Northeast San Antonio Metrocom | December 2025

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Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition VOLUME 5, ISSUE 3 DEC. 12JAN. 15, 2026

Shaping Schertz New retail hub adding national favorites along I35

INSIDE

Schertz Station, located o I35 North and Cibolo Valley Drive, opened its rst restaurant in October. Panera Bread, The Home Depot and more will look to shake up the city’s retail scene.

COURTESY MERIT CRE

Also in this issue

Impacts: Read about a 46,000-square-foot pickleball facility opening in Schertz (Page 4)

Government: Learn about the approval of a $32.5 million economic incentive for an unnamed Fortune 500 company in Cibolo (Page 6)

Education: Check out what Northeast Lakeview College’s newly opened veteran student support center has to oer (Page 11)

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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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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Impacts

• Opened Nov. 5 • 1 Retama Parkway, Ste. 100, Selma • www.thehitchingpostselma.com

482

3009

5 Energy Island Healthy Tea and Shake Shop The shop—owned by husband-and-wife duo Randy and Trisha Gentry—offers specialty protein shakes and energy teas. • Opened. Nov. 6 • 1420 Schertz Parkway, Ste. 240, Schertz • Facebook: Energy Island Healthy Tea and Shake Shop

Selma

2252

1103

1604

RETAMA PKWY.

Coming soon

Cibolo

1518

6 Dave’s Hot Chicken The restaurant serves signature items such as hot chicken tenders and slider sandwiches, along with sides

UNIVERSAL CITY BLVD.

Universal City

like loaded fries. • Opening Dec. 12 • 18476 I-35 N., Schertz • www.daveshotchicken.com

Live Oak

1518

NORTHLAKE PASS

7 Smoothie King Opening inside the Schertz Station development, the eatery will serve fruit smoothies and food items like loaded toast. • Opening late December • 18476 I-35 N., Ste. 300, Schertz • www.smoothieking.com 8 The Picklr This new, 46,000-square-foot pickleball facility will feature 13 indoor courts, a pro shop, tournaments,

Schertz

1976

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened Oct. 3 • 6831 N. Loop 1604 E., San Antonio • www.eastbluesushi.com 10

1604

Now open

1 Grill House Burgers This eatery serves hamburgers, sandwiches, cheesesteaks, wraps, salad bowls and chicken wings, plus milkshakes and soft serve ice cream. • Opened Sept. 15 • 3142 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 150, Universal City • www.grillhouseburger.com 2 East Blue Sushi The restaurant has an all-you-can-eat sushi bar, featuring a wide selection of specialty rolls, tempura options and more.

locker rooms and more. • Opening early January • 7517 Loop 1604, Ste. 35, Live Oak • www.thepicklr.com/location/live-oak

3 Vertex Chiropractic The clinic—locally owned by licensed chiropractor Jorge Ayala—focuses on pain reduction and mobility therapy. • Opened Nov. 3 • 19115 FM 2252, Ste. 8, San Antonio • www.vertexchirotx.com 4 The Hitching Post The new restaurant at Retama Park serves a selection of wings, sandwiches, burgers, salads and desserts, plus a cocktail menu.

Relocations

9 FarrWest Specialty Vehicles Previously located in Schertz, the emergency vehicle outfitter centralized its operations at its headquarters. • Relocated Sept. 22

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In the news

10 Yellow Rose Candle Co. The candle shop—owned by Kristina Knapp—sells Texas- themed WoodWick candles and has relocated from 203 Rawe Ave. in Cibolo. • Relocated Nov. 1 • 209 S. Main St., Cibolo • www.yellowrosecandle.com

12 Revolution Church This local church broke ground on a new location on Oct. 12. They hold services weekly on Saturdays and Sundays.

• Opening December 2026 • 4567 FM 3009, Schertz • www.revyourlife.com

Expansions

13 Technos, Inc. The local fan manufacturer and repair service is celebrating its 45th anniversary serving the community this year.

Waymo This self-driving car business is expanding into the San Antonio metro area, offering rideshare services and more. • Expanded Nov. 18 • Serving San Antonio, surrounding areas • www.waymo.com 11 Rio Nail Bar & Lashes The local nail salon is expanding and getting upgraded equipment, offering traditional salon services, from manicures to pedicures. • Estimated completion late 2025 • 917 Roy Richard Drive, Ste. 200, Schertz

• 7016 FM 3009, Schertz • www.technosfans.com

15 Take A Break Rebranding from Kung Fu Tea, the shop offers milk teas, specialty coffees and baked goods. • Rebranded early November • 3126 Pat Booker Road, Ste. 108, Universal City • www.takeabreaktx.com

Closings

14 Triple Shot Coffee The shop—owned by Debbie De La Cruz—closed due to road construction and lack of customer traffic. • Closed Sept. 7 • 18817 FM 2252, San Antonio

