New Braunfels Edition | April 2024

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

New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 7, ISSUE 5 APRIL 6MAY 6, 2024

2024 Voter Guide

The district is currently in the rst phase of building New Braunfels High School’s brand new academic building.

DRAGON DRONE SERVICESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Bond to fund Phase 2 of $327M high school

“The end product in my opinion will be a beautiful new campus. … It’s going to be a state-of-the-art facility that’s in my mind worthy of New Braunfels ISD,” NBISD Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury said.

“Bond 2024 is just the second half of a new campus for us,” NBHS Principal Greg Hughes said. “It nishes that out, instead of us having basically half of a new school building.” The new school will accommodate for growth.

BY SIERRA MARTIN

The rst phase of reconstruction at New Braunfels High School is underway. Without voter approval of a 2024 bond, the district will be unable to complete the nal phase of the project.

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Laika Cheesecake and Espresso now open (Page 6)

Election: Q&A with City Council and Comal ISD candidates (Page 11)

Education: New Braunfels ISD Bond breakdown (Page 15)

Community: Local gardening supplies guide (Page 28)

in NEW BRAUNFELS

SUNFLOWER RIDGE From the $390s Good Ln, North of Hwy 306 512.686.1842

MEYER RANCH From the $440s Off Hwy 46, just east of FM 3009 210.507.5019

Learn more about Sunflower Ridge

Learn more about Meyer Ranch

$15,000 * TO LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE!

*All eligible sales must be original contracts with Highland Homes signed on or after March 1, 2024, and on or before March 31, 2024. Valid for all Highland Homes new builds and quick move-in homes in any community in Austin. Must apply for a loan with Highland HomeLoans, LLC within 5 days of entering your contract and must close and fund that loan within 12 months of contract date to qualify. Highland Homes to contribute up to $15,000, amount dependent on third party loan contribution limits, which can be used towards lender fees, borrower requested discount points, rate lock extensions, upfront mortgage insurance, title policy, recording fees, and other closing costs (some costs may be excluded). Amount will be reflected on the Closing Disclosure. To participate in the promotion, Buyer must finance through Highland HomeLoans. Buyer is entitled to finance through other lenders, but shall not be eligible for this promotion unless HHL is Buyer’s lender. This is not a commitment to lend, availability subject to change without notice or prior obligation. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Exclusions may apply. Highland Homes reserves the right to change or cancel this promotion at any time. All rights reserved. ©2024 Highland HomeLoans (NMLS: 124684). All loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, and final credit approval. Rates and fees subject to change. Equal Housing Lender. Highland HomeLoans is a subsidiary of PlainsCapital Bank and exempt from mortgage banker licensing in Texas. Highland HomeLoans is an affiliated business arrange - ment between Highland LoanSource, Ltd. and PrimeLending Ventures Management, LLC. Highland LoanSource, Ltd. is affiliated with Highland Homes, LLC.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Discover the love of maintenance-free senior living. Our active community offers cottages with attached garages, zero threshold showers and so much more! Schedule your visit today and experience a new home you'll love! Spring Into Your Best Life

Family Medicine with Obstetrics

Dr. Travisha Jones

Dr. Emily Briggs

Whole family care where your delivering doctor can be your pediatrician

• In-office Ultrasounds • High Touch, Low Intervention Care

3025 Oak Run Parkway New Braunfels, TX 78132

830-206-8500 EmeraldCo�ages.com

910 Gruene Rd #2 | 830-629-3330 | briggsfamilymedicine.com

Scan Here to Book Now

Aesthetics + Wellness Non-invasive, effective & affordable full body aesthetic, wellness, and weight loss solutions NEW GUEST OFFERS

SLIM SHOTS (SEMAGLUTIDE & TIRZEPATIDE) FREE CONSULTATION + 10% OFF THE FIRST MONTH

BOTOX $9/UNIT DYSPORT $3/UNIT XEOMIN $8/Unit

(MICRONEEDLING W/ PRF) $349 VAMPIRE FACIALS

1/2 Syringe of Filler MINI LIP PUMP $279

FULL SET OF CLASSIC

MORPHEUS8 BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE

LASHES $89

125 S. Elliot Knox Blvd. | (830) 620-8444 | www.newmancmpy.com

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

6 WEEKS FREE *limited time offer

Brand New Luxury Rental Community in Creekside

Schedule a Tour Today! Starting at $1,895/month

816 Barbarosa Rd. • 830-359-3190 • VillasAtCreekside.com

Texas Oncology–New Braunfels Has a New Look

To better serve our patients, Texas Oncology—New Braunfels has undergone renovations and expanded to provide enhanced, convenient access to cancer care with the latest technology and the same team of trusted physicians. We provide comprehensive services including medical oncology, hematology, breast surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, and genetic risk evaluation. With Texas Oncology, you don’t have to choose between expert cancer care and staying close to friends and family. To schedule an appointment, visit TexasOncology.com.

