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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 15, ISSUE 12 APRIL 22MAY 21, 2025
2025 Voter Guide
San Marcos trac accidents increase
Data shows that road safety decreased while the project was taking place. In 2020, there were 55 accidents on SH 123, and accidents rose to 80 in 2024, an increase of about 45%.
Construction on the $107 million project started in August 2021 and is anticipated to be completed in April. The goal of the project was to widen the I-35 bridge over SH 123, requiring several lane closures and detours throughout the nearly four years of construction.
BY JACQUELYN BURRER
With the upcoming completion of the Texas Department of Transportation, or TxDOT, project at the intersection of I-35 and SH 123, San Marcos residents are preparing for potential trac relief amid rising trac accidents.
CONTINUED ON 18
Sometimes I avoid driving on certain roads or the highway because I don’t want to deal with being involved in another accident. DANIELLE JOHNSON, SAN MARCOS RESIDENT
Construction at the intersection of I35 and SH 123 is anticipated to be completed in April. (Xorin Aeronautics/Community Impact)
35
Also in this issue
Learn about Grins Restaurant’s change in ownership Impacts Page 6
Read an update on a proposed data center in San Marcos Development Page 20
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
MAYFEST FESTIVAL & HOME TOUR SATURDAY, MAY 10 ○ 11AM–3PM
It’s that time of year again … birds chirping, blossoms spreading and Mayfair—New Braunfels’ nature-rich, trail- connected new home community — is getting ready to host the second annual Mayfest Festival & Home Tour. All are welcome to a day of live music, local food and family-friendly fun. A chance to take a closer look at Mayfair's colorful variety of model homes, meet our newest builders and learn about new collections coming this summer.
MAYFAIRTX.COM/MAYFEST
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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MAKE SAFETY YOUR DESTINATION This Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Mobility Authority encourages you to make safe driving a priority. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 MPH is like driving the length of a football field blindfolded. That text can wait, keep your eyes on the road.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE RESTED BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD
SET YOUR GPS AHEAD OF TIME
PULL OVER TO EAT OR DRINK
OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD INCLUDING SPEED LIMITS AND SIGNAGE
SET THE STANDARD MAKE SAFETY A PRIORITY
PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY WHILE DRIVING
www.MobilityAuthority.com
visit www.MobilityAuthority.com to learn more.
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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.
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Leslie Bradshaw General Manager lbradshaw@ communityimpact.com
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
BLANCO RIVER
Impacts San Marcos
3 BRICO’s Pizza Kitchen The family-owned pizzeria serves handcrafted New York- style pizzas, including vegan and vegetarian options. Owner Brendon Ndlovu said they will host a grand opening during Memorial Day weekend. • Opened March 15 • 4015 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 320, San Marcos • www.bricospizzakitchen.com 4 SipIt SipIt, which sells daiquiris and margaritas to-go, announced the opening of its new San Marcos location 1984
8 Joe’s Jeans Known for its denim and modern wardrobe staples, Joe’s Jeans is set to open at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. • Opening in May • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 240, San Marcos • www.joesjeans.com 9 Starbucks Starbucks is set to return to the San Marcos Premium Outlets in Suite 925, the same location it has occupied intermittently over the past few years. • Opening TBA • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 925, San Marcos • www.premiumoutlets.com/ outlet/san-marcos/stores/starbucks-coffee
San Marcos
AQUARENA SPRINGS DR.
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4
E. HOPKINS ST.
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16
2
80
5
21
S. GUADALUPE ST.
17 12
35
on social media. • Opened April 12 • 1515 Aquarena Spring Drive, San Marcos • www.drinksipit.com
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SAN MARCOS RIVER
E. MCCARTY LN.
Relocations
5 Fen & Hallow Owned by Heather Van Eck, the holistic collective will o er items for physical, mental and spiritual well-being. • Opened April 19 • 165 S. Guadalupe St., Ste. 112, San Marcos • Instagram: fenandhallow 1979
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10 TheHungryWae The wae truck relocated from 1760 S. I-35 in New Braunfels. Owned by Jennifer Casillas and her ancé, Adam Tekien, The Hungry Wae serves Leige, Belgian and bubble waes along with wae fries. • Relocated March 24 • 1705 S. I-35 S. frontage road, San Marcos • www.thehungrywaffle.com
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CENTER POINT RD.
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RATTLER RD.