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

The city of Cibolo is in the final stages of potentially landing a major economic driver. Cibolo City Council designated a 126-acre tract of land at 3641 Santa Clara Road as Reinvestment Zone No. 2 for a proposed distribution center project by a Fortune 500 company—dubbed Project Theo. A Fortune 500 company is an annual list of the Top 500 U.S. corporations by revenue. The distribution center would use advanced robotics and other high-tech equipment. Project Theo would require a minimum capital investment of $450 million and at least 425 full-time equivalent jobs above the median San Antonio-area salary, said Rick Vasquez, Cibolo director of planning and economic development. The zone’s establishment allows Cibolo to enter into an incentive agreement with the company, should Project Theo move forward. $32.5M incentive OK’d for Fortune 500 company

The breakdown

The Fortune 500 company is also requesting a commercial-industrial tax abatement—a local agreement exempting all or part of the increase in the value of new property from taxation for a specific period, according to agenda documents. The first 10 years of a Project Theo abatement deal would give 75% abatement, followed by five years of a 50% property tax rebate of the city’s maintenance and operations rate, agenda docu- ments state. The project also requested a 50/50 split of sales tax receipts up to $5 million , another $2.5 million in investments. Additional incentives include infrastructure reimbursements and incentives from Guadalupe County, according to agenda documents. Overall, the incentive package is approximately $32.5 million , with a proposed 30-year return on investment for the city reaching over $120 million .

Project Theo’s return on investment The proposed project would bring over $100 million to the city.

Revenue to city

$125M

$100M

$75M

$50M

$25M

$0M

10 years

20 years 30 years

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Before you go

Guadalupe County Precinct 4 Commissioner Stephen Germann said the project has been a collaborative effort between the city, Guadalupe County and Green Valley Special Utility District. The company will have to decide whether to move forward with the incentive package. Until then, the company’s name is unknown as of press time.

“This project will be a game- changer for Cibolo. It will be unsurpassed [with] what it will do.”

456

Project Theo

STEPHEN GERMANN, GUADALUPE COUNTY PRECINCT 4 COMMISSIONER

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Cibolo allocates $3.83M for wastewater plant design

Universal City OKs permit for auto repair service business Universal City approved a permit for auto repair service, Valvoline, during a Nov. 18 City Council meeting. The item passed with a 3-2 vote. Council members Lori Putt and Bernard Rubal were the two dissenting votes and council member Bear Goolsby recused himself. What we know Valvoline will be located at 460 Kitty Hawk in Universal City, according to agenda documents. The business offers an array of vehicle maintenance services, including oil changes, battery replacements, fuel system cleaning, differential fluid and more, according to its website.

$86.25 million , with construction costs totaling $75 million. Cibolo’s share of construction costs will be 45%, or about $33.75 million, according to agenda documents. Cibolo will be able to service an additional 7,258 single-family homes with the expansion, City Manager Wayne Reed said during a Sept. 9 council meeting. Construction on the plant expansion is expected to begin in March 2029 and be completed in April 2030, CCMA General Manager Clint Ellis said.

Cibolo City Council approved for Cibolo Creek Municipal Authority, or CCMA, to issue $8.5 million in bonds on the design contract for the South Wastewater Treatment Plant on Nov. 18. Council approved the execution of a regional wastewater treatment contract with CCMA on Sept. 9, which outlines that Cibolo is obligated to pay 45% of the project’s construction costs. Of the $8.5 million design cost, the city will contribute $3.83 million over the next 20 years beginning in 2026. Explained The city of Schertz, Cibolo and CCMA entered into an interlocal partnership to construct the wastewater treatment plant in August 2014, agenda documents state. Both cities have agreed to support CCMA in issuing $8.5 million in bonds to cover the design of the expansion, but CCMA will be the agency issuing the debt. Schertz and Cibolo will repay CCMA using revenue from their utility customers. The estimated total cost of the project is

CCMA South Wastewater Treatment Plant

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Government

BY THOMAS LEFFLER & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Universal City Economic Development Corp. accepts land donation Universal City’s Economic Development Corp., or EDC, unanimously accepted a 2.5-acre land donation during a regular meeting on Nov. 13. The property is located on the city’s east side at 3600 FM 1518 N. near the Orchard Park subdivision. What it means The land donation puts Universal City in control of the property and allows the city to decide whether to use it for public or private purposes, said Michael Cassata, Universal City development services and economic development director. “I think it’s another asset for the city and the EDC that could be used for public purposes that are undetermined at this point,” Cassata told Commu- nity Impact.

Cibolo voters reject ballot items, including mayor and council pay Voters in Cibolo rejected three city propo- sitions Nov. 4 that would have amended the city’s charter. What you need to know Proposition D would have increased pay for the mayor from $150 per month to $275 per regularly scheduled meeting attended. A similar pay raise would have applied for City Council members, from $100 per month to $250 per regular meeting, the city’s website states. Proposition L would have removed the requirement that all sample ballots be published in a local newspaper. Proposition V would have amended the charter to provide for gender neutral pronouns.

