Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition | April 2025

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Northeast San Antonio

Metrocom Edition VOLUME 4, ISSUE 7 APRIL 12MAY 13, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

Schertz jump-starts Main Street revival

1 Beauty Room 2 Garcia Legal Team, PLLC 3 Americana Coee & Espresso Bar 4 No Mames Tacos 5 The Purple Pig BBQ

Businesses can qualify for dierent incentives if they reside within the Main Street incentive zone.

Main Street incentive area Main Street

3 4

6 Unied Jiu Jitsu 7 Melanie’s Cafe 8 Bar House

roadwork Qualifying businesses

6 22 28

9 Schertz Bank & Trust 10 Angela King Designs 11 Sue’s Stitch N’ Sew 12 Bar 1899 13 J’s Food Store 14 U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer 15 River City Pawn & Jewelry 16 Art Of Sewing 17 CIA (Colombo Insurance Agency) 18 Chrissy Rae’s Dance Academy 19 The Tarot Company 20 Main Street Thrift 21 Grey House Blooms 22 Creme de la Creme Massage Academy 23 Ultimate Auto Glass & Electronics 24 Main Street Garage

25 Alfonso’s Tire & Wheels 26 Randolph Field Realty Inc. 27 Las Pichanchas Cafe No. 2 28 Rustic Roots Salon

PHOTOS BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: CITY OF SCHERTZCOMMUNITY IMPACT

area includes a welcome monument on both east and west sides as well as decorative paneling. The two plans are working in tandem to bring Main Street up to speed alongside commercial growth in other sections of the city.

before moving onto street and aesthetics items. Main Street businesses are also along for the ride, gaining access to matching grant opportunities and other nancial incentives. Along with making Main Street functional with infrastructure, the planned beautication of the

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

A mission to bring back the commercial heart of Schertz has hit a pivotal point in 2025. Infrastructure work on the $26.8 million Schertz Main Street revitalization project will begin in the summer, replacing aging water and sewer lines

CONTINUED ON 14

Impacts Read about a locally owned beauty supply store now open in Cibolo

Page 4

Education Learn about why enrollment is declining in Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

Page 9

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

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Thomas Leer Maddy Morales Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers Alissa Foss Abigail Hines Sabrina Musachia Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Gonzalez Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Impacts

Garden Ridge

5 Jordan Ford Commercial Service Center The 50,000-square-foot commercial-focused facility— which broke ground Feb. 5—will have oversized service bays, at least five mobile service vans and extended hours. The new facility is planned to reduce vehicle downtime for commercial vehicles. • Opening fall 2025 • 13328 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak • www.jordanford.net 6 San Antonio Kidney The Nephrology and kidney transplant practice is opening a second location in Live Oak. San Antonio Kidney offers an array of chronic management kidney disease services such as dialysis preparation and management. • Opening July • 12602 Toepperwein Road, Ste. 208, Live Oak • www.sakidney.com 7 Boss Bagel The bagel shop—owned by Erik and Katie Yeargan— serves a variety of egg sandwiches, coffee and tea. Boss Bagel has two other San Antonio locations.

3009

CORRIDOR PKWY.

482

Selma

1103

1604

Cibolo

AGORA PKWY.

1518

Universal City

NORTHLAKE PASS

UNIVERSITY CITY BLVD.

Schertz

1518

Live Oak

• Opening August or September • 1838 Cibolo Valley Drive, Cibolo • www.bossbagel.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

8 My Urgent Care Clinic The clinic helps with broken bones, skin conditions, upper respiratory conditions, allergies and more. • Opening June • 3795 Roy Richard Drive, Ste. 101, Schertz • www.schertzurgentcaretx.com 9 VoidForm The building material supplier is relocating from 5813 Distribution, Ste. 110, San Antonio to 1500 Northlake Pass, Universal City, according to Regional Operations Manager Brandon Latko. The site is one of four Texas locations for the company. • Opening June or July • 1500 Northlake Pass, Universal City • www.voidform.com

Now open

Coming soon

1 Top Tier Hair & Beauty Supply The beauty supply store, which is locally owned by Tiffany Marin, sells standard wigs for men and women. Marin said they also sell medical grade wigs for clients who have lost their hair due to a medical condition. • Opened March 7 • 2451 FM 1103, Ste. 141, Cibolo • www.toptierhairbeautysupply.com 2 TruHaven Dental Center The practice, owned by Uzoma Obah, offers a variety of dental services, including routine exams and cleanings, pediatric dental care, fluoride treatments, cosmetic dentistry and periodontal therapy. • Opened March 5 • 8344 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak • www.truhavendental.com 1604