Coming soon
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
6 Rodd & Gunn Known for high-quality menswear and accessories, the retailer will open its rst Texas outlet store at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. • Opening in May • 3939 I-35 S. frontage road, Ste. 945, San Marcos • www.roddandgunn.com/us 7 JD Sports JD Sports, a global sportswear and sneaker retailer carrying brands like Nike and Jordan, alongside in- house labels such as Pink Soda Sport and Supply & Demand—is set to open a new store at the San Marcos Premium Outlets. • Opening in April • 3939 I-35 S. frontage road, Ste. 301A, San Marcos • www.jdsports.com
In the news
Now open
11 Lafayette 148 New York Lafayette 148 New York, a women’s luxury clothing retailer founded in 1996 in New York, closed its San Marcos Premium Outlets location. • 3939 I-35 S. frontage road, Ste. 945, San Marcos • www.lafayette148ny.com 12 Chili’s Grill & Bar Chili’s celebrated its 50th anniversary in March. The franchise was founded in Dallas in 1975. • 102 N. I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.chilis.com
1 Moncler The French-Italian apparel manufacturer o ers a selection of men’s and women’s clothing. • Opened in December • 3939 I-35 frontage road, Ste. 955A, San Marcos • www.moncler.com/en-us 2 San Marcos Workforce Training Facility The new workforce training facility is supported through a partnership with Austin Community College and Community Action Inc. of Central Texas. • Opened March 25 • 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF
Closings
Coming soon
In the news
13 The Groove The brunch cafe announced its closure in a social media post. The Groove opened in 2022 and served breakfast, tacos, sandwiches, soups, wraps and bowls. • Closed March 15 • 2626 Hunter Road #101, San Marcos • Instagram: thegroovesanmarcos 14 Forever 21 The Tanger Outlets location of Forever 21, which sold men’s and women’s apparel, led for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closed its U.S. stores. • Closed in March • 4015 S. I-35 S. frontage road, San Marcos • www.forever21.com 15 Boardriders The retailer selling branded apparel, footwear and accessories for boardriders, will close its store in the Tanger Outlets. • Closing in late April • 4015 I-35, Ste. 625, San Marcos • www.tanger.com/sanmarcos/stores/boardriders
16 Skip’s Beer Wine & Liquor The Texas-based liquor store chain is planning to open its third San Marcos location within the Aquarena Crossing development this summer. Skip’s Beer Wine & Liquor sells a wide variety of wine, spirits, beer and more. • Opening this summer • 1506 N. I-35 frontage road, Ste. 104, San Marcos • www.skipsliquor.com
17 Thundercloud Subs Austin-grown Thundercloud Subs celebrated its 50th anniversary on March 23. The business was founded in 1975 by Andy Cotton and John Meddaugh, two friends who opened the business with only $2,500 to their names and a dream to sell submarine sandwiches. In 1989, the company decided to pursue franchising opportunities, and has 24 locations across the state of Texas and in neighboring states. • 1035 Hwy. 123, Ste. 101, San Marcos • www.thundercloud.com
NOW OPEN 220 Opportunity BIvd, #2A San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 451-0103
EXCITING NEWS! Groundbreaking retinal research is coming to your area! Be part of the next wave in eye care with innovative treatments for retinal health. If you are interested in learning more about retinal research, ask your retina specialist for details at your next appointment.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Impacts Buda & Kyle N. SAN MARCOS ST.
45 TOLL
3 Kyle Fire Department-Hays County ESD No. 5 Fire Station No. 4 The $7.6 million re station is expected to signicantly improve emergency response times in a historically underserved area of the county, ocials said. • Opened April 4 4 Pro-Care Medical Center The clinic, led by Dr. Bryan Woods, oers head-to- toe personal injury care, such as chiropractic care and accident and injury treatment. • Opened March 6 • 5581 Kyle Centre Drive, Ste. 205, Kyle • www.procaremedcenter.com 2001 • 110 High Road, Kyle • https://kyleire.com
In the news
45 TOLL
8 The Main Squeeze The locally-owned lemonade business has reopened after a temporary closure. The Main Squeeze oers fresh-squeezed lemonade, tea and Redbull refreshers. • 108 S. Front St., Kyle • Facebook: The Main Squeeze Hats O For Veterans 20th anniversary The local nonprot organization supporting veterans with higher education scholarships, professional development grants and mental health counseling celebrated its 20th anniversary at its annual family- friendly gala April 6. • www.ohofv.org
Hays
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Buda
1626
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WINDY HILL RD.
KIRKHAM CIR.
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150
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KYLE CENTREDR.
