Northeast San Antonio Metrocom Edition | April 2023

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION

VOLUME 2, ISSUE 7 APRIL 18MAY 15, 2023

SORTING OUT OLD TOWN

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE 2023 Doss Audiology & Hearing Center celebrates 10 years

Cibolo City Council took up downtown zoning this year and surveyed property owners to determine whether rezoning was needed to better dierentiate between homes used as residences and those used for businesses.

Kindling Texas Kitchen is one of many businesses that were opened in historic homes in Old Town Cibolo.

COUNCIL MEMBER “I was the one who brought

BUSINESS OWNER “If [City Council rezones],

RESIDENT “I think that the right

Sample ballot

up the rezoning [in January]. That was because we received numerous complaints from residents who felt like they were being harassed by developers and businesses that wanted to buy their properties.” Katie Cunningham, District 4

you are going to set back our downtown area for probably ve-plus years while you sit here and gure out what you want it to look like and as you spend time to redo the plan.” Cassandra Kearns, owner The Mill Boutique

thing for the city of Cibolo to do is to allow folks that want to stay commercial now to stay commercial and for those folks who want to revert back to what they were in 2010 to do that.” Adam Savoy, Lamar Street resident

Judson ISD renews District of Innovation plan

Cibolo City Council votes to rezone Old Town to correct zoning changes made over a decade ago

Education briefs

BY JARRETT WHITENER

City Council took up discussion of a long-range strategic plan called the Downtown Revitalization Plan that ultimately led to a vote to add addi- tional zoning to parts of Old Town using what is called an overlay dis- trict, according to city sta. An overlay adds another layer of zoning on top of the existing zoning designations, which allows any property within the overlay, even residential, to operate as a commercial business. The main goal of the overlay district was to use the zoning to encourage more businesses to open in Old Town, thereby promoting growth in the area while at the same time maintaining Old Town’s

historic appeal. In some respects, the overlay district did its intended job draw- ing in businesses to set up shop in some of the area’s historic homes, but one side eect of the overlay district—developers and business owners constantly trying to buy those properties—has left residents who want to stay in their homes frustrated and with no recourse. Property owners have reported feeling unwelcome in their own neighborhoods and have taken their concerns to City Council, cit- ing the 2010 rezoning changes were made without their participation or even notication. CONTINUED ON 14

The owners of 33 properties located within Old Town Cibolo can now be assured their properties will only be used as single-family residences after zoning changes removed the option for those properties to be des- ignated for commercial or retail uses. Cibolo City Council members voted March 28 to approve rezoning some areas within Old Town Cibolo, a measure meant to clarify zoning that had left some residents frus- trated because changes made in 2010 resulted in their homes being desig- nated as commercial properties. The controversy of Old Town’s zoning, and more specically Main Street, began in 2010, when Cibolo

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THIS ISSUE

MARKET TEAM EDITOR Tricia Schwennesen REPORTER Jarrett Whitener GRAPHIC DESIGNER Brendan Rodriguez ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Schillaci METRO LEADERSHIP PUBLISHER Jaselle Luna MANAGING EDITOR Joe Warner MANAGING COPY EDITOR Beth Marshall ART PRODUCTION MANAGER Rachal Elliott CONTACT US 3522 Paesanos Parkway, Ste. 304, San Antonio, TX 78231 • 866-989-6808 CI CAREERS communityimpact.com/careers PRESS RELEASES nemnews@communityimpact.com ADVERTISING nemads@communityimpact.com Learn more at communityimpact.com/advertising EMAIL NEWSLETTERS communityimpact.com/newsletter SUPPORT US Join your neighbors by giving to the CI Patron program. Funds support our journalistic mission to provide trusted, local news in your community. Learn more at communityimpact.com/cipatron ABOUT US Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today. We have expanded to include hundreds of team members and have created our own software platform and printing facility. CI delivers 35+ localized editions across Texas to more than 2.5 million residential mailboxes.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS MONTH