Texas Oncology–New Braunfels 1448 East Common St. New Braunfels, TX 78130 • 830-643-1762

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 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

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Copy Editors Adrian Gandara Beth Marshall Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Senior Art Production Manager Haley Grace

Eric Weilbacher Editor eweilbacher@ communityimpact.com

Heather Demere Publisher hdemere@ communityimpact.com

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

16225 Impact Way, Ste. 1, Pflugerville, TX 78660 • 512-989-6808 CI Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases nbfnews@communityimpact.com Advertising nbfads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com

@communityimpactnews

linkedin.com/company/communityimpact

ELECTRICAL

AIR CONDITIONING

HEATING

GENERATORS

RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

830-407-2739

*Authorized Generac Sales and Service Dealer RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL

Veteran Owned &Operated 830-407-2739

www.apexelectricalac.com info@apexelectricalac.com 2405 Lifehaus Industrial Drive, Suite 109, New Braunfels, TX 78130 | TACLA 116469C | TECL 37587

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

2 Class A Boat & RV Storage The new storage facility with fully enclosed units and pull-through covered steel canopy units also offers 24/7

FARM TO MARKET RD. 2722

PURGATORY RD.

video surveillance. • Opened March 7 • 276 Purgatory Road, New Braunfels • www.classaboatandrv.com

HUECO SPRINGS LOOP RD.

306

CREEKSIDE WAY

306

3 Laika Cheesecake & Espresso The Ukrainian dessert and coffee shop offers a rotating selection of cheesecakes with new menu items introduced every week. • Opened March 12 • 1430 Unicorn Ave., New Braunfels • www.laikacheesecakes.com 4 NBTX Glam New Braunfels local Erica Heimann opened her first salon, Modern Glam, at My Salon Suites in 2019 before rebranding to NBTX Glam last June. NBTX Glam offers cuts, hair colors, extensions and bridal hair. • Opened Jan. 1 • 664 S. Walnut Ave., Ste. 40, New Braunfels • https://nbtxglam.glossgenius.com 5 Sonora Bank Customers can use personal and business banking services, consumer and commercial loans, safety deposit boxes, and other resources. • Opened Feb. 6 • 1349 Hwy. 46 S., New Braunfels • www.sonorabank.com 6 Sport Clips The hair care company specializes in men’s and boys haircuts. • Opened Feb. 28 • 2736 Loop 337, Ste. 103, New Braunfels • www.sportclips.com 7 The Dam Park The new RV park and general store opened in March, just below the Lake Dunlap Dam. A grand opening is slated for May 1. • Opened in March 1101

CREEKSIDE CROSSING

GRUENE LAKE DR.

ELIZABETH AVE.

LANDA

337

ISLAND

ELLIOT KNOX BLVD.

337

LAKE DUNLAP

725

1044

725

356

LAKESIDE PASS

MAP NOT TO SCALE

serves breakfast all day but also offers lunch and dinner options. The restaurant operates more than 150 diners in 13 states. • Opened March 26

Now open

1 Black Bear Diner The California-based diner opened its newest location in New Braunfels in March. The bear-themed diner

• 4817 S. I-35, New Braunfels • www.blackbeardiner.com

NO PLACE LIKE HOME.