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Coming soon
Worth the trip
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3
5 European Wax Center European Wax Center will be opening within the Kyle Marketplace shopping center. The national chain will oer a variety of body and face waxing services. • Opening TBA • 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 175, Kyle • www.waxcenter.com 21
Neon Armadillo Known for serving Tex-Mex and locally sourced barbecue from its pop-up food trailer on Ranch Road 12 in Wimberley, Neon Armadillo is set to open a brick-and- mortar, according to Chef Adam Puskorius. • Opening in mid-August Nada Mucho Tex-Mex Heaven The Wimberley Tex-Mex restaurant serves enchiladas, fajitas, tacos, burritos and more. • Opened in January • 13710 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley • www.nadamuchotexmexheaven.com • 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley • www.neonarmadillowtx.com WineBerley Owned by Genevieve Guy, the shop specializes in biodynamic and organic wines, oering French selections along with Italian, Spanish and American options. • Opened Jan. 28 • 13615 Ranch Road, Ste. 12, Wimberley • www.wineberley.com
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Kyle
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N TM; © 2025 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
What’s next
Now open
6 Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt The frozen yogurt chain will open a location at Kyle Crossing this year, according to a permit led with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. Menchie’s serves frozen yogurt with a variety of toppings.
1 The Goddard School of Kyle Owned by Akbar and Shermeen Bhaidani, the new school oers early childhood education for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years. • Opened April 7 • 870 Veterans Drive, Kyle • www.goddardschool.com/schools/tx/kyle/kyle 2 Hays Co. Bar-BQue Family-owned Hays Co. Bar-B-Que has opened a temporary location in downtown Kyle during the construction of its permanent home. • Opened April 5
• 20090 Marketplace Ave., Kyle • www.menchies.com/locations/ frozen-yogurt-kyle-crossing--tx
7 McDonalds Kyle is set to get a new McDonald’s, with construction scheduled to begin in early 2026, according to a ling with the TDLR. • 13701 I-35 frontage road, Kyle • www.mcdonalds.com
• 108 S. Front St., Kyle • www.hayscobbq.com
NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SARAH HERNANDEZ, SIERRA MARTIN &JAMIE MOORE
Coming soon
Coming soon
In the news
9 Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken & Wings The fast-casual restaurant serves Nashville hot chicken of varying spice levels. The Hangry Joe’s menu includes chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, chicken and wa©es, salads and wraps. • Opening in late April • 920 Kohlers Crossing, Ste. 500, Kyle • www.hangryjoes.com
10 School of Rock School of Rock Kyle is slated to open on Kyle Centre Drive in late August. The new local franchise is owned by Paige Gorman and Shannon Canada, the owner of School of Rock New Braunfels. School of Rock oers performance-and- song-based music lessons and programs for ages 4 to 18. Adult and online music programs are also oered. • Opening in August • 5581 Kyle Centre Drive, Ste. 204, Kyle • www.schoolofrock.com/locations/kyle
11 Doxa Coee Roasters Doxa Coee Roasters will celebrate the grand opening of its Buda food truck at Memorial Miniature Golf & Museum from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 3. The event will include vendors, ra©es, pastries and music, according to an Instagram post. The food truck had its soft opening in August, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
• Grand opening May 3 • 1710 N. FM 1626, Buda • www.doxacoffeeroasters.com
Y’all Get Ready! We’re back for more boot scootin’, meat smoking, ‘rita drinking, and good time having in Kyle, Texas! We’ve got carnival rides and games, delicious smoky barbeque, May 16-18 in Kyle, Texas! It’s Going Down
ice-cold beer, a music lineup that’ll knock your boots off, a bunch of people named Kyle, and a finer than frog hair good time!
KyleFair.com Get the lowdown at Rib, Fajita, and Rita Competitions! Show us your stuff at one of our competitions! Open to backyard pitmasters and pros, we’re looking for the best of the best. If you’d like to keep your hat on your head instead of thrown into the ring, we still need your help! Our People’s Choice Awards lets you taste and rank all the offerings!