FROM JASELLE: Have you checked out our growing CI Marketplace section of the paper? This section especially includes offers and savings from local businesses right in the neighborhood. Getting your outdoor space ready for spring? Check out Wildbirds or Gardenville. Hungry? Can’t go wrong with a delicious slice of pizza or a portion of tiramisu from Mattengas. CI Marketplace is a great way to try a new place or support a new business. Try it out! Jaselle Luna, PUBLISHER

FROM TRICIA: Spring means flowers to me—and I have some favorites, including yellow roses or the tropical hibiscus. But I’ve often wondered how others choose the flowers they give to others. In this month’s business feature on Page 12, reporter Jarrett Whitener shares the significance of different flowers’ colors when it comes to gifting beautiful blooms from Jo’s Flowers and Gifts. Tricia Schwennesen, EDITOR

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • APRIL 2023

IMPACTS

Businesses that have recently opened or are coming soon, relocating or expanding

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

482

GARDEN RIDGE

2252

3009

Whataburger

Doss Audiology & Hearing Center

376

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COURTESY WHATABURGER

COURTESY DR. PHALLON DOSS

3 Restore Hyper Wellness celebrated a grand opening March 31 at the Forum at Olympia Parkway Shopping Center, located at 8325 Agora Parkway, Ste. 123, Live Oak. Members of the Live Oak City Council, Live Oak Mayor Mary Dennis, the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce and other ocials celebrated the new store, which has locations across the country. Services include cryotherapy, IV drip therapy, red light therapy, an infrared sauna and more. 210-549-6555. www.restore.com 4 Stitched in Schertz , located at 17319 I-35 N Suite 302, Schertz, opened on January 16, and held a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 4. The family-and veter- an-owned store oers classes for all levels and age groups that cover quilting, sewing and other techniques. The store also oers a variety of fabrics, sewing supplies and patterns that are updated regularly. 210-259-8284. On Facebook: Stitched-in Schertz COMING SOON 5 Whataburger will open at 400 Cibolo Valley Drive, Cibolo. The San Antonio-headquartered fast-food chain has over 900 locations across the country. Featuring burgers, break- fast, salads and more, the chain serves approximately 60 million customers each year. The Cibolo location is set to be constructed in 2024. 210-476-6000. www.whataburger.com 6 Scooter’s Coee will open a new location at 2606 FM 1103, Cibolo. The coee chain was founded in 1998 in Bellevue, Nebraska, and now expands

across the country with over 600 loca- tions. The drive-thru coee shop fea- tures hot drinks, iced drinks, smoothies, teas and food items. The new location is scheduled to begin construction in the 3000 IKEA-RBFCU Parkway, Ste. 102, Live Oak. The credit union has been in the San Antonio area since the 1930s, growing with the city for nearly a centu- ry. Services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards and loans, and investment services. The new location does not have an ocial opening date. 800-688-7228. www.credithuman.com 8 Zion Nails and Waxing will bring nail and waxing services to Live Oak. Located at 3000 IKEA-RBFCU Parkway, Ste. 103, Live Oak, the business will open in April. fall. www.scooterscoee.com 7 Credit Human will open at Services include waxing, manicures, pedicures and more. 210-727-3206. Facebook: Zion Nails and Waxing. EXPANSIONS 9 Aisin Texas Corporation will be expanding the manufacturing facil- ity in Cibolo. The facility opened at 565 Bolton Road, Cibolo, in 2021 and will be getting an additional 200,000 square feet to allow for the production of hybrid transmissions for automo- biles. An estimated project completion date was not available. 210-854-4897. www.aw-texas.com/en ANNIVERSARIES 10 State Farm Insurance-Steven Garza on Feb. 1 celebrated its ve-year

SELMA

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SCHERTZ

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NOW OPEN 1 Hill Country Wound Care Vascular and Hyperbarics in February opened at 12215 Toepperwein Road, Live Oak. The facility oers care, including sharp debridement, ultrasonic mist therapy, compression therapy, bio burden man- agement, vascular assessments and Hy- perbaric Oxygen Therapy. 210-610-8154. www.hillcountrywcvhbo.com

2 Randy G’s Homemade Ice Cream on April 1 opened at 18817 FM 2252, San Antonio. This location is the second location for the business, which has another location in Schertz. The shop features all forms of ice cream, includ- ing shakes, splits, scoops, cones and more. More than 30 custom avors are available for guests to try, with avors added regularly. 210-257-8914. www.randygsicecream.com

WORK.

