together.
Wishing Your Family a Healthy Holiday Season Happy holidays from your partners in care at Resolute Baptist Hospital. This year, we are grateful to provide our community with quality care close to home. We wish you good health, peace and joy this holiday season.
Find your partner in care at ResoluteHealth.com
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE
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Environment
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
HCC secures $23.2M for conservation
Explained
A conservation easement is a legal document that dictates where building can happen. The money purchases the development rights on that land, Miller said. “For the landowner—what they have said is—’I will not sell this to a developer. It will not become condos. It will not become a shopping mall ... and we will not pave over it,’” Miller said. "The pace of development has been so rapid that the Hill Country is losing open space at an incredible rate. That is why I think this grant and this project is so important now, and that is why it requires 27 partners to make it happen, because we don’t have the luxury of a
This is the largest single federal award ever for conservation easement funding in the Texas Hill Country, the news release states. HCC CEO Kathy Miller said preapplications for the grant closed Oct. 11, and they received over 40,000 acres of project proposals, worth over $70 million. “We obviously will not be able to do all of them, but we think it’s [going to] be possible that we may have more than 7,500 acres protected at the end of this,” Miller told Community Impact .
Hill Country Conservancy, or HCC, a local nonpro t organization working to preserve natural resources, secured $23.2 million in federal funding for conservation easements Oct. 8. The funds were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program to the Hill Country Headwaters Conservation Initiative—a coalition of 27 regional partners, working to identify the most strategic properties for conservation, according to the news release.
Hill Country Headwaters Conservation Initiative Target Areas The HCC will utilize the funding to identify strategic properties to conserve in the region outlined below.
slow rollout of conservation," KATHY MILLER, CEO OF HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY
Project boundary Major streams Watersheds: a land area that channels rainfall into a body of water.
BRADY CREEK
SAN SABA RIVER
COLORADO RIVER
SAN GABRIEL RIVER
N. LLANO RIVER
What’s next?
LLANO RIVER
PEDERNALES RIVER
Austin
UPPER SAN MARCOS RIVER
S. LLANO RIVER
Each proposed project will be screened using Geographic Information System software and then ranked according to which projects have the highest conservation values. Once completed, the coalition will meet and agree on the projects that will be funded. Awards are anticipated to be announced in November, Miller told Community Impact .
GUADALUPE RIVER
San Marcos New Braunfels
UPPER SAN ANTONIO RIVER
Federal funding: $23.2M
San Antonio
Proposed acres protected: 7,500 acres
N
SOURCE: HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY COMMUNITY IMPACT
YOUR DOORSTEP YOUR CONVENIENCE
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MOBILE SERVICE HOURS MON. - FRI. - 7 AM - 6 PM 351 IH 35 S.
MOBILE SERVICE LINES (830)606-8554 (830)606-8573
MOBILE SERVICE • FACTORY RECALLS • OIL CHANGES BRAKE WORK • MAINTENANCE SERVICES…AND MORE! MOST MAKES AND MODELS
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Real estate
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON
Austin, San Antonio, Houston Realtors to access 60% of real estate listings
Something to note
SABoR and HAR entered into a data share agreement in 2023. HAR Chair Thomas Mouton said this existing agreement, along with the upcoming addition of ABoR, means “more eyes on the seller’s home” since the listings will be accessible to Real- tors across Houston, Austin and San Antonio.
A data share agreement between the Austin Board of Realtors, San Antonio Board of Realtors and Houston Association of Realtors is set to give Realtors with all three associations access to nearly 60% of all Texas real estate listings by the end of the year. The agreement between the three metroplexes, which was announced in early October, will open up access between the associations’ Multiple Listing Service, or the online portal where Realtors can share information about homes for sale in their markets. After the data share agreement goes live, the over 80,000 combined MLS subscribers will have access to thousands of additional listings in Austin, San Antonio and Houston. Currently, ABoR MLS subscribers have access to approximately 19,500 for sale listings. ABoR Chief Marketing Officer Kelea Youngblood said the agreement could increase the buyer and seller pool. “It allows for somebody who is moving in from another area of Texas to understand the differences and the nuances between the three markets,” Youngblood said. SABoR CEO Gilbert Gonzalez said the agreement also helps brokers save a few dollars. Now, brokers just have to join one MLS instead of two if they are working with clients on listings outside of their main market. “It has allowed them to do a little bit of research for clients and then send them off to a broker or agent in the other city,” Gonzalez said. “It’s really information that provides them
Breaking it down ABoR 17,970 MLS subscribers 19,500 listings in the MLS SABoR 14,889 MLS subscribers 111,497 listings in the MLS* HAR 48,000 MLS subscribers 67,000 listings in the MLS**
Data share agreement benefits
Buyers benefit from a wider range of listings, increasing their chances of finding their ideal home. Sellers gain exposure to a larger pool of potential buyers, potentially leading to quicker sales and higher offers. Realtors can connect with clients across a broader geographic area, expanding their network.