1518

TOSCANA WAY

What the board is saying Mark Dunlop, one of the EDC’s board of directors, thought the property could be used for a park, a smaller H-E-B or a convenience store. Bryan Kuhlmann, another EDC director on the board, said he favored accepting the land donation. “I think the EDC’s established a pretty robust strategy over the last several years of acquiring land where it’s prudent and would benefit the future development of Universal City,” Kuhlmann said. What’s next The land donation will be presented to the Uni- versal City Council for final approval in December or January, Cassata told Community Impact .

Schertz ETJ voters choose city land use regulations Voters in Schertz’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, or ETJ, overwhelmingly chose to have the city enforce land use regulations over full annexation. What happened On Nov. 4, voters decided on Proposition A,

Schertz ETJ properties

regulations. Only voters within that area could vote on the proposition. A total of 110 of 115 voters in the ETJ, or 95.65% , voted for the option to enforce the regulations. Land use regulations include limits on structural height, crane usage over a certain height and lighting restrictions. The election was ordered after previous Schertz council discussions brought up concerns that actions in the ETJ could interfere with JBSA-Randolph operations.

RANDOLPH AFB

1518

WEIR RD.

which determined if certain areas in the ETJ within 5 miles of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph would be annexed into the city or subject to land use

TRAINER HALE RD.

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Election

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Incumbent Election results breakdown Voters in Bexar, Guadalupe and Comal counties had their say in several contested races as well as ballot propositions. Not all propositions are represented due to space. For more, consult the online voter guide. SOURCE: GUADALUPE COUNTY, BEXAR COUNTY, COMAL COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT *NOTE: PERCENTAGES MAY NOT ADD UP TO 100% DUE TO ROUNDING. Bexar County Winner For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide. Headed to runoff

Proposition H: Authorizing council members to place an item on the agenda and prohibiting mayor from removing, altering or vetoing properly placed items

Proposition A: Regarding land use regulations vs annexation for residents within city extraterritorial jurisdiction

Proposition A

95.65% Yes 4.35% No

92.19% Yes

55.91% Yes 44.09% No

7.81% No

Proposition I: Requiring ordinances imposing penalties to be published once in a newspaper rather than twice

Proposition B

Cibolo

52.14% Yes 47.86% No

65.03% Yes 34.97% No

Cibolo Mayor

58.62% Kara Latimer 41.38% Terry Hinze

Judson ISD

Proposition J: Requiring City Manager to adopt policy to ensure required documents are provided for record keeping

Proposition A: Revising and deleting any provisions repetitive of state law or other sections of City Charter

40% Yes 60% No Voter approval tax rate

95.62% Yes

4.38% No

84.38% Yes 15.62% No

Proposition K: Requiring city council to conduct annual performance evaluations of various positions no later than May 31 of each year

Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD

Proposition B: Amendments to City Charter for compliance with state law

49.59% Yes Voter approval tax rate

93.73% Yes 6.27% No

83.84% Yes 16.16% No

50.41% No

Proposition L: Removes the requirement that sample ballots be published in the newspaper

Proposition C: Changing the term "districts" to "places" and additional clarifying language to qualifications for mayor and council member

SCUCISD School Board Place 5

41.2% Yes 58.8% No

74.57% Amy Thomas 25.43% Aaron Matheny

75.1% Yes 24.9% No

Proposition V: Amendment to City Charter to provide for gender neutral pronouns

60.79% Bill Paschal 39.21% Albert Ramirez SCUCISD School Board Place 6 46.08% Belinda Evans 29.70% Ciera Wilkerson SCUCISD School Board Place 7 24.22% Jeffrey Kerlick

Proposition D: Increases pay for mayor and council members

39.43% Yes 60.57% No

38.48% Yes 61.52% No

Cibolo City Council Place 2

55.75% Randy Roberts 44.25% David Freimarck

Proposition E: Revising prohibitions on mayor and council members including influencing city manager's judgment on personnel issues

12.2% Joe Armstrong 35.41% Maria Fishback Cibolo City Council Place 3 8.31% Charles Ruppert

82.67% Yes 17.33% No

Schertz

Proposition F: Requiring City Council to meet in a sufficient number of monthly meetings

Schertz Mayor

50.87% Ralph Rodriguez 49.13% Ralph Gutierrez

44.08% Marissa-Ellen Patterson

92.66% Yes

7.34% No

Cibolo City Council Place 7*

16.84% Robert Mahoney 18.84% Cody Hicks 41.51% Summer-Marie Brown 22.82% Shari McDaniel

Schertz City Council Place 2

Proposition G: Requiring all board and commission rules and regulations to be posted on city's website