1 345 S. BUSINESS 35 NBMATTRESS.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

13 Saludos The restaurant will be moving into the Dittlinger building to offer tapas-style food and shareable plates. • Opening this fall • 398 E. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.saludosnbtx.com

• 961 Lakeside Pass, New Braunfels • www.thedampark.com

Now open

8 Verlo Mattress The mattress franchise opened in the Creekside shopping center and is owned and operated by local residents Mike and Korina Domgard. • Opened March 19 • 225 Creekside Way, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.verlo.com 9 Yard Sale Records The record store opened in its first brick-and-mortar store on March 1. Owner Howard Lovell started the business three years ago selling vinyls online and at pop-up markets. • Opened March 1 • 880 Elliot Knox Blvd., Ste. 600, New Braunfels • www.yardsalerecords.com

Relocations

14 Erin Valkner Photography The photo studio relocated from 2090 I-35 N. Frontage Road, Ste. 4102, New Braunfels. • Relocated in February • 880 S. Business I-35, Ste. 500, New Braunfels • www.erinvalknerphotography.com 15 Whitworth Stained Glass The family-owned and -operated stained glass company relocated to the Kayden Park III industrial complex in New Braunfels from its Melody Lane location. • 1913 Post Road, Ste. 310, New Braunfels • www.whitworthstainedglass.com

18 Love & Grow Pediatrics Dr. Noelle Williams recently opened the office in New Braunfels. Love & Grow Pediatrics specializes in providing care for newborn patients to 18-year- olds. The doctor’s office provides preventative well-child exams, vaccines, sick visits, and treatment for minor injuries as well as chronic health conditions. • Opened Jan. 30 • 1423 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. 104, New Braunfels • www.loveandgrowpediatrics.com

Coming soon

10 Gruene Tea Haus The local tea company will open in a brick-and-mortar store in Gruene Lake Village this spring. The company is family owned and operated by Casey and Albert Luna. • Opening this spring • 2327 Gruene Lake Drive, Ste. C, New Braunfels • www.grueneteahaus.com 11 New Braunfels Executive Storage The 9-acre, 34,000-square-foot facility is expected to open on Hwy. 46 in New Braunfels early next year. • Opening in early 2025 • 4655 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsexecutivestorage.com 12 Salad and Go Director of Community Relations Brandi Hale said the restaurant chain is slated to open in the first quarter of 2025. • Opening first quarter of 2025 • 692 S. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • www.saladandgo.com

In the news

16 Arlan’s The small grocery store chain of 15 stores throughout Texas was acquired in early 2024 by La Michoacana Meat Market, which operates more than 200 stores in Texas. Arlan’s stores will keep their names while also carrying

19 La Belle Vie The boutique will expand its storefront at a new location downtown, which manager Kristi Miller said will give them more space. They are unsure of their opening timeline. The space will also house Luxe Design Studio, a locally owned full-service interior design service. • 214 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.luxedesignstudio.com 20 New Braunfels Public Library The library was selected to receive the 2023 Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award from the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association.

La Michoacana-branded grocery selections. • 559 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.arlansmarket.com

17 Celebrations Bridal and Prom The Downtown Business Improvement & Preservation Grant has named the shop its first recipient. New Braunfels City Council granted Celebrations Bridal and Prom $5,000. The allocated funding will go toward reimbursing the business for a portion of an upcoming building improvement project. • 275 S. Seguin Ave., New Braunfels • www.celebrationsbridalandprom.com

• 700 E. Common St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/3280/library

Dry Eye Disease • Eye Rejuvenation • Contact Lenses • Diabetic Eye Health • LASIK • Macular Degeneration • Glaucoma Treatment • and more! Let us refine your view.

830.302.3357 | www.refinedeyecare.com 2188 State Hwy 46 West Suite 102 SCHEDULE YOUR EXAM HERE

Dr. Audrey Raley

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Be ready when storms strike

Arbor Day COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Celebrate the enhanced quality of life trees bring to the community at this FREE family friendly event. The event will feature a variety of kids' activities, a tree giveaway and educational booths from local organizations. Free Tree Giveaway | Family & Kids Activities | Landa Park, Playground Drive SATURDAY, APRIL 27TH | 11AM - 2pm

During severe weather, power outages may occur. Be prepared and know how to report an outage. • Report online at map.pec.coop • Text “outage” to 25022 from the number associated with your account (message and data rates may apply) • Call 888-883-3379 • Report through your account at pec.smarthub.coop Stay ahead of the storm with tips and tools at pec.coop/outages.

PEDERNALES ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE

Scan the QR code for full event details

HealthCare. Better Together.

April is Cancer Control Month.

At Resolute Baptist Hospital, we are dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer compassionately. This starts with our preventative screenings for the following types of cancer: • Colorectal • Breast • Prostate • Cervical Speak with your doctor to see if it’s time to schedule a cancer screening.

