New Braunfels Edition | March 2024

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 4 MARCH 7APRIL 5, 2024

2024 Camp Guide

Investments in mobility

A police ocer helps to direct pedestrians as they cross a busy intersection in Gruene. Street and sidewalk projects will take place in Gruene to provide alternate mobility options.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Transportation projects in New Braunfels awarded $34.5 million in funding from regional organization

and TxDOT. The agency dened key priorities to fund in the next few years such as transportation alternatives, congestion mitigation and improving air quality through carbon reductions.

Organization Transportation Policy Board recently awarded the city of New Braunfels and the Texas Department of Transportation the grant. AAMPO funded the projects through money received from the Federal Highway Administration

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Over $34.5 million in funding has been allocated toward six transportation, pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects throughout New Braunfels. The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning

CONTINUED ON 20

Also in this issue

Impacts: Mochas and Javas location coming soon (Page 7)

Government: 131 acres for parks approved by city (Page 8)

Events: Check out local live music listings (Page 25)

Business: Gym oers unconventional training (Page 33)

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It all begins with the first-annual Mayfest Festival and Early-Bird Home Tour. The inaugural event will be a day of dancing to live music, sampling tasty food, shopping local goods and celebrating with the whole family. Visitors will also get a sneak peek at some of Mayfair’s very first new homes and see plans for Midtown Mayfair. It’s happening, Saturday, May 11, 2024, 11am–3pm in Midtown Mayfair. All are welcome.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact 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.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Elle Bent Amanda Cutshall Kameryn Griesser Sarah Hernandez April Kelley Sierra Martin Katy McAfee Haley McLeod Hannah Norton Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Amira Van Leeuwen Zacharia Washington Chloe Young Graphic Designers Rachal Elliott Alissa Foss Gloria Gonzalez Melissa Johnson Sabrina Musachia

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

Optomap retinal imaging and myopia management. • Opened Feb. 21 • 6442 FM 306, Ste. 1103, New Braunfels • www.landaeyecenter.com 4 Starbucks A new Starbucks opened in New Braunfels near Freiheit Village at the end of January. The newest location features a spacious indoor and outdoor seating area and a drive-thru, and marks the fourth Starbucks in 5 Chuy’s The new Chuy’s location officially opened Feb. 20. The Tex-Mex chain features fun decor and scratch-made dishes, including Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom Enchiladas and the Chuychanga. • Opened Feb. 20 • 2557 N. I-35 frontage road, New Braunfels • www.chuys.com 6 Vanity Lounge A new hair salon owned by Alex Hernandez has opened at the Vista Salon Suites in New Braunfels. Vanity Lounge specializes in custom color, haircuts, extensions and keratin treatments among other services. • Opened Jan. 3 • 664 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 11, New Braunfels • http://vanitylounge.glossgenius.com New Braunfels. • Opened Jan. 31 • 2144 FM 1101, New Braunfels • www.starbucks.com 7 Inhale Fitness Centered around offering personal training services for women, owner Kaylee Horn creates workout and diet plans personalized to the goals of each individual client. • Opened Dec. 1

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CREEKSIDE CROSSING

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2 Bloom NBTX The salon, which is located inside Vista Salon Suites, specializes in hair color and hair extensions. Bloom NBTX is locally owned by Karley Slaughter. • Opened Jan. 1 • 664 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 39, New Braunfels • Instagram: bloom.nbtxsalon 3 Landa Eye Center The eye center offers comprehensive, geriatric and pediatric eye exams. Landa Eye Center also offers

Now open

1 The Mane Haus The salon has three stylists and offers a variety of hair services, including blonding, extensions and blowouts. The Mane Haus NBTX also offers a blowout membership, where clients can come weekly to get their hair washed and styled. • Opened Jan. 22 • 664 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 16, New Braunfels • www.themanehausnbtx.com

• 391 Landa St., Ste. 1110, New Braunfels • www.inhale-fitness-newbraunfels.com

8 The Men’s Groom Haus The barbershop, owned by local Lucy Salazar, offers men’s shaves and hair cuts as well as nose and eyebrow waxing. • Opened Jan. 8

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BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