3 DXL In an email to Community Impact , DXL Brand Marketing Specialist Vegas Wernette said the anticipated opening date is still up in the air, but will be sometime in 2025. DXL sells shirts, pants, shorts, activewear and outerwear for big and tall men. • Opening TBD • 8352 Agora Parkway, Ste. 140, Selma • www.dxl.com 4 Andy’s Frozen Custard The shop serves vanilla and chocolate frozen custard with various toppings. The business also sells malts, shakes, floats, Zarlengo’s Italian ice and soft drinks. • Opening late 2025 • 933 Cibolo Valley Drive, Cibolo • www.eatandys.com 10

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• www.abelsdiner.com

Relocations

Coming soon

13 Canyon Cleaners Locally owned by Carmelo Rivas, Canyon Cleaners will celebrate its 15-year anniversary in July. Canyon Cleaners offers dry cleaning services, shirt pressing and comforter cleaning. • 17323 I-35 N. frontage road, Ste. 103, Schertz • 210-651-0848 14 Bahama Buck’s The Universal City location changed ownership from Trisha and Mark Sims to Tiffany and Kai Mayne on March 1. The Mayne’s also operate the New Braunfels location. Bahama Buck’s serves a wide range of snow cones, smoothies and Red Bull infusions. • 2310 Pat Booker Road, Universal City • www.bahamabucks.com 15 The Village Florist The floral shop—owned by April Wapniewski— celebrated its 20-year anniversary on April 1. The Village Florist sells floral arrangements for anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and more. • 12315 Judson Road, Ste. 308, Live Oak • www.thevillagefloristtx.com

10 Alamo Ranch Cabinets The location for cabinets, kitchen countertops and other fixtures relocated from its Live Oak location at 8330 Pat Booker Road to Converse on March 31. • Relocated March 31 • 8330 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak • 210-357-5357T

In the news

11 Terrific Massage & Wellness Spa The business—which specializes in massage therapy and spa services—celebrated its five-year anniversary in December. Terrific Massage is owned by April and Jesse Martinez.

16 Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle spokesperson Annie Gradinger said the Schertz location is slated to open in winter 2025. Chipotle sells Mexican-inspired food, including customizable burritos, bowls, salads and tacos. • Opening winter 2025 • I-35 and Cibolo Valley Drive, Schertz • www.chipotle.com

• 17319 I-35, Ste. 303, Schertz • www.terrificmassage.com

12 Abel’s Diner The diner changed ownership in January. Abel’s Diner—which was previously owned by Abel Gomez—is now owned by Lourdes Jimenez. Abel’s Diner offers breakfast, sandwiches and soups. • 17327 I-35 N. frontage road, Ste. 200, Schertz

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY THOMAS LEFFLER & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Live Oak receives facility recommendations Live Oak City Council discussed the replace- ment of nine city facilities on March 25 following a 2024 Facilities Improvement Master Plan presentation. Some background The purpose of the plan is to develop a guiding document for current and future utilization and assess and provide for individual departmental needs, according to agenda documents. Huitt-Zollars—the engineering consultant on the project—put together a summary assessing the repair cost, replacement value and current conditions of several buildings and provided recommendations. The fire department was not included in the facilities assessment summary, agenda documents note. Assessing the need The plan proposes construction of a new 22,440-square-foot city hall facility with 209 additional parking spaces. This proposed, project would allow for anticipated staff growth and feature two dedicated areas for public hearings and a large break room. Also being proposed is a

Upgrades coming to Olympia Hills golf course Improvements could be on the horizon for Universal City’s Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center following a March 20 presentation. The details To make play more accessible to golfers, Richard Singer, senior director of consulting services with the National Golf Foundation, said the city could consider enlarging tee areas, adding a new forward tee and widening narrow holes on the golf course. Looking ahead City Manager Kim Turner said the next step is for city staff to put together a work matrix and cost estimates for implementations of items in the report.