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Government
San Marcos City Council OKs Cape’s Dam feasibility study At the March 18 meeting, San Marcos City Coun- cil members voted unanimously to move forward with a preliminary study looking into the future of Cape’s Dam. This decision marks the latest chapter in over a decade of discussions. Diving in deeper The city approved a contract with Freese & Nichols Inc. to perform a preliminary feasibility study to: • Evaluate the current conditions of Cape’s Dam and relevant adjacent features. • Explore conceptual alternatives, including repair, partial removal, or full-removal of the dam, and gather cost, feasibility and stakeholder input. • Identify potential regulatory or environmental
Hays County ends contract with APA! Hays County will no longer partner with Austin Pets Alive! to manage the county’s Pet Resource Center, or PRC, after the Com- missioners Court voted to end their contract on March 25. The background APA! has served as project coordinator for the PRC since March 2023. The PRC is a virtual resource center, not a physical center, that connects pet owners with local services in an eort to keep animals out of the shelter system. Some Hays County commissioners said they were uncertain about extending the contract because of community members pointing to local organizations for pet health and wellness services over APA! continuing to manage the PRC.
Members voted unanimously to move forward with a preliminary feasibility study for Cape’s Dam.
COURTESY CITY OF SAN MARCOS
pathways and constraints. • Conduct public and stakeholder engagement to guide decision-making on a preferred approach. San Marcos and Hays county currently have an interlocal agreement-memorandum of under- standing, or ILAMOU, related to the rehabilitation of Cape’s Dam. Hays County Commissioners Court has only discussed the rehabilitation of the dam under the ILAMOU and has not yet considered removal, according to Jamie Lee Case, director of parks and recreation.
Kyle discusses Dacy Lane senior programming At its March 18 meeting, Kyle City Council reviewed two layout options for a center at 1500 Dacy Lane that will oer senior program- ming. The city purchased 10,650 square feet of a 12,700-square-foot building at the site in late 2024. A closer look One proposed layout was a exible,
multipurpose design, while the other empha- sized a central kitchen and lounge near the entrance to create a welcoming atmosphere. Council members discussed planning for 120 attendees, though City Manager Bryan Langley recommended designing for 150 to support future growth. A ¡nal layout will be presented at a later meeting.
Kyle
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BY JAMIE MOORE & ELISABETH JIMENEZ
North Hays County EMS gears up for split The emergency medical service that oper- ates in north Hays County is gearing up to start its own services outside of San Marcos Hays County EMS. North Hays EMS has been part of SMHCEMS since 2004. The details Services by the North Hays EMS Emer- gency Service District No. 1 o¢cially started April 7. North Hays EMS Chief Bob Luddy said he doesn’t anticipate the transition will have an impact on services to residents in the area. However, multiple San Marcos Hays County EMS employees have resigned early to go to North Hays EMS, SMHCEMS Chief Jill Rosales said during a board meeting March 17. Both Luddy and Rosales said they are working on a plan to ensure there are no gaps in services.
Buda City Council brainstorms dog park relocation
Following a workshop on relocation options for Buda’s dog park, City Council directed sta to move forward with plans to relocate the park. The move is necessary to accommodate the expansion of softball ¡elds at the Buda Sportsplex. Zooming in Stagecoach Park was identi¡ed as the ideal
location out of four options by Parks and Recre- ation Director Tony Host. The park already fea- tures parking, hike-and-bike trails, a playground, a pavilion, an amphitheater and on-site utilities, including restrooms. City sta will continue developing plans for the Stagecoach Park relocation and bring an updated proposal back to council at a later date.
Potential Dog Park sites
Current Dog Park
1626
SUMMER POINTE
OLD W. TRL.
STAGECOACH PARK
GREEN MEADOWS PARK
WHISPERING HOLLOW PARK
BUDA SPORTSPLEX
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HAWK LN.
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BUDA DOG PARK
HARPER VILLAGE RD.
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Kyle City Council receives update on animal center At its April 1 meeting, Kyle City Council received an update on Phase 1 of a comprehensive feasibility study for the proposed Kyle Animal Care Center. Jackson & Ryan Architects, contracted by the city, have completed a site visit to the San Marcos
Kyle citizens' view on the San Marcos Regional Animal Center
Overcrowding
Zooming out Community feedback collected through a survey showed 95.4% of respondents agree Kyle needs a new animal care facility, in addition to the San Marcos shelter, which will serve Kyle until 2026. Initial assessments estimate the shelter will need about 21,000 square feet, supporting adop- tion, veterinary care and community services.
81.4%
Limited funding/sta
46.4%
Lack of public awareness
53%
Poor facility conditions
Regional Animal Shelter, hosted stakeholder visioning sessions and held a two-day program- ming session.