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512-522-4833 info@personalwarehouse.com www.PersonalWarehouse.com 7637 FM 3009 Schertz, TX 78154

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512-232-5000 EdServices@austin.utexas.edu

Erick’s Tacos y Fruteria No. 2 celebrated the opening of a Cibolo location in April.

COURTESY ERICK’S TACOS Y FRUTERIA

anniversary at 1996 Schertz Parkway, Ste. 404, Schertz. The agency of- fers homeowners, auto and business insurance and more. 210-658-6264. www.stevengarzainsurance.com 11 UR Ship N Print , located at 1248 FM 78, Ste. 102 , Schertz, celebrat- ed its one-year anniversary on March 15. The business oers shipping and packing services for freight shipping, direct mail and other products. 210-281-4646. www.urshipandprint.com 12 Hotworx-Live Oak, 14615 I-35, #170, Live Oak, celebrated its one-year anniversary on March 27. Hotworx is known for combining workouts with the sauna to further accelerate detoxica- tion. The program is virtually instructed and uses infrared heat absorption, which causes additional sweating during an isometric workout. 830-468-9679. www.hotworx.net/studio/liveoak-selma 13 Doss Audiology & Hearing Center in January celebrated 10 years in service. Located at 645 Woodland Oaks Drive, Schertz, the hearing center oers hear- ing aid evaluations, hearing aid tting and repair, hearing care for children, and other services. The facility is equipped to diagnose and treat hearing-related disorders using the latest technology. 210-819-5002. www.dossaudiology.com 14 Communities in Schools of South Central Texas celebrated its 30-year anniversary in February. Located at 161 S. Castell Avenue, New Braunfels, FEATURED IMPACT COMING SOON Erick’s Tacos y Frutería rst opened in San Antonio as a food truck along Nacogdoches Road. Specializing in Mexican food, the restaurant grew over six years and opened the rst brick-and-mortar location at 12715 Nacogdoches Road, San Antonio. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant closed down. Owner/ operator Erick Onofre and his family were working to open a new location at 313 Schneider Drive, Cibolo, but were delayed in late March

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1103

this nonprot assists local school dis- tricts in Comal, Guadalupe and Cald- well counties. School districts, such as Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD and Comal ISD, partner with the organiza- tion to oer support that encourages children to stay in school and graduate. 830-620-4247. www.cis-sct.org IN THE NEWS The city of Cibolo on March 14 recog- nized Police Chief Bryan Hugghins for serving 10 years with the city. Hugg- hins has been the police chief since 2017. Hugghins was also promoted to executive director of police, public works and information services. City Manager Wayne Reed said Hugghins will work closely with other departments to learn more about city operations. 210-658-9900. www.cibolotx.gov SCHOOL NOTES Northeast Lakeview College was appointed to be the lead college for the Central Texas Technology Center in New Braunfels. The facility provides higher education and technical skills training to promote employment opportunities in high-demand occupations. The acqui- sition will allow Northeast Lakeview College to better serve residents in these communities with enhanced access to higher education and expanded pro- grams, according to a March 27 release. 210-212-5266. www.alamo.edu/cttc

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Public Health is where you are. While a doctor treats individuals, public health looks at the health of a community. At Metro Health, our mission is to prevent illness, promote healthy behaviors and protect against environmental health hazards. We are a diverse community where we want everyone to feel welcomed. Together, we can make our community healthier, safer and stronger by supporting and staying engaged with one another.

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TRANSPORTATION UPDATES FM 1103 drainage work, improvements continue Throughout March, the Texas Department of Transporta- tion began work on several projects along FM 1103. Director of Public Works and Capital Projects Timothy Fousse said underground drainage work across FM 1103 near I-35 began in mid-March. Paving of the northbound lane of FM 1103 between Orth Avenue and Green Valley Road began at the end of the month after a two-month delay, he said. The FM 1103 project includes the expansion from two to four lanes from I-35 to Rodeo Way, Fousse said.