Projected costs for facility recommendations

City Hall & Administration

$17,267,613.40

Community Building

$1,811,547.30

Public Works Administration Animal Control

$500,000

$3,111,256

Public Works Equipment Storage

$975,000

Public Works Maintenance Shop

$5,649,617

Utilities Shop & Storage

$1,664,032

Public Works & Police Storage

$1,560,000

SOURCE: CITY OF LIVE OAK/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Cibolo City Council terminates city attorney, appoints interim firm Cibolo City Council voted to terminate its city attorney, George Hyde with Hyde Kelley LLP, during a March 11 City Council meeting. How we got here During a Feb. 11 City Council meeting a motion to remove and terminate Hyde failed in a split vote. Mayor Mark Allen and council members Randy Roberts, Jeff McGlothin and Robert Mahoney were the four dissenting votes. Council members Joel Hicks, Katie Cunningham and Norma Sanchez-Stephens argued that the mayor could not vote per the city’s charter, but the mayor said he could vote on all matters subject to the city attorney. Following the motion, the dais directed its city manager to hire a third-party attorney to 2,680-square-foot Community Building, which would be located at the current Live Oak City Hall. The plan found that the 5,500 square-foot Public Works Administration building will need to be about 8,500 square feet in 20 years. The recom- mendation was to maintain and repair the existing building, relocate Public Works Administration to a new or renovated city hall and renovate the current building to meet Public Works needs, according to agenda documents. Proposed renovations for the animal control department include a lobby separation with controlled access.

Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center

1518

1604

Universal City renames park

review and interpret the city charter to see if the mayor was able to vote on matters related to the city attorney, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . What happened Following the council’s motion to waive its attorney-client privileges, Community Impact reached out to the city to get a copy of the third party legal opinion requested by council in February. In its opinion, the third party law firm—Messer Fort—found that the mayor could not vote on any matter including removal of the city attorney absent a tie vote. Following Hyde’s termination, the dais appointed the Denton Navarro Rodriguez Bernal Santee & Zech law firm. What’s next The city of Cibolo has since published a Request for Proposals for attorney services.

Universal City City Council approved the renaming of the Cimarron Park and Club- house, located at 368 Wagon Crossing, to Neville Park and Clubhouse on March 4. The details The park is being named after Richard “Dick” Neville who served as a City Council member for 26 years. City staff is working to get new signage as well as a dedication plaque for the building, City Manager Kim Turner said in an email to Community Impact .

WAGON CROSSING

NEVILLE PARK & CLUBHOUSE

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Cibolo Senior Program to relocate

New facility vs. former facility Facility Space

Occupancy

300 for standing and chair only, 155 with tables and chairs, using foyer would increase to 181 232 for standing and with chairs only, not counting kitchen, 108 with tables and chairs

Grange Hall

Noble Event Center facility

1103

5,432 sq. ft.

Noble Event Center facility

Grange Hall

1,625 sq. ft.

The Noble Group Event Center facility, located at 203 S. Main St., Cibolo, will soon be home to the Cibolo Senior Program and Human Resources department, according to a presentation given to Cibolo City Council on March 11. Some background The city spent approximately $2.01 million to acquire the property, according to the presenta- tion. The city closed on the property in August, City Manager Wayne Reed said. The details The Cibolo Senior Program—which launched in January 2022—is a membership-based program

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

designed to enrich the minds and bodies of seniors through social engagement, community involve- ment, and activities like bingo and chair volleyball, according to the city’s website. However, the program has since outgrown its current space at Grange Hall, located at 413 N. Main St., Reed said. By moving the Cibolo Senior Program to the Noble Group Event Center facility, seniors will have access to a full kitchen equipped with appli- ances and access to chairs and tables. Reed said the move will allow more seniors in the community to participate in the senior

program. The center will also provide additional office and storage space to the city. “By bringing them into this facility, they have a larger space, a better kitchen area, more storage and we just think it’s the right time for them to expand,” Reed told Community Impact. Next steps Cibolo City Council will select a new name for the facility and discuss rental policies and fees at a future meeting.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

SCUCISD considers future needs ahead of bond planning Athletic Director Scott Lehnhoff said Lehnhoff Stadium needs more separation between spec- tators, participants and officials; added security fencing; and turf replacement and installation. Lehnhoff said they need a multipurpose activity center with a shaded area to keep student-athletes cool. For specific sports, he also brought up the possibility of a dedicated wrestling facility. Looking ahead Fine Arts Athletics Clemens High School $1.6M Steele High School $6.8M

SCUCISD department project early estimates

Despite present challenges in enrollment, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD is making future plans for its facilities and programs to better serve students. Department heads of the district’s operations, athletics, fine arts, Career Technical Education and technology presented longterm project needs during a Community Advisory Committee workshop March 12. Some details Director of Fine Arts Beth Bronk’s presentation focused on needs for Byron P. Steele II and Samuel Clemens high schools, including adding marching band towers for both campuses and repaving the parking lot at Clemens. Bronk said they need band equipment trailers to store equipment and uniforms and refinishing for the auditorium floor at Steele. Across the dis- trict, instrument, sound system and LED lighting replacements were also cited as a need.