12 Prickly Pear Pediatrics The care center is locally owned by Jennigale Webb, who will be offering direct primary care to children. She will also offer home visits for newborns. • Opening March 18 • 2967 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 315, New Braunfels • www.pricklypearpediatrics.com 13 Comal Pops Owned by Cara Thames with her husband, Ryan, Comal Pops will be selling an assortment of ice pops inside Das Nutrition Haus. Comal Pops ice pops are made from fresh ingredients and come in different flavors. • Opening in March • 392 Landa St., New Braunfels • www.comalpops.com 14 Saltgrass Steakhouse The first New Braunfels location is slated to open by the end of the year. The restaurant serves certified Angus beef steaks, chicken and seafood. • Opening in late 2024 • 744 N. I-35 Frontage Road, New Braunfels • www.saltgrass.com

• 664 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 34, New Braunfels • www.themensgroomhaus.com

In the news

9 AirLift Texas AirLift Texas is a program of Air Methods, a national air medical transport service that provides emergency and nonemergency air medical services. • Opened in November • 1654 Entrance Drive, New Braunfels • www.airmethods.com CarePatrol The business offers assistance in navigating living options for seniors. The location is operated by Kathryn Worden. The new business does not have a brick-and- mortar location. • Opened Oct. 1 • www.carepatrol.com/advisors/kathryn-worden Window Genie The mobile business is owned by Colten Hoff. Window Genie also offers window tinting and film, pressure washing, and gutter cleaning services. • Opened Feb. 20 • www.windowgenie.com/new-braunfels-canyon-lake

17 Lamar Elementary Mirabeau B. Lamar Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary Feb. 6. Originally established in 1923, the elementary school has served generations of New Braunfels residents. Students of the elementary school gave presentations detailing the history and legacy of the school, even telling the story of Mildred, the former teacher who still haunts the hallways. • 240 N. Central Ave., New Braunfels • http://le.nbisd.org

Relocations

Coming soon

15 Let’s Bocks Fitness & Boxing Club The boxing club relocated from 1765 Lee St. The gym is owned by Clay Bock and offers boxing classes for adults and kids as well as open gym time. • Relocated Jan. 20

10 Tavern on Castell The restaurant is owned by Michelle Mathis-Lyons, Chip Lyons and Allison Wyatt. Tavern on Castell will offer craft cocktails and upscale bar food, as well as a listening room for live acoustic music. • Opening in early March • 208 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.tavernoncastell.com 11 Mochas and Javas A new location will open inside the New Braunfels H-E-B Plus. The chain serves coffee, tea and smoothies as well as food items, including breakfast plates, sandwiches and salads. • Opening this spring • 2965 N. I-35 frontage road, New Braunfels • www.mochasandjavas.com

• 1031 Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/tx/walnut-avenue

• 1265 Industrial St., Ste. C, New Braunfels • www.letsbocksfitnessandboxing.com

Closings

18 Denny’s The 24-hour diner is known for its all-day breakfast and served a variety of dishes, such as specialty pancakes and crepes, burgers, salads, and more. • Closed Jan. 17 • 1348 N. I-35 frontage road, New Braunfels • www.dennys.com

In the news

16 Chick-fil-A The fast food restaurant temporarily closed Jan. 31 for renovations, which began Feb. 1, according to a sign posted on the restaurant’s door. According to one of the operational leaders, Serena Ruiz, they are unable to release any kind of information regarding the remodel.

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Government

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Two parcels of land totaling around 131 acres in the fast-growing northern area of New Braunfels have been approved to be developed into future parkland. New Braunfels City Council voted unanimously Feb. 12 to approve the expenditure of up to $8 million from the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation to acquire the land. “This is truly very exciting because the EDC is funding 100% of the acquisition of this parkland, so there’s no property taxes tied to the acquisition of this parkland,” Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney said. “It is in one of the fastest-growing areas of our community over the last 10 to 15 years on the north side.” City adding 131 acres for parks

What’s next?

One of the motivations behind acquiring the land is to reserve it for outdoor recreation use for residents, according to city ocials. “We’ve had over 40,000 residents just since 2010 that have moved into this area of our community,” Matney said. Once the land acquisition is nalized, the city will develop a land use master plan. Garry Merritt, CEO of the Great Springs Project, an organization working to create a greenway of protected lands over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, said he supports the land acquisition. “Great Springs Project celebrates the city of New Braunfels’ decision to purchase and dedicate 131 new acres for parks and green space,” Merritt said. “This incredible vision and investment will help preserve the quality of life in New Braunfels and provide value for today’s residents and generations to come.”