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UPCOMING PROJECTS

ORTH AVE.

OLD WIEDERSTEIN RD.

GREEN VALLEY RD.

1103

RODEO WAY

Pedestrian accommodations with 6-foot sidewalks and bicyclist accommodations with 5-foot bike lanes will also be added in each direction. The $39.2 million project broke ground in November and is expected to be completed in 2026, Fousse said. Another project, underground drainage work crossing FM 1103 and Old Wiederstein Road was completed in December, he said.

Schertz Parkway and Lookout Road signal construction The multiway stop at the intersection of Schertz Parkway and Lookout Road will be replaced with a new traffic signal that will improve the opera- tional efficiency of the intersection and reduce traffic backup during peak hours. As of March, plans have been reviewed by the city staffs of Schertz and Selma. Bids will be taken and then work will begin in the summer. Timeline: Spring-Summer Cost: TBD Funding sources: cities of Schertz and Selma

Cibolo’s Town Creek bridge work gets underway during heavy rainfall, said Director of Public Works and Capital Projects Timothy Fousse. Haeckerville Road is to be recon- structed after the bridge work is done. At the end of February, the beams arrived for the Town Creek Bridge, which is part of the second phase of the Town Creek Drainage Project. The 550-foot bridge, to be com-

Town Creek Bridge

ALL INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE WAS UPDATED AS OF MARCH 20. NEWS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE OR OTHER LOCAL TRANSPORTATION PROJECTS? EMAIL US AT NEMNEWS@COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM.

pleted this fall, will allow all-weather access to the southern part of Cibolo, which is an area difficult to traverse

The work is being funded through five accounts, including bond funds, totaling nearly $8.5 million.

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2023

LOCAL VOTER GUIDE GUIDE Candidates and information for local elections LOCAL VOTER GUIDE

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

DATES TO KNOW

WHERE TO VOTE

April 24 First day of early voting by personal appearance April 25 Last day to apply for ballot by mail

May 2 Last day of early voting by personal appearance May 6 Election Day

Individual Voter Registration certicates include a precinct number located next to the year of birth. Voters casting a ballot on election day must vote at their designated precinct. In some cases, precincts may be combined to accommodate joint local elections. Early voters can vote at any open polling location.

SOURCE: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE’S OFFICECOMMUNITY IMPACT

Only candidates in contested elections are included.

SAMPLE BALLOT

*Incumbent

District 7, At Large Monica Ryan Rafael Diaz* CIBOLO CITY COUNCIL District 5 Shari McDaniel Je McGlothin Norma Sanchez Stephens Joe Potts LIVE OAK CITY COUNCIL Place 1 Mendell Morgan*

for the construction, renovation, acquisition, and equipment of stadiums with seating capacity of more than 1,000 spectators consisting of bleacher replacement and related infrastructure at Canyon Lake High School; and bleacher expansion and eldhouse at Davenport High School, and the levying and imposition of taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase. Proposition C The issuance of an amount not to exceed $28,000,000 school bonds for the acquisition of technology equipment consisting of teacher and student instructional technology to be used in the classroom and network infrastructure, and the levying and imposition of taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase.

SAN ANTONIO CITY COUNCIL Mayor Ray Adam Basaldua Christopher T. Schuchardt Christopher Longoria Ron Nirenberg* Armando Dominguez Michael Idrogo Gary Allen

COMAL ISD Proposition A The issuance of an amount not to exceed $560,564,863 school building bonds for the construction, renovation, acquisition and equipment of school building in the district consisting of three new elementary schools, one new middle school, life bridges facility, campus safety and security, campus infrastructure projects, facilities to support student programs at Canyon High School, Canyon Middle School, Canyon Lake High School, Davenport High School, Mountain Valley Middle School, and Smithson Valley High School; the purchase of the necessary sites for school buildings, and the purchase of new school buses; and the levying and imposition of taxes sucient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds and the costs of any credit agreements. This is a property tax increase. Proposition B The issuance of an amount not to exceed $46,094,984 school bonds