$28.4M

Chief Operations Officer JD Mosley told Com- munity Impact that monetary figures presented by departments are intended to give trustees an idea of potential costs associated with various projects. Superintendent Paige Meloni said the district is currently accepting proposals from consultants to help with the bond planning process going into the fall. Communications on the district’s Bond Plan- ning Committee can be expected in May or June.

$22M

Corbett Junior High School $6.1M $4M Dobie Junior High School $6.2M $11.2M Intermediate Schools $5.1M $3.3M

SOURCE: SCHERTZ-CIBOLO-UNIVERSAL CITY ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

GET THE FACTS Let’s get real about vaccines

We understand that keeping your child safe is your top priority. Vaccines are safe and teach your child’s immune system to recognize organisms that can cause harm. Vaccines can help protect your child from serious disease or even death.

For more information, visit SA.gov/Health

Scan the QR to find the nearest pop-up clinic near you.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD enrollment is projected to continue to decline over the next decade, data shows. The district’s Community Advisory Committee received a report on district demographics from Bob Templeton, Zonda Edu- cation’s vice president of school district segment, who provided statistics on student enrollment on March 20. The overview Overall, district enrollment decreased by 1.3% in the 2024- 25 school year, which can be attributed to outgoing 12th grad- ers and incoming kindergartners, SCUCISD enrollment on the decline

Templeton said. In 2023-24, there were 1,286 12th graders in the district, compared to 737 kinder- gartners coming into SCUCISD in 2024-25. “That’s what causes this anom- aly ... You think, well we should be growing 200 kids, but then you have to factor in the mobility and the aging up and the advancing of grade levels,” Templeton said. Kindergarten enrollment has been on the downswing this decade, with the 2024-25 enroll- ment down over 300 from the 2019-20 school year. The ratio of kindergarten enrollment to district births is also at its lowest point in over a decade at about 0.81. Enrollment at nearby charter schools has been “siphoning off a share” of kindergarten enroll- ment, with the “charter erosion” factor also hurting many districts throughout the area, Templeton said.

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SCUCISD enrollment projections

Number of students

15,146

DR. PHALLON DOSS

15.5K

13,677

14.3K

13.1K

THE DOSS AUDIOLOGY TEAM

SOURCE: ZONDA EDUCATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Construction is nearing an endpoint for Judson ISD’s newest schools: Selma Elementary School and Cibolo Creek Middle School. The details Both campuses, funded by the district’s 2022 bond, are slated to be completed this summer, 2 campuses set for summer completion

Selma Elementary School

N. EVANS RD.

RETAMA PKWY.

Cibolo Creek Middle School

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according to a construction bond report presented to the Judson ISD board of trustees on March 20.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Election

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election Day

Residents in Bexar, Comal and Guadalupe counties can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. A full list of polling locations can be found at https://www.bexar.org/1568/Elections-Department, https://www.guadalupetx.gov/ page/elections.home and https://www.co.comal.tx.us/elections.htm.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY : *Incumbent

*THE THREE CANDIDATES WITH THE MOST VOTES WILL BE SWORN IN AFTER ELECTION. THERE WILL BE NO RUN-OFF.

Universal City Council, at large*

What are your top 3 priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

How do you handle differing priorities within the community?

Christina Fitzpatrick* Occupation & experience: City Council 1 term, Economic Development Director 2 terms, planning and zoning 2 terms, Project Manager fitzpatrickforuc.com Ashton Bulman* Occupation & experience: 2 years on City Council, volunteer for several events and charities in UC, homeschool mom PinkforUC.com

I will ensure priorities align with our city’s new comprehensive plan while enhancing city services. I listen to all perspectives, consider long-term benefits and make balanced decisions that serve the greater good rather than just individual interests. My goal is to foster unity and sustainable growth for our city.

Using our new comprehensive plan to guide votes, enhancing city services for residents and businesses and implementing long-term economic strategies to maintain low property taxes while preserving our community’s unique character. These initiatives will ensure sustainable growth, improved quality of life and a thriving future for our city.

When handling competing priorities, I decide based on my values of maximizing the freedom of our residents and businesses.

Lower taxes, keep unnecessary spending to a minimum and fight for less restrictive ordinances and permits.

Bear Goolsby* Occupation & experience: Local business owner, resident 25+ years, member of the UC Economic Development Corporation, served 10 years on UC City Council bgoolsby@powersgoolsby.com

I try to find a middle ground, or a way for one to help foster the other.

1. I would like to see our comprehensive plan adopted and moved forward. 2. I hope to see a resolution to how the golf course and conference center is utilized for the community. 3. To see UC continue with the directed growth we’ve experienced over the last few years to help reduce the tax burden.