68.9%
Unknown
6%
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Election
BY GRANT CRAWFORD, SIERRA MARTIN & JAMIE MOORE
Four municipal utility districts, or MUDs, will appear on some May election ballots in the Hays County and Travis County area, including one in San Marcos and another in Buda. A closer look MUDs are typically established by developers in undeveloped areas outside the jurisdiction of existing city or county governments. They can also be formed within city boundaries to provide infrastructure. The Mason MUD will appear on the ballot for voters in its district. If approved, it will fund utility services in the Mason Subdivision, a 306-acre master-planned community on Centerpoint Road in San Marcos. Although Marcus Pacheco, Hays County devel- opment services director, could not con rm if the MUD is speci cally tied to the Mason Subdivision, the MUD map provided by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, or TCEQ, matches the subdivision’s plans. If approved, the MUD will levy an operation and maintenance tax not to exceed $1.20 per $100 valuation of taxable property. The propositions on the ballot for the Mason MUD total $775 million in bonds to fund water, wastewater and road projects within the development. The details Buda MUD No. 2 will be formed for a new Four municipal utility districts up for election
Overview
Buda MUD #2
Creedmoor
967
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Buda
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Mustang Ridge
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Travis County MUDs
2
45 TOLL
Kyle
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Creedmoor
130 TOLL
Uhland
MUD #27
TURNERSVILLE RD.
130 TOLL
Lockhart
San Marcos
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MUD #32
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Mason MUD
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San Marcos
NOTE: THE LOCATION OF THESE MUDS ARE BASED OFF OF TCEQ VICINITY MAPS AND ARE APPROXIMATE.
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Both the Travis County MUD No. 27 and MUD No. 32 will have a potential operation and maintenance tax not to exceed $1.20 per $100 valuation of taxable property. The ballot will also include multiple propositions for each MUD totaling $625.43 million in bonds—for MUD No. 27—and $272 million—for MUD No. 32—to fund water, road and wastewater infrastructure within the development. The purposes for and possible developments on the two Travis County MUDs are currently unknown. Voters in all four districts will also elect board directors for the respective MUDs.
residential development called The Colony. The Colony is creating a MUD to build transportation infrastructure, including a bridge that has already been built over Onion Creek to connect the development to FM 2770, according to Buda City Manager Micah Grau. If approved, the Buda MUD No. 2 will levy an operation and maintenance tax not to exceed $1 per $100 valuation of taxable property. Ballot propositions for Buda MUD No. 2 include a total of $340 million in bonds for water, wastewater and road infrastructure. There will also be two MUDS on the Travis County ballot, in the Mustang Ridge area.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Election
BY SHELBIE HAMILTON & ALEX REECE
Voter Guide
2025
Dates to know
Where to vote
April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election Day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or May 5 if carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. at location of election on Election Day)
Hays County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.hayscountytx.gov/elections for polling locations.
Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.
During uniform election days in Texas, which are held twice a year in May and November, eligible residents are given the opportunity to vote at a polling site or via a mail-in ballot. Both of an allowed form of identication can request a provisional ballot and follow associated processes to cast their vote. What identication to bring when heading to the polls May 3 voting methods require presentation of a valid and approved form of identication, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s website. When voting in person, eligible voters not in possession
Voters are required to bring one of seven forms of identi cation with them when they cast their ballot in person.
Voters who do not possess one of the approved forms of photo ID can present an alternative form of identi cation: • Government document that shows the voter’s name and an address, including the voter’s voter registration certiicate • Current utility bill • Bank statement • Government check • Paycheck • Certiied U.S. state or territory birth certiicate or a document conirming birth admissible in a court of law which establishes the voter’s identity
TEXAS DRIVER
TEXAS HL
PASSPORT
US CITIZEN
U.S. Citizenship Certicate
U.S. Passport
Texas Driver License
Texas Handgun License
TX ELEC ID
MILITARY
TX PER ID
Texas Election Identication Certicate
Texas Personal Identication Card
U.S. Military Identication Card
SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Education
Texas State to oer health care training programs Texas State University has partnered with MedCerts, an online provider of medical training programs, to oer seven new courses. Two-minute impact MedCerts specializes in health care and information technology certication training, combining online coursework with hands-on components like virtual simulations and real- world clinical experiences, per a news release. The online programs, designed for nontradi- tional students, aim to address the growing need for skilled healthcare workers. About 40% of Texas counties have unmet primary care health needs, according to the Texas Hospital Association. While nursing shortages contribute to this issue, there is also a high demand for medical assistants, surgical technicians, and pharmacy technicians.