Scan the code to find a doctor. ResoluteHealth.com/Find-A-Doctor

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Government

BY SIERRA MARTIN & ERIC WEILBACHER

$9.4 million approved for economic development Three economic development projects totaling approximately $9.4 million will be funded by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corpo- ration. City Council approved the expenditure during a Feb. 26 meeting. “As the bond development process was coming to an end, the staff brought nine projects to the EDC that they were eligible to fund to pull [from] the 2023 bond list. ... Over the last year, we’ve moved forward with all nine of those projects getting approval,” said Scott McClelland, assistant transportation and capital improvements director. The details The Castell Avenue Phase 1 Coll Street Drainage Improvement Project has received $7.2 million in funding from the EDC. The drainage project will make improvements to the storm drain system on Coll Street between Castell Avenue and the Comal River, according to a news release. The design of the project is anticipated to be completed in late 2025, and construction will take about 18 months, according to McClelland. “This is an area that definitely has flooding issues City seeks downtown parking solutions In an effort to expand parking availability and clarity on parking rules downtown, city officials are proposing a number of solutions for council to consider in the near future. Diving in deeper New Braunfels’ downtown area has a mix of free public lots, private paid lots and free 2-hour parking along the streets. The New Braunfels Parking Committee submitted several proposals that include eliminating the free 2-hour street parking Mon.-Fri. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and expanding hours to 10 a.m.- 10 p.m., seven days a week paid parking. Next steps The city will request proposals for a com- pany that can assist with establishing the program and provide parking enforcement.

City alters Tube Chute Park operating hours To address safety concerns, the City Tube Chute Park on the Comal River in New Braunfels will continue to close at 7 p.m. during peak river season. Diving in deeper River and Watershed Manager Amy Niles said beginning in 2022 there were multiple instances of the police responding to calls at the park after hours, prompting the call for not extending park hours in the summer. “Just to be clear, staff isn’t proposing an ordinance that will close the Comal River in any way,” Niles said. “We’re just proposing an ordinance that will close the city-owned property around the tube chute.”

Economic Development Corporation projects

Mill Street Youth Collaborative gym: $1,500,000 Common Street Improvement Project: $700,000 Castell Avenue Phase 1 Coll Street Drainage Improvement Project: $7,200,000

$9.4M total

SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

that need to be addressed, and we’ve been talking about the South Castell Master Plan for years,” New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz said. “Hopefully we’re getting very close to the point we’ll be able to develop that property, but we won’t be able to do that without the drainage improvements.” Zooming in The Common Street Improvement Project received $700,000 from the EDC. The project will improve pedestrian connectivity between neigh- borhoods, city parks, the New Braunfels Public Library, Lamar Elementary School and the Comal County Fairgrounds. More information about the ongoing projects can be found at www.newbranfels.gov.

COMAL RIVER

CITY TUBE CHUTE PARK

TUBE CHUTE

GILBERT AVE.

Parking $20 for nonresidents at some river parks

Members of the community with a Resident River Parking Pass will have better parking access at city parks along the Guadalupe River following revisions made to two city ordinances. Zooming in On March 18, the New Braunfels City Council approved a revised ordinance that adds paid parking for non-residents on Fair Lane at River Acres Park along the Guadalupe River. There will now be a $20 charge for non-residents to park in the area on weekends and holidays between May 1 and Labor Day, according to a news release. “The city hopes to create more opportunities for New Braunfels residents to access the park,” city officials said in a news release. “The funds that are generated by parking fees are placed in the River Activities Fund, which pays for the city’s contin- ued costs for river operations.” Along the river on Fair Lane at River Acres Park, a reserved zone for emergency response vehicles

Public parking

RIVER ACRES DR.

RIVER ACRES PARK

JESSE GUERRERO CIR.

CYPRESS BEND PARK

and over a dozen parallel parking spaces will be striped. The city will use ParkMobile to collect the parking fees, according to a news release. Council also approved alterations to the existing shuttle zone at Cypress Bend Park, which will lead to an increase in 25 public parking spaces while still maintaining a dedicated shuttle loading and unloading zone.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Full Service Brokerage at Affordable Prices A BETTER WAY TO SELL!