Patrick Day Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KEY: *Incumbent

Live Oak City Council, Place 3

Alexandra McPherson Occupation & experience: 10+ years in health care, transportation, and oil/gas to responsibly address community needs. Sr. Business Analyst, SFDC https://m.facebook.com/voteformcpherson/ 210-331-1391

Erin Pérez* Occupation & experience: Two terms on City Council, chair for Texas PCIAC, full-time board-certied adult and geriatric nurse practitioner www.facebook.com/erinperez4liveoak2021 210-343-2175

Why are you running?

I’d like to run for Live Oak City Council to use my 10+ years of experience in health care, transportation, and oil/gas while helping current initiatives that positively impact our seniors, children, and residents.

I am honored and blessed to serve our premier city of Live Oak over the last two terms. As a 12th generation Texan, Live Oak resident since 2009, we have worked together with integrity and transparency to modernize and innovate our strategic goals to be congruent with our live, learn...

What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it? The education is the most pressing issue. I will lobby for more funding and resources that encourage support for our local schools aligned with current council initiatives.

Access to health care, property taxes and the economy. I continue to collaborate, partner and advocate in the local, regional, state and federal arenas to let our Live Oak constituent voices be heard, counted and acknowledged.

If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?

I will foster sustainable growth in Live Oak by having education and transportation planning integrated in addition to supporting current council initiatives that satisfy the community’s needs.

I will continue to partner and collaborate with all our local, regional, state and federal leaders to provide eective due diligence with risk vs. benets and alternatives analysis as we seek to modernize and innovate strategic goals to meet the needs of today and tomorrow for each intervention considered.

Selma City Council. Place 6

Kenneth Polasek* Occupation & experience: 10 year tenure as Selma City Council member, President of Retama Development Corporation, resident of Selma for 13 years, retired Air Force Veteran of 24 years. Program Manager 361-537-8810

Tacora Mitchell Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Why are you running?

What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it? Listening, hearing and addressing the issues of our citizens. We have an active community with lots of great ideas for improved safety and quality of life. We as council need to be open and proactive in the development of plans and budgets to address these ideas. Proud of my 10 year tenure and positive relationship with city sta, the mayor and other council members in all that we have accomplished for the citizens of Selma. I want to continue the momentum in city infrastructure and quality of life enhancements for the next two years.

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

If elected, how do you plan to address future growth?

For the future one must plan now so not to be reactive but proactive. On council, I put into place multiple master plans for roads, infrastructure, trails and soon city parks. These plans allow resources to be available at the right time to incorporate growth and future expansion smartly.

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Election

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

What are your top 3 priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

What challenges do you think the district is currently facing, and what is your plan to address those? JISD faces budget limitations and workforce retention issues. I plan to engage with stakeholders to address resource gaps and prioritize funding for essential programs, fostering collaboration within the community.

Judson ISD, District 2

1. Enhance social-emotional support 2. Implement resources to improve literacy. 3. Strengthen the budget to improve retention.

Monique Robinson Occupation & experience: 15 years in the classroom, 5 years in administration, and 6 years as a nonprot ... Educator/entrepreneur/

nonprot founder/author www.robinson4judson.com

Invest in our teachers—Oer competitive pay and resources to attract and retain top educators. Ensure safety and security in our schools. Protecting students, teachers, and sta to promote a positive learning environment. Prioritize classroom funding. Allocate resources directly to the classrooms for student needs.

Low test scores—Addressing disparities in student performance across all demographics through targeted interventions and support systems. Transparency—Involve teachers, parents, and the community in decision making. Sta satisfaction— Promote an environment where sta are comfortable reporting issues and do no fear retaliation.

Stephanie Jones Occupation & experience: PTO board member, school volunteer, mom to students in Judson, 19 years customer service experience. Customer service appeals advocate for major health insurance carrier www.facebook.com/share/1hplr21kt4

Judson ISD, District 3

These are the challenges that I think the district is facing, our students’ performance is lower compared to other districts and bad behavior, specically, bullying is not properly addressed, teachers and sta retention and the budget decit. I will advocate for meaningful disciplinary measures and discuss how to handle students...