San Marcos CISD 2023 bond project updates The board of trustees approved a Guar- anteed Maximum Price of $58.1 million for the Mendez Elementary School replacement project and $4.8 million for the rst phase of the San Marcos High School additions and renovations project. The breakdown Work on the new Mendez campus is set to be completed by June 2026. Phase one of the SMHS project is expected to begin in June and includes administration building renovations, a band practice pad and parking additions. Construction on the two remaining phases is expected to last between September 2025-August 2027 and includes band hall additions, ne arts renovations and special education renovations.
MedCert programs at Texas State The health and specialty medical certication training programs o ered include: Electronic health records and reimbursement specialist
Medical assistant Professional coder
Medical front oce and electronic health records Medication care coordinator Pharmacy technician professional Medical front oce assistant and administration specialist
SOURCE: TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITYCOMMUNITY IMPACT
“We are committed to oering high-quality courses that empower students to build reward- ing careers in the medical eld while addressing critical workforce shortages,” Jorge P. Lopez, director of continuing education at Texas State said in the release.
sun the @ fun
page to check out our Resident Events! Visit our Facebook
New Lakeside Lazy River Amenity Center Opening Soon!
Just 15 minutes south of downtown Austin, Sunfield offers endless ways to have fun in your own backyard! Enjoy the miles of hike and bike trails , catch and release ponds , the dog parks or our two spectacular Amenity Centers including Swimming Pools , a Lazy River and plenty of shade!
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14
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY BRITTANY ANDERSON & JAMIE MOORE
Texas State partners with Dallas College Texas State University and Dallas College have launched Texas State Local @ Dallas College, a co-enrollment program that gives students a way to earn both an associate and a bachelor’s degree. Students will start at Dallas College before transferring to Texas State to complete their degree, per a news release. The overview Applications open in the fall, and students will be able to complete a B.B.A in Management, Finance, Marketing or Information Systems with a concentration in Business Analytics and/or AI. The two schools have set up transfer guide- lines to ensure credits count. The co-enrollment model requires students to complete 63 hours at Dallas College before transferring to Texas State to nish their degree.
Latest HCISD Ramage Elementary updates Construction is set to continue through the summer on Ramage Elementary, the district’s 17th elementary school and newest campus slated to open for the 2025-26 school year. The details Per an April 4 construction progress update, upcoming activities include work on the gym, cafeteria and restrooms. Recent activities included playground equipment installation and elevator installations. Sub- stantial construction completion is expected by July 18. The board of trustees also recently named Camino Real Elementary principal Yvette Soliz as the new principal of Ramage. O£cials said Soliz spent March transitioning into the new role, and will next help select the school colors and mascot.
“We’re removing barriers, building pathways, and making sure that more students can achieve their dreams of earning a high-quality, in-
demand degree. This is what access to education should look like, and we’re proud to make it happen together.” KELLY DAMPHOUSSE, TEXAS STATE PRESIDENT
Students could save up to $18,500 in tuition and fees based on 2025 rates. Those who transfer to Texas State will get a $1,000 award for their rst semester, renewable for a second year. Beyond nancial savings, students in the program will have access to academic advising, libraries, computer labs, counseling services and sporting events at both schools.
15
SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY JAMIE MOORE
Kyle chooses construction option for road project Following an update on Old Stagecoach Road and Center Street, Kyle City Council provided direction that will result in longer travel times during construction, but allow the project to be completed faster. The overview This will prioritize a faster completion timeline despite an estimated 23% increase in travel time during construction.
967
GARLIC CREEK DR.
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With this approach, the Old Stagecoach Road and Center Street projects are expected to be completed by Q3 2027. The rejected second option would have extended the project’s completion to Q3 2028 and would have resulted in an estimated $770,000 in additional costs, according to agenda documents.
Buda completes Talley Loop project Construction on Talley Loop is now complete. The project, part of the 2021 bond package, nished March 6, Buda Public Information Ocer Michelle Henley said. The overview The Talley Loop rehabilitation involved a full-depth reconstruction from Cullen Boulevard northward to the bend west toward Garlic Creek Drive, according to the Buda Bond website.
The project will be separated into ve segments. Council members chose to bid on projects inde- pendently as designs are completed to expedite delivery.
Dates of construction
Sept. 2025
Dec. 2025
March 2026
June 2026
Sept. 2026
Dec. 2026
March 2027
June 2027
Sept. 2027
Center St. Old Stagecoach Road Old Stagecoach (north) Jack C. Hays Trails Center St.