The land is located along FM 1102 south of Conrads Lane in New Braunfels.

COURTESY CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS

1102

Parkland

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Government

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

While attempting to clear up overlapping guide- lines on outdoor music, New Braunfels City Council found itself at an impasse Feb. 12. This was part of a monthslong effort to provide clarity to conflicting ordinances that have con- fused developers and residents alike after a noise ordinance was added to the city code in 2015. How we got here New Braunfels has many music venues, including some that are outdoors, and the addition of new outdoor venues and regulating their proximity to residential areas has been tried through different means, said Christopher Looney, planning and development services director for the city, to Community Impact . Music and noise in general is currently regulated through both the city’s zoning ordinance and a separate noise ordinance. Overlapping noise rules fail revision

Noise rules

Two overlapping ordinances deal with music and noise locally. One concerning outdoor speaker proximity to neighborhoods, the other just volumes within 100 feet of homes.

What it does

Why it matters

This update to the zoning ordinance addresses music and noise, prohibiting businesses with outdoor speakers from being adjacent to residential areas. Requires any music or noise within 100 feet of residential zoning to be no more than 85 decibels between 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Zoning ordinance development standards (2012)

The term "adjacent" in the ordinance is relative and open to interpretation.

The “adjacent” distance within the zoning ordinance has been interpreted in the past as much farther than 100 feet.

Noise ordinance (2015)

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

“We have these two little sections of code that are in the zoning ordinance ... that are related to whether or not someone can have outdoor music if they are next to residential uses,” Looney said. “A few years later, the city adopted a completely separate noise ordinance, which is intended to address noise beyond music, as well.” Looney said it came up in conversation recently because the overlap in rules has caused confusion both for developers and residents.

The takeaway Council was presented with a few different ways of addressing the issue, such as deleting the sections on noise in the zoning ordinance. “I’d hate to bump this down the road again,” Mayor Neal Linnartz said. Ultimately, council could not agree to either amending the zoning ordinance language or dropping noise regulations from zoning, which may prevent more outdoor music venues from opening.

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Government

BY HANNAH NORTON

What to expect after a historic year at the Texas Capitol

$100,000. The legislation also reduces how much homeowners pay their local school districts in taxes and eliminates a tax for some small businesses. The state anticipates spending $5.3 billion to reimburse schools for revenue lost from the lower property taxes. “There was really no other issue ... coming out of the election and going into the session that Republican leadership was more committed to,” Henson said. “If there’s any surprise about that, it’s that they had so much diculty actually getting the bill across the nish line.” Texas law enforcement agencies will soon have the power to arrest and deport migrants who enter the state illegally under Senate Bill 4. The bill is scheduled to become law March 5, despite two lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice and immigrant rights groups. What else? At the local level, House Bill 2127 prevents city and county ocials from adopting or enforcing ordinances that go beyond state or federal law. “The bill was the culmination of several sessions of eorts in the Legislature to assert authority over local governments,” Henson said. “The primary targets of this bill ... are the big urban centers in the state that are primarily overseen by Democratic elected ocials.” Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton sued the cities of Austin and San Marcos on Jan. 31 over voter-approved ordinances to end low-level marijuana oenses. The lawsuits are not directly tied to HB 2127. House lawmakers repeatedly rejected another

With a 140-day regular legislative session and four special sessions in 2023, Texas lawmakers spent more time in Austin than ever before. While lawmakers passed over 1,000 new laws, they struggled throughout the year to cut property taxes, increase state support for public school teachers, tighten border security and more. Community Impact spoke with Jim Henson, the director of the Texas Politics Project at The University of Texas at Austin, to break down some of the most consequential things Texas lawmakers did in 2023 and what Texans need to know for the year ahead. A closer look Eligible homeowners can expect an adjust- ment to their 2023 property tax bills after lawmakers approved an $18 billion property tax relief package, which raises the tax exemption on Texans’ primary homes from $40,000 to “Border security tops the list of things that Republican [voters] consistently identify as the most important problem facing the state. The politics of that are magnied by the fact that there’s a Democrat in the White House. ... It’s

Texas lawmakers spent 246 days at the Capitol in 2023—more than any prior calendar year. In that time, lawmakers passed 1,326 bills.