1. Students-Improve students’ performance leading to their success, bully free and safe environment for them as well 2. Teachers-To retain strong and great teachers, provide the resources they need to be successful in teaching the kids, have a safe environment for them as well 3. Budget-To balance…

Lesley Lee Occupation & experience: I’m a Judson ISD parent, PTO Treasurer, active parent volunteer. Full time mom/housewife

www.facebook.com/ share/16ccg2m4dh

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Christopher Anderson Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

Maundy Thursday April 17 6.00pm Maundy Thursday Service Good Friday April 18 7:00am - 7:00pm Stations of the Cross Come and go as you please Easter Sunday April 20 7:00am “Son”Rise Service 8:00am Continental Breakfast 9:00am Traditional Service 10:15am Bible Study 10:15am Children’s Easter Egg Hunt 11:30am Contemporary Service

YOU ARE INVITED Holy Week at Cibolo Valley Baptist Church

5500 FM 1103 Schertz, Texas

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

KEY: *Incumbent

What are your top three priorities that you would like to achieve if elected?

What challenges do you think the district is currently facing, and what is your plan to address those? One of the biggest challenges facing our district is the rapid increase of students categorized as economically disadvantaged. Our strategies must incorporate pathways of support in areas of academic readiness, parent engagement, mentorship, and collaborations with nonprofits.

Judson ISD, District 4

Support educational achievement in Judson ISD without diminishing our ability to provide basic educational services. Address barriers to student success in the classroom by addressing the whole student, ranging from social emotional support to increasing academic resources. Increasing Early College and dual credit programming as well as STEM related programming. Student success. Stronger teacher support leads to better reading and overall academic achievement. 2. Teachers and staff. Providing resources and appreciation supports all staff so they can do their job effectively. 3. Transparency and accountability. I will advocate for clear communication and responsible decisions district wide.

José A. Macias Jr.* Occupation & experience: Served 4 terms as a Judson ISD trustee and as an Alamo College District trustee (2019-2020). Executive director, UNITY37 Coalition www.macias4judson.com Bianca Hulsey Occupation & experience: Advocate, JISD Special Education Parent Advisory Committee founder, district volunteer, former substitute, parent, Retail www.facebook.com/share/19YH6diEhT

Reading gaps affect all subjects; early intervention is crucial. Bullying/discipline has been detected. I will further investigate and build up each campus’ anti-bullying committees. Special populations are growing. I propose a district-wide subcommittee of educators and paras to address classroom needs and will promote SEPAC for greater engagement.

Judson ISD, District 5

If elected to the Judson ISD board, my top priorities are: 1. Supporting teachers by advocating for resources, professional development and competitive compensation 2. Promoting transparency through open communication and accountability to build community trust. 3. Ensuring responsible budget management to prioritize student success while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Our biggest challenges are low test scores, a shrinking budget and declining teacher satisfaction. I will focus on strategic budgeting, supporting teachers, enhancing academic resources and promoting transparency to improve outcomes, restore stability and build trust within our community.

Amanda Poteet Occupation & experience: former HR professional with expertise in people management and conflict resolution, now a dedicated stay-at-home… www.facebook.com/poteet4jisd/

Candidate did not respond to the questionnaire before press time.

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Schertz jump-starts Main Street revival From the cover

The overview

The timeline

August 2022

Schertz City Council approves $3.5 million in certificates of obligation for Main Street improvements. The city of Schertz creates an empowerment zone for the Main Street area.

The Main Street incentive area stretches from Curtiss Avenue to Schertz Parkway, with the city using it to stimulate business and commercial activities. The area encompasses programs like the Local Flavor Economic Development Program and the Preservation Incentive Program. The city began investing more into Main Street in 2022, when Schertz City Council approved $3.5 million in certificates of obligation for Main Street improvements. Certificates of obligation are funding for public works projects that do not require voter approval. In August 2022, the city created an empowerment zone for the area, waiving certain fees associated with startup business costs. In September 2022, council approved Kimley- Horn Associates Inc. for work and design services on infrastructure improvements. Kimley- Horn presented the city with a preliminary engineering design concept for street and utility work in January 2024. The refined design concept Kimley-Horn brought forth added items like maximizing street

drainage and proposed bulb-outs at Randolph Avenue and Williams Street intersections. A bulb-out is better known as a curb extension, a narrowing of the roadway to create a safer environment for pedestrians. Schertz’s Main Street is also welcoming more businesses into the area with spots like Americana Coffee & Espresso Bar and The Purple Pig BBQ, which opened in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Other businesses that joined Main Street’s portfolio include Unified Jiu Jitsu and No Mames Tacos, which opened in 2024. Demetric Herron, co-owner of The Purple Pig BBQ, has been in business with the restaurant since 2021 after operating a successful food truck on Main Street. Herron said he wants to bring a “hometown niche” and feels the city’s plan echoes this. “I think it’ll give back that hometown feel to the community, where people [are] able to walk and shop and do things like that,” Herron said.

September 2022

Schertz City Council approves Kimley- Horn Associates Inc. for work and design services on Main Street.