Your Loca� Garde� Center

BUY SELL RENT

SAVE $2,500 when you list your home using promo code APRSHOWERS

CALL MICHELLE TODAY AT 210-744-9960!

956 N Walnut Ave • 830.629.2401

www.sellinghighbuyinglow.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Voter Guide

2024

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

*INCUMBENT

New Braunfels City Council District 4 Lawrence Spradley* New Braunfels ISD school trustee District 3 Eric Bergquist* New Braunfels ISD school trustee District 4 Steve Minus*

Dates to know

Sample ballot

April 4: Last day to register to vote or change your address April 22: First day of early voting April 23: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail April 30: Last day of early voting May 4: Election day

May 4 election Comal ISD single-member District 1 Tim Hennessee* Comal ISD single-member District 2 Courtney Biasatti* Josh Acut Comal ISD single-member District 5 Amy Shaw Amy Duncan New Braunfels City Council District 3

New Braunfels ISD 2024 bond election Proposition A: New Braunfels High School replacement Phase 2, safety and security projects, agricultural sciences facility; $267.5 million Proposition B: Long Creek High School stadium, Unicorn stadium improvements, student group upgrades; $42.5 million

Where to vote

Any voter in Comal County or Guadalupe County can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.co.comal.tx.us/elections.htm or www.co.guadalupe.tx.us/elections/index.php for polling locations.

Proposition C: student learning devices, staff computers, network hardware; $3 million

Donald Lee Edwards Leigh Ann Rowlands Robert Lee Nohrn

SOURCES: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, NBISD, CISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

New Braunfels City Council District 3

What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it if elected?

D. Lee Edwards Occupation: business owner, D. Lee Edwards Realty Relevant experience: Planning commissioner and chairman, NBISD trustee, rotarian and other charities www.edwardsforcitycouncildist3.com

Leigh Ann Rowlands, MPA Occupation: manager and teacher Relevant experience: Program manager at major universities, Master of Public, Administration/city management, grant writer, teacher www.leighannrowlands.com

Robert Nohrn Occupation: retired ,U.S. Navy, General Contractor, Deputy Sheriff Relevant experience: City Council, Mayor Pro Tem, developer, builder, realtor, various city boards 830-625-8729

Growth! I would help the city bring depth and detail to the master and vision plan. Design clear development goals that create intentional zoning not reactive. Encourage the city and the utilities to install infrastructure where they want growth. Direct growth where we want it and restrict where it’s inappropriate.

The most important issue is the impact of uncontrolled growth. Rapid growth has strained our roads, police, and emergency services. I will pay special attention to maintaining, expanding, and improving roads. I will also champion keeping the police and emergency services in balance with our growth and current threats.

Artificially stimulated growth at the expense of present taxpayers. Show me a larger city that is safer, less traffic, better schools, or lower taxes—they don’t exist.

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

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Election

*INCUMBENT

Comal ISD board of trustees, Single Member District 2

What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it if elected?

What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?

Lack of funding the public education system and the idea of vouchers are a major problem in the state of TX. Schools must have accountability standards and the money collected for public education should be put back into public education towards student success and teacher compensation.

With your vote, I will continue to be an experienced voice that prioritizes student achievement and success, values and advocates for teachers, and hears the community’s concerns to plan for the future! Strong, consistent leadership is important for each Comal ISD student to thrive!

Courtney Biasatti* Occupation: Trustee Relevant experience: 2021-Current Comal ISD School Board Trustee www.courtney4comal.com

Residents grapple with economic challenges as their top priority. If elected, I will prioritize our children’s education over economy/politics. Investing in today’s students and educators ensures a brighter future for our youth, and that students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate through life.

My campaign prioritizes personal experience as it fosters empathy and understanding. Leading beyond black-and-white perspectives and rigid policies, I’m committed to leading with compassion and empathy. By embracing nuanced perspectives and prioritizing understanding, I aim to craft policies that truly meet the diverse needs of our community.

Josh Acut Occupation: Sales/Marketing

Relevant experience: Prior Faculty/ Staff at FBISD, Board of Directors Comal Education Foundation, K12 Commodity Sales Experience

PICKLEBALL PADDLES FOR A CAUSE

NOW ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

May 17th 6pm - 10pm at Chicken N Pickle 5215 UTSA Boulevard, San Antonio, TX 78249 Helping Our Local Moms and Children

VIP ADMISSION BUY ONE GET ONE 1/2 OFF with code IMPACT

GET TICKETS NOW!