Regular sessions

Special sessions

246 days total

140

106

2023

140 87

2021

227 days total

140

2019

140 days total

140 29

2017

169 days total

140

140 days total

2015

207 days total

140

2013

SOURCE: TEXAS LEGISLATIVE REFERENCE LIBRARYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

one of Republican Gov. Greg Abbott’s top prior- ities, education savings accounts, in 2023. The voucher-like program would give families public money to pay for private schools. Several public school funding proposals also did not pass. “[The voucher debate] poisoned the whole discussion of public education at a time when there was the potential to provide more funding for these very wildly popular measures like increasing teacher pay and putting more money into school safety,” Henson said. What’s next? The governor has the power to call lawmakers back for additional special sessions at any time this year. The 89th regular legislative session is scheduled to begin Jan. 14.

been a thorny and real policy problem given migration ows over the last couple of years.” JIM HENSON, DIRECTOR OF THE TEXAS POLITICS PROJECT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

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Education

BY ELLE BENT

Texas opts out of summer food program

Put into perspective

Texas is one of nine states with the highest food insecurity rates, but several Austin-area counties are faring better.

implement a new program and the need for new appropriations from the Legislature.” Part of this problem includes a current strain on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP benefits, causing many eligible Texans to wait up to six months to receive benefits. “People don’t stop eating because they’re not enrolled in SNAP,” said Celia Cole, CEO of nonprofit Feeding Texas. “They show up at the food bank.” In Texas, a fifth of children experience food insecurity, meaning that they do not always have reliable access to meals, according to Feeding Texas.

For some students, the transition into summer break comes with an uncertainty—access to consistent meals. Summer of 2024 will be the first that the United States Department of Agriculture will implement the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program, or Summer EBT, in which families will receive $40 per eligible child monthly to supplement the cost of food during summer break. However, Texas is one of 15 states that did not implement the program for 2024. Thomas Vasquez, a press officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission said that Texas could not successfully launch the program this year due to “current resource constraints at the state agencies, the level of effort needed to

Food insecurity rates:

Texas

20%

Travis County

16%

Williamson County

16%

Hays County

15%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25%

SOURCE: EVERY TEXAS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

What's next?

Diving in deeper

While the Summer EBT program is an appealing program for Texans, it is also a challenging program to run, Cole said. It only reaches about 10% of kids who participate in free or reduced-price lunch programs during the school year. “The main reason for that low participation is just the challenge of kids getting to those sites in the summer months,” Cole said. Additionally, only about 4.6% of students who participated in lunch programs during the 2021-22 school year in Texas benefited from summer food service, according to a 2023 report by nonprofit Food Research and Action Center. Another barrier to success with the program is getting three entities to collaborate, Cole said.

The HHSC will continue to work with stakeholders in order to implement the program in Texas, officials said. Feeding Texas will also keep advocating for the program’s implementation and gathering the resources needed for it. Summer hunger programs Families can find additional assistance here: • Dripping Springs Helping Hands www.helpinghands-drippingsprings.org • Dripping with Hope www.ancoraministries.org/serving-texas

“Good nutrition is critical to keeping kids nourished and making sure they’re ready to go back to school ... in the fall,” Cole said. School districts and the Texas Department of Agriculture offer programs to help families during the summer.

• HaysHope2Go www.hayscisd.net/hayshope2go • Texas Department of Agriculture

Summer Meal Programs www.summerfood.org

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Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

New Braunfels ISD calls $313M May bond election Voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for or against a $313 million bond election that would fund major high school campus projects, athletic facilities and technology. The NBISD board of trustees voted unanimously to call the bond election during a regular meeting Feb. 12. Voters will cast their ballots toward the three propositions May 4. The specics According to district ocials, if all three propo- sitions on the ballot are approved, there will be no tax rate increase to taxpayers. “We didn’t want to ask for more than what we need, so all that’s going to add up to $313 million, and we projected 0% tax rate increase,” Chief Financial Ocer Paul McLarty said. The bond will be split into three propositions. • Proposition A: facilities, $267 million

CISD keeps current chaplain standards Chaplains will have the ability to vol- unteer with or be employed by Comal ISD following board of trustees approval Feb. 22. The backstory With the passage of Senate Bill 763 in the 88th legislative session, chaplains may be employed by or volunteer for a district to provide support, services and programs for students. The bill requires each board in the state to vote on the measure by March 1. The action taken CISD Superintendent John Chapman III said he recommended trustees approve the use of chaplains on campus. “If a chaplain would like to be employed, [then] they go through the regular process of being employed,” Chapman said.