Michael Samaniego Diana Flores Uriegas District 10 Madison Gutierrez Robert Flores Margaret Sherwood Rick Otley Bryan R. Martin Marc Whyte Joel Solis JUDSON ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES District 6, At Large

Angela Green LaTonya Green UNIVERSAL CITY CITY COUNCIL Filling 3 seats Ashton Bulman Christina Fitzpatrick Bernard Rubal Richard (Dick) Neville*

Renée Paschall* Laura Stanford

S. Bear Goolsby* Richard Edwards

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

For more election coverage, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • APRIL 2023

EDUCATION BRIEFS

News from Judson ISD

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

HIGHLIGHTS JUDSON ISD Registration for the district opened April 10. This year, the district will have a staggered process for registration starting with returning students within the JISD attendance zone. Registration for new students within the attendance zone will begin May 15. School-of-choice registration and innovation campus registration will open June 5. Out-of-district registration will open July 10. According to JISD staff, this decision was made to help regulate attendance numbers and classroom sizes. Returning students must be registered by the first day of school on Aug. 16. Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD will meet May 16 at 6 p.m. 1060 Elbel Road, Schertz 210-945-6200 www.scuc.txed.net/scucisd Judson ISD will meet May 18 at 6 p.m. 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak 210-945-5100 • www.judsonisd.org Comal ISD will meet April 27 at 6 p.m. 1404 N. I-35, New Braunfels 830-221-2000 • www.comalisd.org MEETINGS WE COVER

Judson trustees renew District of Innovation plan JUDSON ISD House Bill 1842 permits local education agencies to become districts of innovation and obtain exemption from certain provisions of the Texas Education Code. During the March 23 Judson ISD board of trustees meeting, the combined with the District Site Based Committee. A SHAC is a group of community representatives who assist the dis- trict in ensuring community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction. School start date: This allows the district to begin the school year before the fourth PLAN INNOVATIONS The Judson ISD District of Innovation plan includes four innovations to be used over the next five years.

The innovation that did not pass— but was discussed at length—was to grant the district an exemption from providing a written notice to the Texas Education Agency when class sizes exceed the 22:1 ratio. Since the exemption did not pass, notice to TEA will continue to be required. However, officials do not anticipate needing to request an exemption due to plans to help reduce class sizes, a district priority. Interim Superintendent Milton Fields said he feels the district has conditions in place to prevent the district from reaching a ratio above 22:1. “If we find ourselves in that situation, we will do the reports that are necessary for TEA,” Fields said.

Monday in August, which helps balance semesters. Certifications: This puts certified individuals in classrooms and other settings to assist with flexibility in hiring new staff. Admission, transfers and attendance: This helps regulate the nonresident students and allows the district to revoke transfers. Local School Health Advisory Council: This establishes a council to help ensure community values are reflected in the district’s health education instruction.

renewal of the District of Innovation plan for 2023-28 was unanimously approved. The plan is put together by the District Site Based Committee, which is composed of district stakeholders, including teachers, principals, parents, community members and administrators. Of the five proposed innovations, four were approved. Innovations within the plan that were carried over from the 2017 plan include allowing the district to change the school start date, requir- ing certification for certain positions and allowing nonresident transfers. The new innovation that was approved was to have a Local School Health Advisory Council

SOURCE: JUDSON ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

CITY & COUNTY

News from Cibolo & Universal City

COMPILED BY JARRETT WHITENER

Schertz City Council will meet April 25 and May 2 at 6 p.m. 1400 Schertz Parkway, Bldg. 4, Schertz. 201-619-1030. MEETINGS WE COVER will meet April 25 and May 9 at 6:30 p.m. 200 S. Main St., Cibolo. 210-658-9900 • www.cibolotx.gov Selma City Council will meet May 11 at 6:30 p.m. 9375 Corporate Drive, Selma. 210-651-6661 • www.ci.selma.tx.us Universal City City Council will meet May 2 at 6:30 p.m. 2150 Universal City Blvd., Universal City. 210-659-0333. www.universalcitytexas.com Live Oak City Council will meet April 25 at 7 p.m. 8001 Shin Oak Drive, Live Oak. 210-653-9140 • www.liveoaktx.net www.schertz.com Cibolo City Council HIGHLIGHTS CIBOLO To begin the process of improving the animal shelter, City Council on March 14 approved a $28,500 consulting contract with Quorum Architects Inc. for the assessment of the facility. The firm will bring recommended improvements to council in June.