65.25% Michelle Watson 34.75% John Carbon

96.44% Yes

3.56% No

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

Northeast San Antonio school districts were left without additional funding after the results of the Nov. 4 election. Both Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and Judson ISD had voter-approval tax rate elections, or VATREs, on the ballot for voters in Guadalupe and Bexar counties. Unocial totals in the counties saw 5,896 votes, or 49.76% , for the SCUCISD VATRE with 5,954 votes or 50.24% against the increase. If successful, the VATRE would have raised the district’s prop- erty tax rate $0.12 per $100 valuation to $1.1969 per $100 . Voters in Bexar County rejected the JISD prop- osition, with unocial totals showing 5,874 votes or 39.99% for a tax rate increase, while 8,813 votes or 60.01% were against. JISD’s board of trustees called for a VATRE that would have increased the district’s property tax rate by $0.045 per $100 to $1.0796 per $100 . What it means SCUCISD’s VATRE proposition failing means the district will not receive $16.2 million in annual revenue. According to the district, SCUCISD now faces a $10.7 million budget decit with the VATRE failing to pass. According to previous reporting by Community Impact , the funding generated by the tax increase would have concentrated on student programs like athletics and band. Money would have also gone SCUCISD, JISD tax rate elections failed by voters

District tax rate history Voter-approval tax rate elections, or VATREs, would have increased the

+11.14%

$1.4106

$1.3605

$1.5

$1.3246

$1.1969

$1.1396

$1.0769

$1.1392

local property tax rate for both Schertz-Cibolo- Universal City ISD and Judson ISD.

$1.27

$1.2749

$1.22

$1.0796

$1.0346

$0.9796

$0.5

+10.2%

Key:

SCUCISD JISD

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

2024-25

2025-26

2025-26* VATRE

School year

SOURCE: SCHERTZCIBOLOUNIVERSAL CITY ISD, JUDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

*TAX RATES THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ENACTED HAD THE VATRE PROPOSITIONS PASSED.

toward technology replacements, safety projects and sta salaries. Chief Financial Ocer Brian Moy said when the VATRE was called that $11.5 million of budgeted spending for deferred projects and one-time capital items will have to be reconsidered. JISD’s board initially wanted the maximum VATRE increase to $1.1196 per $100 on the ballot, before lowering the gure to $1.0796 per $100 as an appeal to voters. The VATRE failing to pass means the district will not receive approximately $21 million annually to help lower its current decit. According to the latest JISD budget amendment on Oct. 16, the district’s decit sits at $27.57 million . Learn more As part of planning, SCUCISD will establish a committee to examine major areas of spending and identify potential reductions. Outgoing Board President Ed Finley said SCU- CISD will “continue to engage our community in open dialogue and make decisions guided by our purpose” of helping students.

“We cannot continue to operate with a decit budget, and that means every decision ahead will continue

to require our thoughtful planning, collaboration and transparency.” PAIGE MELONI, SCUCISD SUPERINTENDENT

“We will need to make decisions in the months ahead to control

costs while maintaining essential programs for our students and sta.” MILTON “ROB” FIELDS III, JISD SUPERINTENDENT

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Education

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

$12M veteran student support center opens Officials at Northeast Lakeview College celebrated its veteran population with the opening of a new support facility, the Nighthawk Legacy Center, on Nov. 11. The details The 11,000-square-foot center, located at 1201 Kitty Hawk Road in Universal City, operates as a standalone facility dedicated to serving veteran and military-connected students. The Nighthawk Legacy Center is a direct response to the growth in the college’s veteran student population. Approximately 11% of students enrolled at the college used veteran benefits in the 2024-25 school year, Northeast Lakeview President Dr. Veronica Garcia said in a news release. The support center offers military educa- tion benefit information and assists with the transition from military life to civilian life. The Nighthawk Legacy Center was funded through state appropriations provided to the Alamo Colleges District for the 2022-23 biennium, the release states.

JISD submits 5 campus improvement plans Five schools in Judson ISD will now be on targeted improvement plans based on Texas Education Agency criteria. What you need to know During a Nov. 20 JISD board of trustees meeting, administrative staff said they were submitting improvement plans for Escondido, Converse and Paschall Elementary Schools, Kirby STEM and Jud- son High School. According to the administration’s presentation, targeted improvement plans are assigned to campuses with either one F or three consecutive D TEA ratings, or an identification for comprehensive support and improvement. The plans consider needs assessments and feedback to develop a strategy and action steps, according to the presentation. Implementation for each campus is scheduled through August 2026. Targeted improvement plan strategies are based on the five levers of the TEA’s effective school framework: strong school leadership and plan- ning, strategic staffing, positive school culture, high-quality instructional materials and assess- ments and effective instruction. Part of the strategy is “capacity building,” wherein campuses under improvement plans receive more touchpoint meetings with admin- istrators and receive additional support from Education Service Center Region 20, or ESC 20. ESC 20 is one of 20 regional education service agencies within Texas that aid school districts in improving student performance and school operation efficiency, according to its website.