The New Braunfels High School redesign would include new academic wings, an auditorium and ne arts spaces.

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• Proposition B: stadiums, $42.5 million • Proposition C: technology, $3 million

At $227 million, the largest project in Proposi- tion A would be constructing Phase 2 of the New Braunfels High School redesign. Phase 1 is already underway. According to NBHS Principal Greg Hughes, it is not large enough to hold the entire student body. “So basically, if Proposition A doesn’t pass, we’ll have half a high school at New Braunfels High School,” said board Vice President Nancy York.

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Transportation

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Public comment period on future I-35 work open The Texas Department of Transportation is holding a virtual open house to gather community input on future improvements to I-35 between Austin and San Antonio through March 8. The gist A Planning and Environmental Linkage study is evaluating potential improvements along I-35 from SH 45 near Buda to Cibolo Valley Drive, according to a news release. The study will focus on how to best connect the I-35 Capital Express South project in Travis County to the I-35 Northeast Expansion project in Guadalupe County and identify projects that can be developed in the future. The backstory At a recent transportation summit held by regional and state leaders in San Marcos on Feb. 20, Marc D. Williams, the executive director of

I-35 turnaround at FM 725 work suspended The Texas Department of Transportation expects to resume work on the I-35 turn- around at FM 725 this spring. Tanya Brown, a spokesperson for TxDOT, said the timeline was pushed back due to material delays. The backstory That follows a delay last year due to a change in the contractor. Work is expected to resume on the $5.1 million project in late spring and be completed by summer 2025.

Buda

45 TOLL

281

New Braunfels

183

1604

CIBOLO VALLEY DR.

TxDOT, said the state is seeing about 1,300 people move in every day, and a significant number chooses the Austin-San Antonio corridor. “The work will never conclude on Interstate 35 between Austin and San Antonio,” Williams said. “I can say that pretty, pretty definitively. The Texas Department of Transportation [will] work with partners ... along with local level folks of the counties and the cities to understand your needs.” Information regarding the study presentations and how to leave a comment is available at www.txdot.gov and search for “I-35 link study.”

725

Landa Street underpass reconstruction delayed A project that would have rerouted traffic in and out of downtown New Braunfels away from Landa Street has been delayed for the foreseeable future as plans are reevaluated.

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place 24 hours a day and last about three weeks. What’s next? According to the city, Landa Street was going to be closed from West Zink Street to the Wurstfest driveway, allowing for access to Landa Park Drive. “This project is pushed back while engineers consider moving the retaining wall further back,” TXDOT Spokesperson Tanya Brown said.

According to the Texas Department of Trans- portation, the agency planned on shutting down the Landa Street railroad underpass near the West Zink Street intersection Feb. 12. According to city of New Braunfels staff, the closure was to be in

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Development

BY SIERRA MARTIN

Villas at Creekside begins leasing houses A new 183-home rental community is wrap- ping up construction in New Braunfels. Villas at Creekside oers two-, three- and four-bedroom single-family homes with private driveways and attached two-car garages. The details The new luxury rental homes will come with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, a smart home technology package, a washer and dryer, and valet trash service. The community also oers various amenities, including: • A resort-style swimming pool and splash pad • Pet parks • Green space • A playground • An outdoor kitchen and grilling area

Freiheit Village condos coming soon Dovetail, a new 62-unit condominium with residences available for sale, is about to break ground in New Braunfels. The details Floor plans will range from studios to three-bedroom units, according to developer GBMC Communities. The company antici- pates breaking ground in the second quarter of this year.

Villas at Creekside oers single-family homes in two-, three- and four-bedroom oor plans.

SIERRA MARTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

• A 24-hour on-site tness facility Kaplan Multifamily Vice President Dana Dovell said Villas at Creekside creates a new aordable housing option in New Braunfels. Construction began on the development in October 2022 and is anticipated to be completed by June 2024. “So many people love the idea of having a home but are concerned or intimidated by all the expense and maintenance that can come with it. And this allows them to have that home without the huge investment,” Dovell said.