November 2022

Schertz City Council amends the Main Street Area Preservation Incentive Program.

January 2024

Kimley-Horn Associates provides preliminary engineering design concept for street and utility work.

Mid-2025

Design work finishes on overhead line replacements; sewer and waterline construction begins.

Fall 2027

Main Street improvements expected to be completed.

SOURCE: CITY OF SCHERTZ/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Explained

The impact

and outdoor settings, and a signage improvement grant for both new signs and renovation of existing ones. The Preservation Incentive Program is another incentive that matches funds up to $20,000 per property for renovations to existing historic structures. Deputy City Manager Brian James said this program is for longtime businesses to cover upkeep expenses. “We want to make sure that we don’t lose structures to neglect,” James said.

Coupled with its Main Street Improvements Project, council member Tim Brown said the city of Schertz is also providing economic incentives to bring businesses into the area. One of the financial tools available to businesses is the Local Flavor Economic Development Program, which provides a dollar-for-dollar match on grants up to $40,000 over a five-year period. Grants available through the program include a systems grant for infrastructure improvements, a site improvement grant for items like landscaping

About 20 properties have taken advantage of the different grant types offered from the Preservation Incentive Program, James said. Council member Brown added that there is nothing in big amounts, just funding to encourage businesses to stay viable. The grant programs are working alongside the Main Street Neighborhood Empow- erment Zone to waive fees for businesses coming into the area. Scott Wayman, Schertz Economic Development Corporation executive director, said his organization also assists in the fee-waiving process.

Grants available through city of Schertz economic programs

Grant type

Items included

Max amount matched by city

Costs associated with actual construction of structure Landscaping, lighting, sidewalks, driveways, outdoor areas

New construction

$60,000

Fueling Main Street revitalization

Site improvement

$20,000

50 grants awarded to businesses

Preservation Incentive Program Renovations to existing historic structures

$20,000

20 properties have received grants from the city $75K given by the city via the Preservation Incentive Program $200K provided by the city via the Local Flavor Economic Development Program

Facade improvement

Painting, roof, windows, foundation, wall repairs

$20,000

Systems

Wiring, plumbing, HVAC, insulation

$15,000

Signage improvement

New signs, renovation of existing signs

$5,000

Capital equipment

Durable items used to produce goods or services

$2,500

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Breaking down the cost

Digging deeper

In their own words

Project construction: $24.6M Project design: $2.17M

City officials told Community Impact that Main Street has been a discussion point for many years, with the infrastructure and incentives giv- ing entrepreneurs a better space to operate their businesses. Brian James said development off FM 3009 and I-35 are “typical development” as opposed to Main Street ideally being something with “that unique Schertz character to it.” The city’s Main Street Improvements Project— which is slated to be completed by fall 2027—is also working in tandem with the aforementioned grant programs to encourage economic growth. Assistant City Engineer John Nowak said aging water and sanitary sewer lines will be replaced, and additional sidewalks will improve pedestrian safety downtown. The electrical provider on the project—Guada- lupe Valley Electric Cooperative—will also make overhead line replacements and upgrades along Exchange Avenue this summer. The $26.8 million project is currently in its design phase. Upon 60%

I think that’s the intent for us, is to make that area around Main Street something that we can be very proud of, and people will want to come and

Total $26.8M

they’ll want to hang out. SCOTT WAYMAN, SCHERTZ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

completion, the city will be able to finalize its water and sewer line replacement plans. The design of the project will cost approxi- mately $2.17 million and construction is antici- pated to cost $24.6 million. Nowak said drivers will begin to see construc- tion on the sewer and water lines this summer. After the sewer and water line replacement phase, the city will turn to a full depth recon- struction from Lindbergh Avenue to Schertz Parkway, including adding new curbs and maximizing street drainage.

We want to make sure

that we phase it in a way that we’re able to minimize the impact on those businesses. BRIAN JAMES, SCHERTZ DEPUTY CITY MANAGER

33rd Annual New Braunfels Area Car Club SWAP MEET Free to Public • No Dogs Please

April 18, 19, and 20th

www.newbraunfelsareacarclub.com Comal County Fair Grounds – 801 E. Common St.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Transportation

Events

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Construction begins at East Langley boulevard Construction is now underway in Universal City to rebuild National and East Langley boulevards. The details As previously reported by Community Impact , the total cost of the project is roughly $2.94 million. The work consists of removing existing pavement on East Langley from Pat Booker Road to the intersection of East Langley and National, then rebuilding the pavement along with new curb, gutter and driveway approaches. Other parts of the project include utility manhole and valve adjustments, as well as a new 10-foot drainage inlet structure connecting to the existing National Boulevard drainage system. Public Works Director Randy Luensmann said the project is broken down into four phases. The first, currently underway, will be on National