Judson schools on targeted improvement plans

Elementary schools 1 Paschall

Other 4 Kirby STEM 5 Judson High

2 Escondido 3 Converse

410

1604

1516

Superintendent Milton “Rob” Fields III said TEA and ESC 20 representatives have been doing campus walkthroughs, with ESC 20 wanting to open Judson campuses for other districts as an improvement plan example. Fields also said campus staff have been focusing on internalization, thinking critically about lesson plans and anticipating what students’ questions will be. The plans were submitted to the TEA before the Nov. 21 deadline, and the district will receive noti- fication of the TEA’s acceptance by Jan. 23. If the TEA does not accept the initial plan proposal, the district would need to resubmit a plan by March 24, with final acceptance or rejection made by the TEA by April 8, according to the presentation.

Nighthawk Legacy Center

LAKEVIEW PKWY.

Judson ISD puts 2022 bond project on hold after tax rate proposition failure

The project looks to add a 2,600-square-foot NOC and a 2,400-square-foot warehouse to the JISD Technology building. Digging deeper The election would have given the district $21 million in revenue to cut down a $27.57 million budget deficit. The district is required to complete approved bond projects. However, projects will only be complete if they are outside of classrooms, because the district is considering consolidating schools again following the results of the tax rate election, Brooks said.

Judson ISD has paused one of its 2022 bond projects pending future financial actions. During a Nov. 20 school board meeting, Daniel Brooks, district assistant superintendent of oper- ations, told the board the JTECH Network Opera- tions Center, or NOC, project will be put on hold due to potential actions the district will need to take after the JISD voter approval tax rate election, or VATRE, did not pass in the Nov. 4 election. “We do still need a NOC, but we’ll have to relo- cate that [to] some other location in the district,” Brooks said.

2022 bond election

$345.3M is the cost of the district’s 2022 bond.

60% of voters approved Proposition A, which helped fund safety and security improvements across the district. 58% of voters approved Proposition B, which helped fund new school facilities and transportation projects.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Construction is underway at two apartment complexes along Pat Booker Road in Universal City. Project details Twenty Nine 02 Apartments, being built at 2902 Pat Booker Road, is being developed by Two multifamily housing projects underway in Universal City services and economic development corporation director, said in an email to Community Impact. Another apartment complex, named The Grand at Oak Grove Apartments, is being constructed in Universal City. The complex, located at 2280 Pat Booker Road, is being developed by IRC Universal 12 LTD and will consist of 192 units across five buildings. There will be: • A clubhouse • A pool Twenty Nine 02 Apartments The Grand at Oak Grove Apartments

Upcoming project

Ongoing project

Completed project

1103

BENTWOOD PASS

SILVER WING

KIPPER AVE.

ALTON BLVD.

THISTLE CREEK DR.

FIREBIRD RUN

White-Conlee Builders, a privately held real estate development and construction company head- quartered in San Antonio. The development will consist of 268 units across 10 residential buildings. There will be: • A clubhouse • A community pool • Cabanas • A dog park Twenty Nine 02 Apartments will offer one- to three-bedroom units with one to two bathrooms, Michael Cassata, Universal City’s development

1 Tolle Road Reconstruction Project: The reconstruction of Tolle Road calls for new pavement as well as a slight widening of the road and installation of new drainage structures, according to Cibolo City Council agenda documents. The project would provide a 20-year service life for the pavement. Update: On Oct. 27, Cibolo City Council approved a change order of $93,830 with civil engineer Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam for additional professional services on the project. • Timeline: TBD • Cost: $7 million • Funding source: Capital Improvement Plan bonds

2 FY25 Street Rehabilitation Package II Project: The project will reconstruct 2A Firebird Run, 2B Silver Wing and 2C Town Creek Road in Cibolo. Update: Silver Wing, from Cibolo Valley Drive to Thistle Creek, was completed Nov. 3. Town Creek Road from Green Valley Road to Bentwood Pass will be completed Feb. 21, 2026. Construction on Firebird Run from Silver Wing to Kipper Avenue will begin in early January. During construction, roads will be closed to through traffic, with local access maintained for residents. • Timeline: September 2025-May 2026 • Cost: $3.1 million • Funding source: fiscal year 2025 Certificate of Obligation Bonds

3 Retama Parkway Reconstruction Project: Construction added approximately 4,500 linear feet of roadway with 6-foot sidewalks and bike lanes along Retama Parkway. The project also included right-of-way improvements to portions of Alton Boulevard. Update: The project was completed Nov. 4, reopening the intersection of Retama Parkway and Lookout Road. • Timeline: October 2024-November 2025 • Cost: $5.31 million • Funding source: city sales tax

The Grand at Oak Grove Apartments will offer one- to three-bedroom units with one to two bathrooms, the email states. Looking ahead Both projects began construction in May and are anticipated to be completed in the fall or winter of 2026, Cassata’s email states.