SOURCE: HAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
DATA AS OF NOV. 4 *INCLUDES HAR DATA SHARE AGREEMENT LISTINGS. **DOES NOT INCLUDE SABOR DATA SHARE AGREEMENT LISTINGS. SOURCES: ABOR, SABOR, HAR/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Remember this?
A National Association of Realtors settlement implemented MLS policy changes in August that some local Realtors have said could lead to lower home prices and the way homes are bought and sold. While the data share agreement is separate from these policy changes, Youngblood said it is an added value to have Realtors with access to 60% of the Texas housing market as they adjust to these policy changes and a post-COVID-19 market.
a resource to connect with other agents over there and help transfer off clients that way, if you will.” For buyers and sellers, they’ll be able to know that one Realtor can help them in multiple markets, he said. “I think it’s made it easier for consumers to work with someone that they already have a relationship with, and be able to still find a property that they may be looking for in a different city,” Gonzalez said.
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CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969
NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
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Real estate
Homes in New Braunfels stayed on the market on average less than three months in the 78130 and 78132 ZIP codes. Residential market data
October 2023
October 2024
Average home price in the last 6 months
Homes sold
New listings
+34%
-18.84%
+41.8%
+3.7%
78130 $348,880
78132 $549,877
78132
78130
78132
78130
78132
46
78130
35
Median home sales price
October
2023
2024
N
$329,137
$325,000
78130
Homes sold by price point
$534,964
$525,000
78132
October 2024
5
$1 million+
11
$750,000-$999,999
+38.1% +78.9% Number of homes under contract
Average days on the market
42
$500,000-$749,999
-20.4%
-28.7%
116
$300,000-$499,999
75
<$299,999
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 830 625 6954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM
78130
78132
78130
78132
Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
See you in 2025 for your gardening needs! Thank you for making 2024 a wonderful season
956 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 • (830) 629-2401
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Community
BY ERIC WEILBACHER
Senior Living Guide
2024
Readers, welcome to your annual CI Senior Living Guide! This guide features the latest updates and resources on senior living options in New Braunfels. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists. In this year’s edition, we hear from the new director of the Comal County Senior Citizens Foundation (Page 28) and get to know the new director of the New Braunfels Public Library (Page 29). Our cover story explores the way local organizations such as the New Braunfels Food Bank and Meals on Wheels programs are stepping up to deal with rising demand for their services (Page 32).
Premium sponsor:
Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com
Hope Hospice & Palliative Care https://www.hopehospice.net/ 830 625 7525
Hope Hospice enriches our community by providing exceptional compassionate care, focusing on the quality of life when it matters most.
Sponsors:
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Local senior statistics
The senior population, which is 65 and older, in New Braunfels, Comal County and Guadalupe County overall increased from 2019 to 2023. The median age is highest in Comal County compared to both New Braunfels and the surrounding area.
Senior population changes
Demographics
New Braunfels
Guadalupe County
Comal County
5-year percentage change
Total population
Age 65 or older
40,000
Guadalupe County
Comal County
New Braunfels
+30.55%
35,000
15.26%
13.52%
19.03%
+24.17%
30,000
110,961 14,999
188,454 28,768
193,928 36,911
25,000
+17.15%
20,000
15,000
Median age
10,000
36.1
New Braunfels
5,000
38.1
Guadalupe County
0
2019
2021 2020
2022
2023
2019
2021 2020
2022
2023
2019
2021 2020
2022
2023
42.2
Comal County
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Community Senior living communities
Amenities: Restaurant style dining • 816 Everyday Way, Cibolo • www.civitasseniorliving.com/the-brooks-of-cibolo/
• 2022 Hwy. 46 W., New Braunfels • www.chaptersliving.com/new-braunfels
Types of communities
Independent-living communities cater to older adults with limited care needs. Most include amenities, such as fitness programs, housekeeping and communal meals. Assisted-living communities specialize in providing care and supervision. These facilities frequently offer a full range of amenities as well as limited medical assistance. Memory care facilities specialize in providing care to seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia and other cognitive issues. Staff members are trained to help residents manage these diseases. Hospice care is intended to relieve symptoms and suffering associated with a terminal illness in those who have been given six months or less to live. The patient must choose to forgo further curative treatment. Nursing home/skilled nursing facilities provide care to those with illnesses or mental conditions requiring full- time monitoring and medical care.