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Development

BY SIERRA MARTIN

New $151M headquarters slated for New Braunfels Utilities

After considering 17 dierent potential tracts of undeveloped land, New Braunfels Utilities has found the home of its future headquarters. A 70-acre site located o I-35 behind the Animal World and Snake Farm Zoo was purchased by the utility in November. Construction on the $151 mil- lion headquarters is slated to begin in January 2025 and be completed in spring 2027. “This location works really well for where we are on I-35 for getting access to our customers,” NBU Program Portfolio Manager Jacob Tschoepe said. The backstory In 2021, NBU planned to build its headquarters at the Trinity Well Field and Treatment Plant. But after the results of a stang study were analyzed, Tschoepe said the 40 acres of property would not support the utilities’ projected growth. “Our fear was that we would not have enough room to expand and handle the continued growth of the New Braunfels community,” Tschoepe said.

The utility plans to move all the employees working out of the NBU Service Station on FM 306 and the Main Plaza oce into the headquarters. By 2045, NBU anticipates having around 700 people employed at the headquarters. According to NBU ocials, any future plans for the redevelopment of the Main Plaza oce—which was previously reported to be turned into a bou- tique hotel, restaurant and parking garage—have been put on hold. The framework NBU ocials are working with architects to determine the schematic design of the future headquarters. Once completed, NBU customers would be able to pay bills and receive customer service at the HQ. “We want our customers to know exactly where to go and be able to nd anything they need when it comes to NBU service all in one location, and that’s what our vision is to HQ,” Tschoepe said.

“As this site is quite a bit larger, it gives us that ability to meet and grow along with New Braunfels well into the future.” JACOB TSCHOEPE, NBU PROGRAM PORTFOLIO MANAGER

482

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Real estate

The median home sales price fell year-over-year in January, down 8.3% in ZIP code 78130 and 16.78% in 78132. Residential market data

January 2023

January 2024

Average home price in the last 6 months

Homes sold

New listings

+1.9%

+52.08%

-32.4%

+15.9%

78132 $538,646

78130 $380,122

78132

78130

78132

78130

Median home sales price

January

2023

2024

$564,175

$469,500

78132

Homes sold by price point

January 2024

$338,000

$310,000

78130

$1,000,000+

$750,000-$999,999

Number of homes under contract

Average days on the market

$500,000-$749,999

+1.4%

-12.2%

-12.15%

+14.3%

$300,000-$499,999

<$299,999

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 8306256954 WWW.FOURRIVERSREALTORS.COM

78132

78130

78132

78130

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Health care

BY HANNAH NORTON

Texas teen birth rate rose for first time in 15 years Teen fertility rates in Texas increased in 2022 for the first time in 15 years, according to a recent report from the University of Houston’s Institute for Research on Women, Gender & Sexuality. In September 2021, Texas banned abortions at about six weeks into a pregnancy, after a fetal heartbeat is detected. A closer look Texas’ overall fertility rate, or births per 1,000 women ages 15-44, rose by 2% in 2022. Teen birth rates increased by 0.39%, ending a 15-year period of declines. Rising teen fertility rates may impact young parents’ ability to get an education and secure higher-paying jobs, the report said. Other studies cited in the report show that high percentages of people who experience unplanned pregnancies are poor and have less access to contraception.

Postpartum Medicaid extended to 1 year Beginning March 1, low-income Texas mothers can receive Medicaid coverage for one year after childbirth. Texas women are currently eligible for two months of postpar- tum coverage. Medicaid covered nearly half of Texas births in 2022, according to data from the Kaiser Family Foundation. The details Women whose Medicaid coverage expired before March 1 will be re-enrolled automati- cally and receive coverage for 12 months after their pregnancy ended. Over 137,000 new parents will benefit from the extension, according to the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicaid also covers checkups and other services for mothers and their children.

Texas fertility rates Rates may differ across races due to lack of access to contraception, inability to leave one’s state for an abortion and other factors. 2022 Fertility rate (births per 1,000 women ages 15-44) 2021

60.68

+2.04%

All races

61.92

66.82

+5.09%

Hispanic

70.22

54.49 53.98 55.68 55.99

Asian (non- Hispanic)

+0.94%

Black (non- Hispanic)

-0.55%

56.51

White (non- Hispanic)

-1.95%

55.41

SOURCE: UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH ON WOMEN, GENDER & SEXUALITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

From the cover

Investments in mobility

Two-minute impact

Connecting pedestrian pathways The Gruene Area Complete Streets Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement project that has been funded by AAMPO will connect existing pedestrian mobility options in New Braunfels. The improvements will also connect with the Common Street Improvement

Project, which was passed by voters in the 2023 bond and will include six-foot sidewalks.