Rowlands Leigh Ann Your Conservative Voice

SCAN TO VISIT WEBSITE

830-203-6395 1423 N. WALNUT., SUITE #104

Elect Rowlands for City Council | District 3 | May 4, 2024

Political ad paid for by Leigh Ann Rowlands leighannrowlands.com Rowlands NBTX

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

Comal ISD board of trustees, Single Member District 5

What is the most important issue facing residents and how would you address it if elected?

What is the overall takeaway you want voters to understand about your campaign?

The teacher shortage is the most important issue that is impacting our school district. I would address this issue by focusing on retaining seasoned educators through competitive pay and robust classroom support.

Having experienced the Texas Public School system firsthand, as a student and a parent, I am a staunch advocate for public education. I will do my best to ensure that all children in Comal ISD have access to quality education in a safe and positive environment.

Amy Duncan Occupation: Pediatric Nurse Practitioner

Relevant experience: Three children who attend Comal ISD; Worked in pediatrics for 25 years

The 2023-28 Collaborative Vision developed with 60 residents and the resulting District Improvement Plan provide a clear road map. In this time of accelerated growth, it is especially important to ensure that teachers have the resources they need and are competitively compensated, while the ISD is very efficient with administrative costs.

I seek this office because of my desire to serve a nonpartisan role and don’t intend to campaign other than to readily answer questions, attend forums, and respond to questionnaires like this one. I believe my parental and broad and deep corporate and nonprofit board experience will bring useful perspective.

Amy Shaw Occupation: Retired Deputy Chief of Staff for USAA CEO Relevant experience: USAA Strategic/Operational Planning; UIW Adjunct Professor Facebook: Amy Shaw for Comal ISD

15% OFF ANY JOB Residential & Commercial Painting & Handyman Services Interior & Exterior Sheetrock & Drywall Repairs Carpentry Repairs & Cabinet Finishes

Call 830-490-3409 Today! exnbpaint@gmail.com

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

LIVE MUSIC • BIER & WEIN GARDEN FOOD TRUCKS • FAMILY FUN • HOME TOURS NEVER MISS � CHANCE t� DANCE

2024

11AM - 3PM

It’s springtime in Texas Hill Country, flowers are blooming and Mayfair, New Braunfels’ newest community, is coming to life. It all begins with the first Mayfest Festival and Early-Bird Home Tour. Join us for live music, tasty food, a local market and family-friendly fun. Plus, a sneak peek at Mayfair’s very first new homes and plans for Midtown Mayfair, the planned shopping, dining and workplace district. All are welcome. MAYFEST FESTIVAL and EARLY-BIRD HOME TOUR MAY 11, 2024 11AM–3PM

MAYFAIRTX.COM/MAYFEST

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY SIERRA MARTIN

NBISD calls May 2024 bond election

New Braunfels ISD voters will have the oppor- tunity to cast their ballots on May 4 towards a $313 million bond election that will potentially fund major campus projects, athletic facilities and technology throughout the district. The overview According to district ocials, if all three propo- sitions on the ballot are approved, there will be no tax rate increase to taxpayers. “It’s important for people to understand there’s no tax rate increase. However, taxes could go up if your home value goes up,” NBISD Superintendent Laurelyn Arterbury said. The Bond Planning Committee, made up of 80 community members, recommended the three propositions to the board. • Proposition A: facilities, $267 million • Proposition B: stadiums, $42.5 million • Proposition C: technology, $3 million Arterbury said the committee made an eort to incorporate improvement projects for all 15 schools in the district. “Our district vision is every student every day,” Arterbury said. “And I think it’s important that we don’t just put money or prioritize projects in certain parts of the district.” A closer look At $227 million, the largest project on the bond in Proposition A would be to construct Phase 2 of the New Braunfels High School redesign. If approved by voters, the funding would go toward building new academic wings, an auditorium, ne arts spaces and other projects on the campus. Major maintenance projects throughout the