CITY OF KYLECOMMUNITY IMPACT
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17
SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
San Marcos tra c accidents increase From the cover
Scan to view the interactive heat map
The big picture
Trac accidents in San Marcos in 2024
Tra c accidents per roadway
Since 2022, trac accidents in San Marcos have increased by nearly 13%, according to data from TxDOT. In that same period, San Marcos’ population has also grown signi cantly, increasing by nearly 30% since 2020, adding to congestion concerns. In response, San Marcos and TxDOT ocials have initiated various projects to improve roadway conditions and trac ow, including the following: • I-35 alternate route FM 110 North, completed January 2024 • Hopkins Street and Guadalupe Street intersection improvements, completed June 2024 • Hopkins Street improvements, estimated completion by November 2029 As construction at I-35 and SH 123 wraps up this April, marking the end of major infrastructure work along the I-35 corridor in San Marcos, city and county projects will continue. But TxDOT projects will pause for now, giving residents a chance to see if recent improvements ease trac accidents and congestion.
FM 110
8
TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY
35
FM 2439
32
I-35
21
580
12
80
Old Ranch Road 12
82
76
SH 21
22
2439
SH 80
48
SAN MARCOS RIVER
SH 123
110
123
96
Loop 82
185
N
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Current situation
accidents in 2024 than all major and smaller roadways in San Marcos. Stan Standridge, San Marcos Police Department chief, said in a statement that in 2022, there were 16 fatalities in San Marcos, with most occurring on I-35 and SH 123.
Excluding I-35, the major roadways in San Marcos that saw the highest number of accidents in 2024 were Loop 82 and SH 123. Other minor roadways also saw elevated trac accidents, including Clarewood Drive with 15 accidents and Sessom Drive with 17 accidents, according to TxDOT data. FM 110, which opened in 2024, saw fewer
San Marcos is expected to grow at an annual rate of 4.56%, putting the estimated total population at 142,145 by 2035, according to the city. In 2024, there were a total of 1,503 trac accidents, with at least 580 accidents on I-35, according to TxDOT. Nearly 34% of all 2024 accidents took place at an intersection.
Tra c accidents in San Marcos, 2015 2024
Population growth in San Marcos, 2020 2030
Total accidents
Projected population
Population
1,800
140K
1,600
120K
1,400
100K
1,200
80K
1,000
60K
0
0
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONCOMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: U.S. CENSUS BUREAU, CITY OF SAN MARCOSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY JACQUELYN BURRER
Fatal crashes in San Marcos and New Braunfels, 2020 2024
How we got here
What residents are saying
San Marcos
New Braunfels
A 2024 Consumer Aairs study ranked San Marcos drivers the second worst in Texas among cities with populations over 50,000. The city had the second-highest rate of driving fatalities in 2022 and ranked fourth in Texas for deaths involving a positive blood alcohol content per 100,000 people. “Approximately 75% of these crashes involved alcohol or drug use, and many were due to speeding,” Standridge said in the statement. “In 2023, the number increased to 19 fatalities, with SH 123 surpassing I-35 as the top fatality roadway, largely due to speed and substance use.” TxDOT Southwest Communications Director Brad Wheelis said that TxDOT relies on drivers to act responsibly. “Even one trac death is one too many,” Wheelis said in the statement. “Over the past ve years in San Marcos, the top contributing factors in crashes on TxDOT roadways were speed, driver inattention and alcohol.”
Local resident Danielle Johnson said that since moving to San Marcos nearly four years ago, she has been in two car accidents. “I’m terried of getting into another accident, especially because none of the accidents that we’ve been in have been our fault,” Johnson said. “Sometimes, I avoid driving on certain roads or the highway because I don’t want to deal with being involved in another accident.” Local resident Kelly Keefer said after she and her 10-year-old son were T-boned in July at Posey Road, she and her family will be moving to Iowa to get away from the growing trac in San Marcos. “We’re tired of living our lives stuck in trac, and so we kind of want to get away from it all …” Keefer said. “I have major anxiety about [driv- ing] now. Even my son …when he rides in the car with me, he’s always just like on edge. I just try to avoid [driving] as much as possible.”
20
15
10
5
0
2021 2022 2023
2020
2024
Fatalities involving positive blood alcohol content per 100K
Galveston
20.6
Midland
12.83
Odessa
12.35
San Marcos
11.91
Wichita Falls
10.73
SOURCE: TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMUNITY IMPACT
What’s being done
want to see improvements … but it’s a process, and it’s a process for a reason,” Miers said. Previous projects, like the Loop 82 reconstruction at I-35 and Aquarena Springs, and FM 110 opening in 2024, aimed to improve road conditions, reduce accidents and encourage drivers to use alternate routes to ease I-35 congestion.