Aviation District Master Plan moves forward UNIVERSAL CITY The economic development corpo- ration has been acquiring property within the Aviation District to help move the plan forward, Development Ser- vices Director Michael Cassata reported to City Council during the March 7 meeting. Discussion focused on prop- erties between East Langley and East Byrd boulevards. Anticipated plans for three of the plots of land owned by the UCEDC are to make space for a town square area and two different multifamily developments. A parking garage is also planned for the area. The Aviation District Master Plan, which was approved by City Council in August 2020, is a 10- to 15-year plan focused on the redevelopment of the Aviation District, which is the southern portion of Pat Booker Road going toward Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The plan’s goal is to provide a vibrant mixed-use public realm that is anchored by a town center, nightlife, and open spaces around a major transportation corridor that encourages walkability and a sense of community, according to city staff. Cassata said these plans are not guaranteed, and the market will dictate what private developments will go into the area. No overall cost is available as private developers are proposing and pursuing projects that they

DISTRICT IMPROVEMENTS The Universal City Economic Development Corporation owns multiple properties within the Aviation District, and has plans for public improvements and private investments in the area.

Town Square Park

Pocket park

Parking garage Apartments or condos Rowhomes

SOURCE: CITY OF UNIVERSAL CITY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

pay for in cooperation with the city. Some residents have voiced concerns regarding the buying of properties in the area. City Manager Kim Turner said purchased properties were sold by owners who reached out, and the city has no desire to force people out of their properties. “We didn’t reach out to a lot of these people about buy- ing their properties; they reached out to us,” Turner said. Updates on the progress of the plan will be brought to council and the community after significant progress has been made, Turner 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

BUSINESS FEATURE Jo’s Flowers and Gifts Cibolo shop oers clients custom oral arrangements N o matter the occasion, owers help convey emotions and remind others they are being thought of or cared for, Jo’s Flowers and Gifts owner Kim Johnson said. To help with the perfect arrangement, Jo’s Flowers and Gifts has been making bouquets for 14 years. Johnson bought the shop from the original owner in 2021, with the goal of owning her own business. Johnson said she learned everything about the business from the original owner and is working to keep the legacy of the business going. “Before I bought it, before it was ocially mine, I spent six weeks with the previous owner, and she showed me everything,” Johnson said. Manager Maddie Ava said the shop oers custom arrangements for all occasions, including weddings, funerals and other celebrations. “Our bouquets are custom,” Ava said. “We are not a place that has premade arrangements; it is made to order. You cannot come and grab something normally, but we can whip something up.” Johnson said the owers come from a specialty wholesaler and are always fresh, with ower selections rotating based on the season. The shop aims to help customers get the bouquet that matches their needs the best, Johnson said. “People don’t order owers for somebody unless it is something serious,” Johnson said. “Either they are sorry, they are in love, someone graduated or they are proud, or someone died. Those are all very important, and we help with that.” Johnson said she is working to renovate the store and oer more selections of gifts. “Right now it is just owers and plants, but we are working to bring more,” she said. BY JARRETT WHITENER

PINK: Appreciation, admiration, gentleness, happiness

RED: Love, beauty, romantic love, respect, passion, courage

ORANGE: Desire, enthusiasm

Flower colors help convey dierent emotions and messages, said Jo’s Flowers and Gifts owner Kim Johnson. The shop helps customers pick the best arrangement for any occasion by using a variety of colors and ower types. Finding the RIGHT COLOR SOURCE: WWW.HOUSEPLANTCENTRAL.COM COMMUNITY IMPACT

LAVENDER: Love at rst sight, enchantment

YELLOW: Joy, friendship, delight, welcoming

BLUE: Peace, tranquility, inspiration and hope

Jo’s Flowers and Gifts oers customers custom oral arrangements for all occasions, such as birthdays and weddings.

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Kim Johnson purchased the business in 2021.