district would also be funded through Proposi- tion A for $28.3 million. Proposition B is focused on making improve- ments to athletic stadiums. If approved, $40 million of funding would be allocated to the construction of a 7,000-seat stadium at Long Creek High School, which is slated to open to grades 9-10 this fall. “It certainly aids in starting a foundation for Long Creek and continuing traditions at New Braunfels High School by having separate stadiums,” NBISD Athletic Director Richard Mendoza said. If Proposition B is not passed, Mendoza said that the Unicorn Stadium at NBHS will be rebranded into a district stadium and serve both high school campuses. “So essentially, the impact is you would have a shared venue with a shared identity,” Mendoza said. Unicorn Stadium at NBHS would receive $2.5 million in funding for improvements to the turf, press box, lighting and sound system if Proposition B is passed. If approved, Proposition C would fund $3 million in technology upgrades, including new student iPads and network hardware. “Anytime you’re in a fast-growth district or a growing district, it’s optimal to get on a regular bond cycle so that you can continue to maintain those projects,” Arterbury said. “If you wait 10 years, then you’re trying to do projects, and it may end up costing the voters more.” What’s next? Early voting begins April 22 for the May 4 election. More information about the NBHS reconstruction can be found on Pages 16-17.

With the approval of Proposition B, the Long Creek High School stadium would feature an eight-lane competition track, concession stand and a press box.

RENDERING COURTESY NBISD

2024 bond election breakdown Three propositions totaling $313 million will be on the ballot for voters in New Braunfels ISD to vote on in the upcoming bond election.

$267 million Proposition A Facilities

$42.5 million Proposition B Stadiums

$3 million Proposition C Technology

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SEASON FINALE!

May 2

April 25

May 3

June 8

Terri Clark Country

Soul Sessions Tribute to Tina Turner

Ronstadt Revue with Special Guest John Beland

Lacey Johnson and Descendants of Erdrick

$ 35 OFF Window Cleaning Starting at $ 149 Valid only at participating locations. Call for details. Certain restrictions apply.

June 28 & 29

July 8-12

July 20

830.420.6686 WindowGenie.com

Red, White and Tuna Theatrical Comedy

Janet’s Planet Astronaut Academy

The Puppy Pals Comedic Stunt Dog Show

Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. 830-627-0808 or BRAUNTEX.ORG Follow us on

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

From the cover

Bond to fund Phase 2 of $327M high school

Put in perspective

How we got here

The original NBHS campus opened for the first time in 1964. Since opening, the campus has undergone multiple expansions and renovations. “There’s a long, rich history in this district, and I believe that New Braunfels High School has served many, many generations over the years,” Arterbury said. If the five-year-long project is completed on schedule, the new campus is anticipated to be finished by Fall 2028.

said. “So they decided to put it into two phases.” NBISD voters will see a new $313 million bond on the ballot during the May uniform election. According to the district, the bond would not lead to an increase in the tax rate. If passed, Proposition A on the bond would allocate $226.8 million toward Phase 2 of reconstruction at NBHS. “The 2024 bond program … would be the completion of Phase 2, finishing up New Braunfels High School. That’s really the main piece of that entire bond,” McLarty said. Phase 2 - pending bond approval • General education classrooms • New JROTC facility • Replacement of the athletic field house, upgraded softball complex, new tennis courts • Auditorium • Dance studio

In November of 2021, NBISD voters approved two of three bond propositions, resulting in $327.9 million to fund projects to address growth, aging facilities and technology throughout the district. Phase 1 of the NBHS reconstruction was funded through the bond and is currently underway. “The board back in 2021, when they elected to go out for that 2021 bond program, believed that putting the entire [New Braunfels] High School package on that bond program was going to be way too much for voters to vote on,” NBISD Chief Financial Officer Paul McLarty

1964

Aug. 1964: Current NBHS campus opens

2021

Aug. 2021: Current NBISD 9th grade center opens

Phase 1 - under construction

Nov. 2021: Voters approve the bond, funding Phase 1 construction at NBHS

• Three-story academic wing • Career and Technical Education learning spaces • Relocation of tennis courts, practice field and the Junior ROTC facility

2023

May 2023: Phase 1 construction begins

337

May 2024: Bond election to occur with Phase 2 funding under Proposition A Early 2025*: Anticipated Phase 2 construction to begin, dependent on the results of the 2024 bond election grades 9-12 Aug. 2028*: NBHS Phase 2 projected completion

Baseball field

2024

Aug. 2024: Long Creek High School to open for grades 9-10, NBHS opens to grades 9-12

Football stadium

2025

Sept. 2025*: NBHS Phase 1 projected completion

Roads and parking

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2028

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE

DID YOU KNOW?