Colonial Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Type: Independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: 154
New Braunfels
Balcones Haus Type: Independent living Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Game room, meal program, library, elevator • 246 Loma Vista, New Braunfels • www.nationalchurchresidences.org/communities/ balcones-haus The Blake at New Braunfels Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care Opened: 2021 Total units: 111 Amenities: Bocce ball courts, theater room, fitness center and spa, chef prepared meals • 220 Creekside Crossing, New Braunfels • www.blakeliving.com/communities/new-braunfels Brookdale Senior Living Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Transportation services, beauty salon/ barbershop, therapy room, pet friendly, pub/sports bar
Amenities: Menu program, activity room • 821 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.slpoperations.com
Del Webb at Veramendi Type: Independent living Opened: Opening early 2025 Total units: 700 Amenities: Clubhouse, pickleball and bocce courts • Located on River Road, New Braunfels • www.delwebb.com EdenHill Communities Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, hospice care Opened: 1956 Total units: N/A Amenities: Heated saltwater pool, walking trails/nature area, salon and spa, art studio, transportation service • 631 Lakeview Blvd., New Braunfels • www.edenhill.org Élan Westpointe Type: Assisted living, memory care, independent living Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Outdoor courtyards, pet friendly, chef- prepared dining service • 2140 Independence Drive, New Braunfels • www.elanwestpointe.com
Canyon Lake
The Residence at Canyon Lake Type: Independent living Opened: 2020 Total units: 35 Amenities: 9-foot ceilings, community room • 1500 Island View, Canyon Lake • www.seldin.com/residenceatcanyonlake
• 2457 Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.brookdale.com/en.html
Cibolo
Chapters Living Type: Assisted living, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Salon/barbershop, activities
The Brooks of Cibolo Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: N/A
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CALL TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE MEDICARE PLAN REVIEW 210-460-2454 • 2090 N I-35, SUITE 4105 • medicaregalstx.com By appointment only We are independent brokers and represent the vast majority of all plans in Texas, however we do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do represent in your area. We are contracted with 9 different insurance companies. Please contact Medicare.gov or (800) MEDICARE to get information on all your options.
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BY THALIA GUZMAN & SHAHERYAR KHAN
Gruene Senior Living Type: Assisted living, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Transportation services, meal program, activities • 1820 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.grueneseniorliving.com
Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Theater room, game room, garden room, library and activity room • 2294 Common St., New Braunfels • www.rioterralife.com Sundance Inn Health Center Type: Hospice care, memory care, skilled nursing Amenities: Memory care private rooms • 2034 Sundance Parkway, New Braunfels • www.cantexcc.com/snf/sundance-inn-health-center Opened: 2019 Total units: 128
New Braunfels
Larkspur at Creekside Type: Independent living
Opened: 2022 Total units: 184 Amenities: Pickleball court, bocce ball, fitness and mind-body center
Vista Village Apartments Type: Independent living
• 2825 Sophie Lane, New Braunfels • www.larkspuratcreekside.com
Opened: 1987 Total units: 60 Amenities: Hair salon/barbershop, cable TV
Legend Oaks Healthcare and Rehabilitation Type: Skilled nursing Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: Activity room
• 264 Loma Vista St., New Braunfels • www.vistavillageapartments.com
Kirkwood Manor Nursing & Rehab Center Type: Skilled nursing, assisted living Opened: 1987 Total units: 162 Amenities: Activity room • 2590 Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.kirkwoodmanor.com
• 2468 FM 1101, New Braunfels • www.legendnewbraunfels.com
San Marcos
Kissing Tree Type: Independent living Opened: 2016 Total units: 3,000 homes Amenities: Golf course, hike and bike trails • 201 Kissing Tree Lane, San Marcos • www.kissingtree.com Villas del San Xavier Senior Residences Type: Independent living Opened: 2023 Total units: 156 Amenities: Clubhouse with coffee bar, access to public transportation • 140 Royale Senior Way, San Marcos • www.villasdelsanxavierseniorresidences.com This list is not comprehensive.
Oak Tree Assisted Living Type: Independent living, assisted living Opened: N/A Total units: 50 Amenities: Kitchenettes, large closets • 1750 W. Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.oaktreeassistedliving.com
The Oscar at Veramendi Type: Independent living, assisted living, memory care Opened: Opening fall 2025 Total units: 231 Amenities: Heated saltwater pool, memory programs and a variety of on-site dining options planned • 352 Borchers Blvd., New Braunfels • www.atlasseniorliving.com/the-oscar-at-veramendi Rio Terra Senior Living Type: Assisted living, memory care, independent living
New Braunfels and surrounding areas.
830.283.7433 newbraunfelsmobility.com Get a ride to your appointment, the store or anywhere in town. Wheelchair & Senior Transportation Get a ride to your appointment, the store or anywhere in New Braunfels & surrounding areas 830.283.7433 newbraunfelsmobility. Providing door to door private p concierge services
830.283.7433 • newbraunfelsmobility.com Providing door to door private pay concierge services
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