Bouquets can be customized to match any theme.

COURTESY KIM JOHNSON

JARRETT WHITENERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Jo’s Flowers and Gifts 750 Schneider Drive, Cibolo 210-659-8386 www.josowersandgifts.com Hours: Mon.-Fri 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.*, Sat. and Sun. closed

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

REAL ESTATE

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY THE SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS 9110 W. I10 • 2105931200 • WWW.SABOR.COM

Snapshot of the market

MARKET DATA FOR FEBRUARY

NUMBER OF HOMES SOLD 2022

NOTE: DATA AS OF FEB. 28

MEDIAN PRICE OF HOMES SOLD WITH YEAROVERYEAR PERCENTAGE CHANGE

78266

2023

2022 2023

81 62 19 8 44 41 30 46

78108

78148

78154

78233

78266

78108

Sale price

25.35%

1604

$800,000

78148

78154

$700,000

78233

$600,000

78108

78154

$500,000

+5.26%

78148

+2.08% +0.08%

$400,000

+12.13%

78233

$300,000

5 3

$200,000

78266

GUADALUPE COUNTY 2022

COMAL COUNTY 2022

BEXAR COUNTY 2022

ACTIVE INVENTORY 2022

2023

75 297 13 39 63 132 55 98 9 15

221

225

324

220

1,853

1,612

78108

Homes sold

Active inventory Median sales price

78148

327

1,082

365

1,308

2,708

5,769

78154

$335,000 $325,000

$383,495 $385,000

$290,000 $294,945

Average days on the market Percent of original price received

78233

78266

100.8% 94.1%

99.7% 92.2%

99.7% 93.7%

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NORTHEAST SAN ANTONIO METROCOM EDITION • APRIL 2023

COMMUNITY RESPONSE

City leaders in 2010 used the Old Town Overlay to enable downtown area residential properties to be zoned for commercial purposes. Caught in the middle were homeowners who were not part of the process and did not want their homes zoned for commercial or retail use.

City Sta on Jan. 20 sent out letters to 93 letters property owners to give them the opportunity to retain the overlay zoning allowing single-family residences to be commercially zoned. Those who did not respond were rezoned for residential use.

Adavits to be zoned commercial - 47

KEY

Unsubmitted adavits - 21

93 properties a ected

Properties with potential to change zoning Properties without potential to change zoning

Properties zoned commercial prior to 2010 - 13 Adavits to be zoned medium- density single-family - 12

CIBOLO

Old Town Overlay boundaries

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City Manager Wayne Reed said the process to rezone those residential properties consists of two steps. The first step is to rezone properties from commercial to medium-density single-family residential. The second step, Reed said, is to create a new defi- nition for medium-density single-family residential, or an exception for Old Town Cibolo where residential properties do not meet the requirements of the exist- ing medium-density single-family residential zoning. Planning and Zoning Commissioner Terry Hinze said the overlay zoning of commercial/retail, allows for commercially zoned properties to also be used as residential properties, which is not allowed for com- mercial zoning in other parts of the city. At the March 8 Cibolo Planning and Zoning Com- mission meeting, Hinze recommended denying the rezoning, because he said it was unnecessary. “The current Old Town Overlay zoning properly addresses all needs in the Old Town Cibolo District,” Hinze said. With a planning and zoning commission vote of 5-1 to deny the rezoning, the item went to City Coun- cil on March 28, where it was approved in a 5-1 vote. District 2 Council Member Randy Roberts voted against it, and District 7 Council Member Joel Hicks recused himself because he lives in the area. Community concerns Public hearings were held during City Council as well as planning and zoning meetings in February so community members could voice their concerns. Also, property owners were mailed letters on Jan. 20, informing them of an option to opt out of the rezoning to medium-density single-family residential.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

January],” Cunningham said. “That was because we received numerous complaints from residents who felt like they were being harassed by developers and businesses that wanted to buy their properties.” The process On Dec. 13, Cibolo City Council directed staff to give a presentation on how council could amend or remove the overlay district, and on Jan. 10, council members held the first discussion on rezoning res- idential properties in the district from commercial/ retail to medium-density single-family residential. Cunningham said the district—which falls within council districts 2 and 7—was created to align with the Downtown Revitalization Plan, which was approved in 2014 and implemented but not followed properly. The Downtown Revitalization Plan was created to attract businesses and other amenities to the down- town area, which would have fallen under the com- mercial overlay zoning. Cunningham said the district was created, but the city failed to use the revitalization plan, which led to an overlay that did not work for the area. “Because [the plan] went on a shelf and wasn’t utilized, the Old Town Overlay didn’t make sense,” Cunningham said. “The overlay and the Downtown Revitalization Plan were thought of together.”