Gruene-area project details: • Creating shared-use paths

City of New Braunfels sta submitted four projects to AAMPO, totaling $12.2 million. Once completed, the projects are anticipated to improve trac congestion and pedestrian safety. City ocials identied the projects submitted to AAMPO from the 2023 bond program. Projects that were not funded through the $99 million transportation proposition passed by voters in May 2023 were able to be funded through the project call. Some of the AAMPO funding will also be used to leverage the cost of projects funded through the bond, Transportation and Capital Improvements Director Garry Ford said. The largest of the projects is the $6.84 million Gruene Area Complete Streets Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement project. “We are working with the Gruene community to make sure that we’re maintaining the aesthetics within Gruene, not changing the look and feel but improving pedestrian mobility within the Gruene area,” Ford said. “We know it’s a very popular destination in the state, [with] high pedestrian activity. So we’re really excited about that project.” Pedestrian improvements at various locations also include Alves Lane and Brooke Avenue, Hinman Island Drive and County Line Road and FM 725.

• Fill sidewalk gaps • Improve bike lanes

1102

Gruene Area Complete Streets Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvement project Common Street

Gruene

Improvement project Completed pedestrian improvement projects

NEW BRAUNFELS ST.

306

HANZ DR.

337

"We're connecting into a lot of other improvements and trying to create

337

a multi-modal network, that way there is an improvement to our connectivity." GARRY FORD, NEW BRAUNFELS TRANSPORTATION AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT DIRECTOR

INDUSTRIAL ST.

New Braunfels

UNION AVE.

CHURCH HILL DR.

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY SIERRA MARTIN

Gruene Area Complete Streets Pedestrian and Bicycle Improvements: $6.84M Solms Road Improvements: $3.22M Citywide Pedestrian Improvements: $1.74M Citywide Signal Optimization: $450,000 New Braunfels project funding

A closer look

“I believe this project was to make some operational improvements at the Solms Road intersection with I-35,” Brown said. “This may include widening the bridge of I-35 and building turnarounds.” TxDOT will also complete an improvement project at the intersection of Hwy. 46 and Mary Boulevard and Saengerhalle Road. According to Brown, the project will address safety concerns at the intersection. According to City Manager Robert Camareno, staff will continue to analyze how the funding can help free up bond money for other projects.

The Texas Department of Transportation also received funding from AAMPO for projects in New Braunfels. Tanya Brown, TxDOT public informa- tion officer for the San Antonio region, said that the two projects were submitted in conjunction with the city of New Braunfels based on local transportation needs. “These projects will address areas of congestion and safety concerns at intersections with high turning movements,” Brown said. The largest funded project is about $19.28 mil- lion toward intersection improvements at I-35 and Solms Road.

$12.25M total

TxDOT project funding

I-35 & Solms Road Interchange Improvements: $19.28M Hwy. 46 & Mary Boulevard/ Saengerhalle Road Intersection Improvements: $3M

$22.28M total

The framework

What’s next?

air quality,” Ford said. Clifton Hall, a transportation program manager at AAMPO, said it’s part of a regional effort to improve air quality in the San Antonio area. “By looking at the signal retiming, you’re going to be moving cars much more quickly and effi- ciently through stoplights,” Hall said.

Vehicle movement through intersections should also improve after traffic signal optimization study. Next year, officials will review how the city’s 60 traffic lights coordinate, with the intent to cut emissions and improve traffic flow, Ford said. “That really has a benefit on congestion reduc- tion and delay reduction, which obviously impacts

Ford said that the city is working with AAMPO and TxDOT to schedule the projects to take place between FY 2025-28 to align with the Transportation Improvement Program timeline. Overall, Hall said he thinks the projects that received funding should make a positive impact on transportation throughout the city once completed. “I think New Braunfels residents should be able to see a noticeable difference in traffic flow. ... It should make travel through New Braunfels and around I-35 and Solms [Road], for example, it should make that a lot more smooth, and we should see some really cool outcomes from these projects,” Hall said.

Community feedback on transportation

2014

2017

2019

2022

The following survey results show the percent of resident satisfaction with each category.