• A courtyard • A dog park Universal City’s City Council approved final plans for the complex in August 2023, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . “The city is excited to provide another modern, market-rate housing option to meet the needs of our existing and growing community,” Cassata said.

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

Shaping Schertz From the cover

What’s new and coming soon at Schertz Station

The big picture

1 Panera Bread: October 2025 2 Portillo’s

5 Smoothie King: December 2025 6 Jersey Mike’s: TBD 7 Smokey Mo’s Texas BBQ

8 Innity Nails 9 Handel’s Homemade

11 James Avery Artisan Jewelry 12 Cava 13 Chipotle: December 2025 14 Home Depot: August

Ice Cream: TBD 10 Piada Italian Street Food

Residents of Schertz and travelers on I-35 will soon have access to additional dining and retail opportunities. In October, Panera Bread opened as the rst tenant at Schertz Station, a 257,000-square-foot retail and dining hub that will feature a bevy of national chain restaurants and other shopping opportunities. The property o I-35 North and Cibolo Valley Drive was developed by San Antonio-based Merit CRE, which is investing over $65 million in the hub. Schertz’s Economic Development Corp., or EDC, worked with Merit on Schertz Station’s surrounding infrastructure, such as adjacent road construction, EDC Executive Director Scott Wayman said. Wayman said the development was a response to Schertz’s population growth. “We have a large, growing population that expects services, they expect restaurants, and they expect those things to be within a driving distance of their house and make it convenient for them,” Wayman said. Maggie Titterington, president of The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Area) said a retail hub

3 Hopdoddy Burger Bar 4 Dave’s Hot Chicken: December 2025

Key:

Now open Upcoming (2026) Available lots

EVO Entertainment

7 8

10 1

4 6

SOURCE: MERIT CRECOMMUNITY IMPACT

walking distance to adjacent homes is a trend she saw begin with The Forum complex in Selma. “This is a trend that I’ve normally seen in larger,

more metropolitan areas, but I myself feel that this is a trend that is becoming more accepted [in Northeast San Antonio],” Titterington said.

The approach

Dollars at work

Wayman said the project marks a shift in priorities for Schertz’s economic prole from man- ufacturing and warehouse distribution to retail development. Deputy City Manager Brian James added that attracting big-name tenants helps both the property’s value and current and future sales tax revenue. “As those businesses coming are successful, it kind of catches the attention of other developers and other retail and restaurants, and they start saying, ‘Hey, we really ought to be looking up I-35 at Schertz,’” James said. Titterington said the EDC and the city will both be able to use the new sales tax base to do more for residents. “Monies [can] be considered to be used for more street repairs, park upgrades, rst responder vehi- cles and personnel. These are quality of life areas that are in constant need of keeping up with, that this new tax base will support,” Titterington said. Construction on the development began in 2024 and will continue through 2026.

The EDC put $8 million in funding toward infrastructure surrounding Schertz Station, as part of the collaboration between Merit. The funding went toward the extension of Ripps Kreusler Road from Cibolo into Schertz, running between the retail hub and the Collection Schertz Station housing development. Wayman said roadway work included curbs, sewer lines, water lines, gutters, drainage and trac lights. “We [put] some money into it to make that project more successful for Merit, so they could come in there and actually be able to construct that project,” Wayman said. Merit received half of the $8 million in incentives after roadway and signage improvements were completed, Wayman said. The remaining $4 million will come to Merit from sales taxes that will be produced from the development after the completion of The Home Depot.

Schertz Station timeline

October: Planning and zoning commission recommends zone change for Schertz Station from General Business District and Manufacturing District-Light to Planned Development District February: City authorizes subdivision improvement agreement for infrastructure surrounding hub, including Ripps Kreusler Road extension

2022

2023

2024

November: Ripps Kreusler Road extension complete

July: Collection Schertz Station opens rst units

2025

October: Panera Bread opens as rst tenant

March: Collection Schertz Station fully built out

2026

SOURCE: CITY OF SCHERTZ, COLLECTION SCHERTZ STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

What’s next

Another detail

Assistant Manager Ashley Lowenberg said 138 of the planned 318 units are now complete, with the nal units scheduled to be nished in March. “Schertz is growing a lot. We really didn’t have a lot of apartment communities until the last two years … just [a lot of] movement here,” Lowenberg said.

Community amenities at Collection Schertz Sta- tion include an on-site pickleball court, a gaming room, an outdoor kitchen and a tness studio.

While work on dining and retail continues, Collection Schertz Station, a town home community sits behind the development.

Collection Schertz Station The town home community opened in July next to the Schertz Station retail hub.