KEY ZONING DESIGNATIONS Properties within the district fall within four zoning designations. The medium-density single-family designation is a new designation that will be added with the rezoning.

Commercial/retail/service Includes storefront retail, restaurants, lodging, etc. Medium-density single-family Allows up to four detached single-family dwellings per acre (subject to change) High-density single-family Allows for a mixture of dierent density neighborhoods Public facilities Public, semipublic and institutional facilities

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLOCOMMUNITY IMPACT

CONTINUED FROM 1

District 4 Council Member Katie Cunningham said residents have told her they want the overlay zoning removed. “I was the one who brought up the rezoning [in

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Of the 93 properties that fell within the rezoning area, 12 submitted affidavits to be rezoned as medi- um-density single-family residential, while 47 submit- ted affidavits to remain commercial/retail properties, and 21 did not respond. The remaining 13 properties were already zoned commercial/retail before 2010. Local business owner Cassandra Kearns told coun- cil members the rezoning of properties would be a set- back to business development in the area. “If [City Council rezones], you are going to set back our downtown area for probably five-plus years while you sit here and figure out what you want it to look like and as you spend time to redo the plan,” she said. Lamar Street resident Adam Savoy said he believes residents should have a choice in zoning, and the rezoning is welcome as long as residents agree. “I think that the right thing for the city of Cibolo to do is to allow folks that want to stay commercial now to stay commercial and for those folks who want to revert back to what they were in 2010 to do that,” Savoy said. Some residents expressed concerns with zoning changes affecting properties’ appraisal values. Peter Snaddon, chief appraiser for the Guadalupe County Appraisal District, said protections are pro- vided by the state to homeowners within an area where the zoning conflicts with the properties’ use. The Texas Tax Code states the market value of a residence homestead shall be determined solely on the basis of the property’s value as a residence home- stead, regardless of whether the residential use of the property by the owner is considered to be the highest value and best use of the property.

This means resident homestead properties within the district should be appraised as residential regardless of the overlay zoning. “If the single-fam- ily residence is an owner’s elected homestead, a jurisdictional exception is afforded appraisal dis- tricts in the appraisal of the property,” Snaddon said. The outcome With the approval of the ordinance to rezone properties, city staff will begin work on the second phase of the project, which includes redefining the medium-density single-family residential zoning designation so it also applies to the Old Town Cibolo area. The remaining parts of the process are to be completed by the end of May, and until then, city officials will analyze the properties within the dis- trict and have staff return with an Overlay District Regulation, Reed said. While the city has zoning for medium-density sin- gle-family areas, the properties that fall within the district will follow an alternative definition, similar to how commercial zoning varies between down- town and the rest of the city. Now, property owners who wish to sell to devel- opers or start a business will have to go through the rezoning process again, Reed said. “[The rezoning] gives the property owners assur- ance that their property can remain a single-family [residence] without commercial uses,” Reed said.

The Old Town Overlay was created in 2010, rezoning some commercial/retail. In January, City Council began discussions on rezoning homes to medium-density single-family residential. Council creates timeline for rezoning JAN. 11

Letter sent out to property owners JAN. 20

Town hall meetings held for resident feedback FEBRUARY

City Council holds public hearing regarding the rezoning

MARCH 14

City Council approves zoning ordinance MARCH 28 City staff works on second phase of the rezoning projects APRIL

Initial presentation on the second phase is to be held MAY

City Council to approve finalized second phase SUMMER

For more information, visit communityimpact.com .

SOURCE: CITY OF CIBOLO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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