54%

49%

47%

45%

44%

43%

40%

32%

31%

29%

27%

25%

Ease of walking

Ease of travel by bicycle

Ease of public parking

Traffic flow on streets

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

BY SARAH HERNANDEZ & SIERRA MARTIN

• $25-$75 • New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.eventbrite.com/e/one-night-only- tickets-783840787897

• New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

digital scavenger hunt will occur in downtown New Braunfels. Participants search for easter eggs with QR codes that show a set of challenges when scanned. • March 23, 10 a.m. (kick-off event); March 23-30 (digital scavenger hunt) • $50 (per four-member team), Free (kids under 5 years old) • First Protestant Church, 172 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.zenatexas.com Princess 4 a Night At this prom pop-up, high school students with a valid student ID can shop for free prom attire. Local nonprofit Givin’ Tree collects donations from the community all year. Donation stations can be found at both New Braunfels Library locations, Westside Community Center and Lone Star Pharmacy in Canyon Lake. • March 23-24, noon-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Westside Community Center, 2932 S. I-35, New Braunfels • Facebook: Princess 4 a Night

Attendees must be Camp Fimfo guests. • April 5-8, eclipse viewing at 1 p.m. on April 8 • Day passes starting at $44 • Camp Fimfo, 520 Whitewater Way, New Braunfels • www.campfimfo.com The 2024 Great Texas Air Show This family-friendly event will feature the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds. • April 6-7, 9 a.m. • Free • Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, 1 Harmon Drive, JBSA-Randolph • www.jbsa.mil Hill Country Comicon Hill Country Comicon 2024 will have booths, vendors, celebrity guests, artists and creators and cosplayers. • April 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 7, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Ticket prices vary • New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.hillcountrycomicon.com

March

Live @ Landa: Concert in the Park Kick off the Live @ Landa Concert Series with New Braunfels Parks and Recreation. Concerts are recurring every first Thursday through July. • March 7-July 4, 7-9 p.m. • Free (admission) • Landa Park Dance Slab, 110 Golf Course Road, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov Swing dance lessons Learn simple East Coast Swing steps in this one-hour class before a performance by popular rock-a-billy band Two Tons of Steel at Gruene Hall. • March 12, 6 p.m. • $10 • Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenetexas.com/events Spring Market Shop with 100+ small businesses selling everything from handmade crafts, home decor, jewelry, holiday accessories, children’s gifts, clothing and more. • March 13-15, 4-8 p.m. (Wed.); 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (Thu.-Fri.) • $5 admission, children 12 and under free

Legally Blonde The Musical Jr. Christian Youth Theatre from San Antonio will present this show based on the award-winning Broadway musical and the motion picture. • March 14-17, 7-9 p.m. • $18-20 • Brauntex Theatre, 290 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org 5th Annual RiverRod This family-friendly classic car and hot rod show will have 300-400 custom car and truck entries from all over Texas. • March 16, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. • $10 (general admission), free (ages 12 and under) • Comal County Fairgrounds, 701 Common St., New Braunfels • Facebook: RiverRod One Night Only Gospel Extravaganza Food, family and fellowship await at this gospel extravaganza. • March 16, doors open at 3 p.m.

Old Gruene Market Days Nearly 100 vendors will be offering uniquely crafted items and packaged Texas foods. • March 16-17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • Gruene Historic District in front of Adobe Verde, 1724 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenemarketdays.com Kids Fest 2024 Texas Ski Ranch presents this family- and pet-friendly event with a bounce house, face painting, snow cones, vendors, a golden egg hunt and more. There will also be discounted passes for those interested in riding with and learning from pro wakeboarders and water skiers. • March 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Texas Ski Ranch, 6700 N. I-35, New Braunfels • Facebook: TSR Texas Ski Ranch

Dachshund Race Series Krause’s Cafe will hold its 2024 Dachshund Race Series. Medals will be awarded to race winners and the best dressed wiener dog. • March 24, 2-5 p.m. • $5 (admission for ages 5 and up), $10 (per racer) • Krause’s Cafe, 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.krausescafe.com/events

April

2024 Total Solar Eclipse weekend Spend the weekend before the eclipse in the Texas Hill Country for daily activities and themed events.

Ultimate Easter Egg Hunt A week-long and community-wide easter egg and

CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969

NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434

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