Number of bedrooms

Square footage

Rent range

$1,534-$1,536 $1,817-$2,113 $2,233-$2,342

1 2 3

744-824 1,058-1,257 1,378

SOURCE: COLLECTION SCHERTZ STATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Collection Schertz Station will be 100% built out with townhomes by March. (Courtesy Collection Schertz Station)

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Community Senior Living Guide

2025

New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care of Schertz Type: assisted living, memory care Opened: 2010 Total units: 16 assisted living, 16 memory care Amenities: meal service, 24-hour care and supervision, linen and housekeeping services, life enrichment programs • 2300 FM 3009, Schertz • www.newhavenassistedliving.com

Types of communities

Schertz

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.

Avir at Schertz Type: assisted living, memory care Opened: 2025 Total units: 96 beds

Amenities: therapy services, skilled nursing, wound care, daily activities, outdoor space, private rooms, events • 3301 FM 3009, Schertz • www.avirhg.com/avir-at-schertz Esplanade Gardens Type: assisted living, independent living, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: 66 Amenities: dining service, transportation, salon, barber shop, outdoor spaces

Cibolo

El Sereno Senior Living Type: independent living

Opened: 2019 Total units: 136 Amenities: pool, game room, barbecue area, dog park, clothing care center • 213 Somerset Ave., Cibolo • www.elserenoseniorliving.com

• 10790 Toepperwein Road, Converse • www.esplanadeseniorcampus.com

Going the extra mile is easier with special offers Enjoy these special offers from your neighbors at Christian Brothers Automotive Melissa

SAVE! $25 Off $250+ $50 Off $500+ $100 Off $1000+ Valid at the Schertz location only. Not valid with other offers. Expires 12/31/26

Enjoy this special offer! We love this community, so we thought we’d share our joy by offering our neighbors a chance to experience our award-winning service with these special offers!

Locally-Owned By: Fredy & Laura Degollado www.cbac.com/schertz 205 F.M. 3009 • (210) 658-1717

SCAN TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ANDREW CREELMAN & THOMAS LEFFLER

Northeast San Antonio

Cibolo

The Waterford at Thousand Oaks Type: independent living, assisted living Opened: early 2000s Total units: 120 Amenities: transportation, meals, activity programs, housekeeping • 4243 Thousand Oaks Drive, Ste. 1801, San Antonio • www.sonidaseniorliving.com/community/the- waterford-at-thousand-oaks Seasons Alzheimer’s Care and Assisted Living Type: assisted living, memory care Opened: N/A Total units: 16 Amenities: 24/7 supervision, physical therapy, nutrition management • 15170 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio • www.seasonsalzcare.com Sodalis Windcrest of San Antonio Type: assisted living, independent living, memory care Opened: early 2000s Total units: 60 Amenities: transportation, chapel, pet-friendly, 24/7 care • 6849 Crestway Drive, San Antonio • www.sodalissenior.com/sodalis-windcrest- of-san-antonio

The Brooks of Cibolo Senior Living Type: assisted living, independent living, memory care Opened: 2020 Total units: 156 independent living, 54 assisted living, 14 memory

Amenities: transportation, activities, shopping, pool, gym, art room, multipurpose room for events • 816 Everyday Way, Cibolo • www.civitasseniorliving.com/the-brooks-of-cibolo

Total units: N/A Amenities: meet them where they’re at”-care, and end-

• www.rlcommunities.com/communities/ texas/emerald-oaks-retirement

Brookdale Nacogdoches Type: independent living

of-life, grief and spiritual guidance • 611 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.hopehospice.net

OneStone Oak Senior Living Center Type: assisted living Opened: 2023 Total units: 65 Amenities: meal, service, private bedrooms, beauty salon, laundry service • 20718 Stone Oak Parkway, San Antonio • www.onestoneoakseniorliving.com Sage Stone Oak Type: independent living Opened: 2021 Total units: 150 Amenities: spa, pool, garden club, movie theater, gym,

Opened: 2015 Total units: 37 Amenities: housekeeping, salon, pet-friendly • 14595 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio • www.brookdale.com/en/communities/ brookdale-nacogdoches.html

North San Antonio

Adante Independent Living Type: independent living, assisted living, memory care Opened: 2007 Total units: 130 independent living apartments, 30 cottages, 60 assisted living, 20 memory care Amenities: chef-prepared cuisine, apartment maintenance, scheduled transportation, theater, beauty

Live Oak

Serenity Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care Type: assisted living, memory care, hospice care Opened: 2021 Total units: 23 Amenities: barbershop/salon, transportation, outdoor spaces • 6684 Randolph Blvd., Live Oak • www.serenityoaksassistedliving.com Garden Ridge Assisted Living Type: assisted living Opened: N/A Total units: N/A Amenities: meal service, wellness center, medication management, on-call nurse • 9621 Meadow Rue, Garden Ridge • www.gardenridgealf.com

salon and barbershop, casual cafe • 2702 Cembalo Blvd., San Antonio • www.adanteindependentliving.com The Waterford at Shavano Park Type: assisted living, memory care

wellness center, events, coffee bar • 21914 Hardy Oak Blvd., San Antonio • www.sagestoneoak.com