Road, Universal City • www.kheventcenter.com/3riple2oublesa

April

CUT OFF PARK

1518

Military and Family Fun Trivia Night Gather family and friends to form teams and compete in a trivia challenge that spans a range of topics, from military history and pop culture to family-friendly fun facts. • April 17, 5:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • Dobie Junior High, 395 W. Borgfeld Road, Cibolo • www.scucisd.org/o/dobie Universal City Easter Egg Hunt The Universal City Egg Hunt is a morning of free activities and a chance to take photos with the Easter Bunny.

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Fiesta Fun with Flowers Floral Class Unleash creativity and learn how to create floral arrangements with a Fiesta twist. • April 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m. • $65 per person (ages 13+) • North Center, 3501 Morning Drive, Schertz • www.schertz.com/recreation Fiesta San Antonio Events include the annual Fiesta Carnival, as well as food tastings, flower shows and live music.

1960

249

I-10 widening project nears completion Work to widen I-10 at the Bexar/Guada- lupe County Line in Schertz is slated to be completed Sept. 9, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. What’s happening? Construction began in January 2021. Approximately 5 miles of I-10 will be widened, according to Zachry Construction Corporation, with the highway expanding to three lanes in each direction.

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• April 24-May 4 • Free (admission) • San Antonio • www.fiestasanantonio.org

22nd Annual Live Oak Summer Open Disc Golf Tournament The longest running disc golf tournament in the San Antonio area returns, with 300-plus players expected. The event is classified as an A-Tier event by the Professional Disc Golf Association. • May 2-May 4 • $70-$110 (registration) • Joe Painter Hilltop Disc Golf Course, 7901 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak; Lakeside Disc Golf Course, 7860 Lazy Forest Drive, Live Oak • www.discgolfscene.com

• April 19, 9-11 a.m. • Free (admission)

Boulevard from Pat Booker Road to Trudy Lane. A subsequent phase will work on National Boulevard from Trudy Lane to East Langley Boulevard, including the National Boulevard “knuckle” extending into a residential area on the northern side of the road.

• Red Horse Park, 1100 North Blvd., Universal City • www.universalcitytexas.gov/864/Easter-Egg-Hunt

Murder Mystery Party-Murder at the Grand Gatsby Attendees will play a role from the 1920s Chicago mob scene. Dinner will be provided.

Southern Soul Comedy Jam The event features a night of stand-up comedy and singing performances by several Southern soul singers. • April 19, 8-11:30 p.m. • Tickets $30-$40 • Triple Double Lounge & Cigar Patio, 310 Kitty Hawk

• April 25, 7 p.m. • $40 (ages 18+)

• North Center, 3501 Morning Drive, Schertz • www.schertz.com/calendar.aspx?EID=6569

LIVE OAK 14623 IH-35 N (210) 651-1911

RECTOR 819 E Rector Dr (210) 340-2244

LEGACY 2003 N Loop 1604 E (210) 494-8600

STONE OAK 23026 US Hwy 281 N (210) 497-1322

Business

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Ghoulish Books is owned by husband and wife duo Max and Lori Booth.

Ghoulish Books sells horror ctions novels.

PHOTOS BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Ghoulish Books specializes in horror ction in Selma Owners Max and Lori Booth began operating a publishing company—Ghoulish Books—out of their kitchen in 2012, before opening as a bookstore at 9330 Corporate Drive, Ste. 702, Selma in April 2023. The details The location was previously home to Cibolo specializes in horror ction, Lori Booth said. “We stock the type of indie books that you won’t nd in a typical Barnes & Noble,” Max Booth added. Ghoulish Books—which also accepts used

The indie bookstore opened its storefront in April 2023.

book donations—continues to operate as an indie publisher. Although they do not open for book submissions very often, Lori Booth’s advice to writers who do want to publish something is to get familiar with what they do publish and then watch to see when they open for manuscripts. What else? The book shop attends San Antonio’s annual Ghoulish Book Festival. On the last Saturday of every month, Ghoulish Books hosts a free, secret movie night, Max Booth said.

Chicks Bookstore, which closed in February 2023. Max Booth said they had always wanted to open a book shop and that he knew one of the co-owners. “Since this already had some reputation as a book shop, we just decided let’s just also do that as well,” Max Booth said. What’s special about it? Ghoulish Books is the only local bookstore that

9330 Corporate Drive, Ste. 702, Selma www.ghoulish.rip

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