CITY& COUNTY
News from Comal County, Guadalupe County & New Braunfels
QUOTEOFNOTE “YOU’VE GOT TO
Headwatersat theComal awarded$1.2milliongrant
CONTINUE TO INVEST INYOURDOWNTOWN TO CONTINUE FOR IT TOBE VIBRANT. THIS IS ONE PIECE OF THAT PUZZLE.” ROBERT CAMARENO, NEW BRAUNFELS CITY MANAGER, ON THE PROPOSED PLAN TO PURCHASE THE DOWNTOWN UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD SITE NUMBER TOKNOW in additional revenue is expected to be generated for the Landa Park Aquatics complex after City Council on April 25 approved an ordinance to raise the cost of season passes by 20%, eective immediately. Rates to use the complex remained the same since 2014 while operating expenses for the facility have increased by 35%. $6,000 CITY HIGHLIGHTS COMAL COUNTY The Comal County Commissioners Court recognized April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month during an April 7 meeting. Representatives of the Crisis Center of Comal County and other area organizations provide support for survivors of sexual violence as well as prevention services and programs. NEWBRAUNFELS Just over one month after entering Stage 1 drought restrictions, the New Braunfels area New Braunfels City Council Meets May 9 and 23 at 6 p.m. at 550 Landa St., New Braunfels 830-221-4000 • www.nbtexas.org Comal County Commissioners Court Meets May 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 8:30 a.m. at 100 Main Plaza, New Braunfels 830-221-1100 • www.co.comal.tx.us MEETINGSWE COVER progressed to Stage 2 restrictions April 13, according to a press release from New Braunfels Utilities. Insucient rainfall, warmer-than- usual temperatures and increased demand for water have contributed to the need for additional restrictions, according to NBU. Residents are permitted to use sprinkler or irrigation systems one day a week, according to the last number in their home address. The use of hand-held hoses, buckets, soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems will be allowed on any day before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m.
BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
FUNDING PHASE 2
The Headwaters at the Comal is working to begin Phase 2 of its master redevelopment plan.
NEWBRAUNFELS The Headwaters at the Comal was awarded a $1.2 million grant from the New Braunfels Economic Development Corp. to be used in the construction of a facility that will house meeting and conference spaces. In 2014, New Braunfels Utilities adopted a multiphase master plan to redevelop its 16-acre property located at 333 E. Klingemann St., which later came to be known as The Headwaters at the Comal. The project is being completed in phases, according to city documents, and the $8.4 million Phase 1 was com- pleted in 2017. Phase 1 included a natural stormwater management system, restoration of riparian habitats, the construction of an amphitheater, walking trails, the Comal Springs overlook and retrotting an outdoor pavilion. The Headwaters is fundraising for Phase 2, which will construct the 6,400-square-foot Center at the Headwaters facility. The facility is expected to cost $8 million with an additional 20%-30% of construction cost increases anticipated over time for a total cost of $9.12 million- $9.68 million.
$5,596,000 construction $475,000 development costs $250,000 program costs
$1,279,000 design and contingency
$400,000 furniture, xtures, etc. $1,119,200-$1,678,800 anticipated cost increases
TOTAL COST: $9,119,200$9,678,800
SOURCES: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, NEW BRAUNFELS UTILITIES COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
NBU is expected to contribute $4 million to the proj- ect, and the community has contributed approximately $934,000 so far, according to city documents, leaving a funding gap of approximately $3.07 million. On March 31, the NBEDC held a public hearing and voted to recommend the $1.2 million grant for the Headwaters, bringing the project’s funding gap to $1.87 million.
Court approves allotting ARPA funds
City OKs additional 140 acres for Loan Oak FarmMUD
MAKING THEMUD A municipal utility district allows developers to nance the construction of infrastructure through taxes and fees.
BY JARRETT WHITENER
GUADALUPE COUNTY On April 5, the Guadalupe County Commissioners Court approved an order to request proposals for grant administration services. This allows the county to bid on professional third-party services in the allocation of American Rescue Plan Act funds. County Judge Kyle Kutscher said the county should receive $32.5 million. So far, about $1.9 million in funding was spent on essential employees at the Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, which assisted in treating COVID-19 patients.
Total MUD - 481.08 acres 2019: Lone Oak Farm MUD created covering 320.54 acres 2021: addition of 19.99 acres 2022: addition of 140.55 acres
BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
NEWBRAUNFELS During an April 11 meeting, New Braunfels City Council unanimously approved a request to add more than 140 acres to the existing Lone Oak FarmMunicipal Utility District. The property added to the MUD is located in the city’s extrater- ritorial jurisdiction. The land is positioned on the north side of FM 758, approximately 500 feet west of the intersection of Hwy. 123, according to city documents. A MUD is a political subdivision
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
that provides developers with alternate ways to nance infra- structure. It utilizes tax and fee revenue from properties located inside the MUD to repay develop- ment costs.
Rezoning postponed of about 10acres onBarbarosa
NEWBRAUNFELS Approval for a proposed rezoning of approximately 10.57 acres located near the intersection of Barbarosa Road and Alves Lane in New Braunfels BY LAUREN CANTERBERRY
was postponed by New Braunfels City Council on March 28 after residents surrounding the property voiced concerns. The property is zoned as an R-2 district, which allows for the construction
of single- and two-family dwellings. The property owners are seeking to rezone the land for a neighborhood business district that allows com- mercial properties, accord- ing to city documents.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION • MAY 2022
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