The Haven & The Laurels in Stone Oak Type: assisted living, memory care Opened: 2003 Total units: 60 (The Haven) , 94 (The Laurels) Amenities: activities, meal service • 511 & 575 Knights Cross Drive, San Antonio • https://thehavenandlaurelsstoneoak. seniorlivingnearme.com

Opened: 2024 Total units: N/A

Amenities: happy hours and coffee clubs, trivia nights, themed parties, bingo, bridge and book clubs, sewing and gardening, comedy shows • 4096 De Zavala Road, San Antonio • www.sonidaseniorliving.com/ community/the-waterford-at-shavano-park

Emerald Oaks Retirement Resort Type: independent living Opened: 2015 Total units: 128

Crest Palliative Care Type: hospice care Opened: 2019

New Braunfels

Total units: N/A Amenities: N/A • 4085 De Zavala Road, Ste. 100, Shavano Park • www.mycrestcare.com This list is not comprehensive.

Amenities: full kitchens, walk-in closets, professional chefs, 24-hour chef’s pantry, medical alert system, living-in managers, health and wellness programs,

Hope Hospice Type: hospice care Opened: 1999

library, 150-seat theater, salon/barber • 20302 Bulverde Road, San Antonio

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

Community

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Ebony P. White is the director of economic security and social safety net initiatives for The National Counsel on Aging.

COURTESY THE NATIONAL COUNSEL ON AGING

Q&A: The National Council on Aging gives tips on nancial literacy

The National Council on Aging, or NCOA, began in 1950 and pro- vides resources and advocacy for the U.S.’s aging population, with the goal of improving the health and nancial readiness of 40 million older Americans by 2030, according to its website. Ebony P. White is the NCOA director of economic security and social safety net initiatives, with 15 years of experience in the eld, according to NCOA’s website. In an email to Community Impact , White answered questions about best practices for senior community members and tips for nancial literacy as adults age. What resources are available, from your organization or others, for those who are unsure how to handle their nances, like paying taxes and budgeting? We oer tools like Budget CheckUp and BenetsCheckUp. org, which help older adults iden- tify ways to stretch their income and nd programs that can lower expenses for essentials like food, medicine, or utilities.

What scams are most prevalent among the senior community? Unfortunately, we see a lot of scams targeting older adults because scammers know they often value trust and connection. Some of the most common include imposter scams, where someone pretends to be a grandchild, government ocial or utility com- pany; tech support scams, claim- ing your computer is infected; and romance scams, where scammers build emotional relationships online to ask for money. We also see a rise in phishing and investment scams, often tied to retirement or supposed “safe returns.” What all these scams have in common is urgency and secrecy—they pressure you to act fast or keep things quiet. What could be done to keep themselves safe? A big part of staying safe is slowing down and verifying. If someone is pressuring you to act right away or pay in gift cards or cryptocurrency—that’s a red ag. Hang up, look up the ocial number yourself and call back.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY THOMAS LEFFLER

The Cibolo Senior program oers chair volleyball.

Bingo nights have become a favorite activity for the members of the Cibolo Senior Program.

The Cibolo Senior Program oers line dancing to keep older adults active.

PHOTOS COURTESY CIBOLO SENIOR PROGRAM

Cibolo Senior Program steps into new home base Cibolo’s dedicated senior program took another step forward in 2025, nding a new permanent home to eat, talk and explore.

Monthly activities include strength and total body tness, card games, line dancing and biweekly bingo games. Another partnership with Texas A&M AgriLife has led to activities related to nutrition and gardening. Whitson also said leading the senior program has been a full-circle moment, considering her background in recreation therapy. “We created love for one another, and so it’s kind of a family away from home, not just for me, but for the seniors,” Whitson said. Membership for the program costs $40 per year, or $75 per year for a couple. Applications for membership and more information can be found by contacting Whitson by phone at 210-968-5986 or by email at ciboloseniorprogram@cibolotx.gov.

In September, the senior program for ages 50 and up moved south down Main Street, switching operations from Grange Hall to the newly-named Cibolo Commu- nity Center. The membership program is dedicated to serving Cibolo seniors with meals, activities and special collaborations with multiple partners. The city acquired the property, formerly known as the Noble Group Event Center, in August 2024, to make the center a hub for the seniors as well as the city’s human resources department. The senior program launched in January 2022 under the leadership of Stephanie Whitson, who said mem- bers are enjoying the new center’s amenities. Cibolo Communications Manager Jeanette Gonzalez said the center also has a commercial kitchen, and extra bathrooms provide a “comfortable space” as the program continues to grow. About the program The program serves daily meals to members, including homebound seniors, through a partnership with San Antonio-based Selrico Services. Whitson said a partnership with HEB also allows the program to serve breakfast.

539

203 S. Main St., Cibolo www.cibolotx.gov/SeniorProgram

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

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