In 2022, Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, or CAMPO, partnered with San Marcos to study SH 123, SH 80 and I-35, aiming to improve the corridors to support the city’s rapid growth, according to Community Outreach Manager Doise Miers. “It can denitely be frustrating for those that
As of April 11, there have been 399 accidents in 2025, a 2.31% increase from the same period in 2024. Of the 399 accidents, 115 were on I-35, 48 on Loop 82 and 15 on SH 123, per TxDOT data. Standridge said the city and SMPD are working to reduce trac accidents through a dedicated trac unit targeting high-collision areas.
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
Development
Development
BY JAMIE MOORE
BY JAMIE MOORE
A proposed data center on Francis Harris Lane returned to the San Marcos Planning and Zoning, or P&Z Commission, on March 25. P&Z recommended the denial of two items related to the project—one to amend the city’s Preferred Scenario Map and the other to rezone the land. The project now moves to City Council and will require a supermajority vote to pass. What’s happening? The proposed data center would include two parcels: Tract 1, a 125.91-acre parcel already annexed into San Marcos, and Tract 2, a 63.68-acre unzoned parcel. San Marcos data center denied by P&Z Commission
P&Z denies student apartment proposal
Michael Whellan, representing the data center applicants, stated that the project would yield a tax revenue of nearly $3.02 million for the city and $5.08 million for San Marcos CISD. After the presentation of both items, applicant John Maberry requested a postponement to prepare a restrictive covenant related to residents’ concerns. What the commissioners are saying P&Z Chair David Case moved to postpone the items, seconded by Commissioner Grin Spell. However, the motion failed 8-1, with only Case voting in favor of the postponement. “The applicants knew that the meeting was going to be tonight, and this is the time that they need to put their best foot forward,” Commissioner Rodney van Oudekerke said. “This is the night that they should’ve had it all together.” Following the failure of the motion, Case moved to recommend approval of the rst item—the Preferred Scenario Map amendment—to the City Council. However, commissioners raised concerns about water usage, electricity demand, noise pollution and accessibility to the cemetery located
266
35
A new student apartment complex may still be in San Marcos’ future, pending a nal decision by the City Council. At its March 25 meeting, the San Marcos Plan- ning and Zoning, or P&Z, Commission denied two requests 8-1, with only Chair David Case dissenting, related to a proposed purpose-built student housing development on multiple lots near the West Hopkins H¡E¡B. The two items denied included: • A request for alternative compliance to exceed the city’s maximum building height, increas- ing the limit from ve to seven stories • A request for a conditional use permit, or CUP, to allow a purpose-built student housing development The proposed development spans approx- imately 2.2 acres and currently consists of multiple lots with six di¦erent property owners, including the parking lot of the First United
Methodist Church and the nancial rm Don Graham & Associates. About the project Shannon Mattingly, director of land use and entitlements at real estate law rm Drenner Group PC, said the apartment would not be exclusively for students but open to anyone interested in a rent-by-the-bed arrangement. The applicant proposed a mix of one- to ve-bedroom units to accommodate a range of living arrangements and three §oors of structured parking, and justied the need for the project by citing Texas State University’s continued growth and the resulting demand for student housing near campus. Commissioner Amy Meeks said she doesn’t like the developer’s reasoning to make it stu- dent housing and have four- to ve- bedroom apartments. “You’re saying to us tonight, ‘Oh, that will
GRANT HARRIS RD.
Proposed student apartments
Tract 1
Cemetery
Tract 2
256
N
N
help bring down the cost, then everybody that lives in that unit has to pay less’—that doesn’t §y,” Meeks said. “We know what that means is the developer’s just getting more money—the students aren’t paying less, it’s just more money for the developer.” What's next? San Marcos City Council will discuss the proposed apartment complex during a regular meeting on April 15.
in the middle of the property. “I don’t mind taking risks with my personal assets, but the San Marcos river doesn’t belong to me; it belongs to all of us, and we don’t get do-overs if we mess it up,” Oudekerke said. “I’m not willing to support this if there’s even the slightest chance of harming that river.” The item was slated to go before the San Marcos City Council on April 15 but was postponed at the request of the applicant, according to Nadine Cesak, communications and intergovernmental relations manager.
SAN MARCOS 510 Barnes Dr (512) 392-0366
CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969
SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Rd S (512) 280-7400
NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
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