When Local Property Taxes Go Up, Local Schools Don't Get More Funding .

#FundOur Schools

Watch this SCHOOL FINANCE VIDEO

Ad paid for by RaiseYourHandTexas.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY SIERRA MARTIN

New Braunfels High School total cost

Zooming in

Phase 1 estimated cost: $100.5M Funded through 2021 bond

The additional cost to Phase 2 is $7.5 million, according to McLarty. Arterbury said that with the opening of the dis- trict’s second high school, Long Creek High School in August 2024, the district wanted to provide an equi- table learning experience throughout the district. “There are just so many parts of our building that are aged, and we’re having to spend money on maintenance costs, repair costs,” Hughes said. “And it was just time to have a new building to be able to operate out of.”

Phase 2 of construction would consist of multi- ple stages of tearing down a section of the existing NBHS building and reconstructing it, according to district officials. “We’ll be tearing down something, rebuilding it, moving students in, and we’ll go to the next area [and] tear that down,” McLarty said. By splitting the reconstruction project into two phases on the same property as the existing cam- pus, the overall construction timeline is longer, and the cost of the new school is more expensive.

Total: $327.3M

Phase 2 estimated cost: $226.8M Funded through 2024 bond, if approved by voters

The framework

What’s next?

The updated high school will have around 1,000 parking spaces, nearly double the current amount. The modernized interior will also feature an open concept with high ceilings, and a compre- hensive layout with student spaces closer together than the existing building, according to Hughes. Additionally, the new campus will have the ability to hold more students. District officials had

previously anticipated the current campus will reach capacity in 2024. “When it will be done, at least 2,200 to 2,400 students will be able to be housed there, and it’ll be a beautiful facility that’ll last another 50-plus years,” McLarty said. “In the meantime, there will be a lot of mess students will have to deal with.”

Arterbury said safety will be a key priority. “It’s just making sure that we partition off where construction is occurring and then where instruction is occurring,” Arterbury said. If Proposition A of the 2024 bond is not passed, McLarty said the district would continue to operate out of the current facility until they are able to get the project approved by voters in the future. “To be able to possibly rebuild [NBHS], and to get future generations to be educated in there, it’s exciting,” Arterbury said. “We’re looking forward to the voters decision on May 4, so that we know which direction the district will go.” To learn more about NBISD’s May bond, turn to page 15 of this edition of Community Impact .

Construction of the New Braunfels High School cafeteria will be completed in Phase 1 of the project.

June 17-21 12:30pm-3:30pm Ages 4-10 Barbie Dance Party

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT

DISNEY DANCE PARTY

SAVE UP TO $ 500 on any kayak purchase

July 15-19 12:30pm-3:30pm Ages 4-10

10% OFF ACCESSORIES with any kayak purchase FREE DELIVERY ACROSS TEXAS

KAYAKS FOR EVERY ADVENTURE

Campers will do Ballet, Tap, Jazz, HipHop, Lyrical, Pom and Acro Includes camp t-shirt, craft every day, snack everyday, and a camp party bag Enroll at jandrgymnastics.com or call 830-606-0375

Located at Texas Ski Ranch 6700 I-35 N. • 512.229.0560

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

2nd Saturday Monthly & Pop-Up’s April 13 & April 27 2nd Saturday Monthly & Pop-Up’s April 13 & April 27

Services Facials Chemical Peels Micro-needling Filler Botox & More!

NEW LOCATION NOW OPEN! 2345 SH-337 Loop, Ste. 200 • NBTX 78130 CALL 210-806-7262 NOW!

Scan for Full Market Schedule

NEW CLIENTS $50 OFF ANY SERVICE April Only *mention this ad

PROMOS THROUGH APRIL 30TH Pre-purchase available

4/12 Corb Lund 4/19 Dallas Moore 4/20 Matt Hillyer

Holly Hernandez, RN

Visit our calendar for more events: www.rileystavern.com 8894 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132

Open Tuesday - Friday by appointment only

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY SIERRA MARTIN

NBISD joins push for ratings system reform New Braunfels ISD board of trustees joined with dozens of other Texas school districts in voicing support for a fair, effec- tive and transparent accountability system. The specifics The board of trustees approved the resolu- tion March 4 in opposition to a mid-year change to the 2022-23 school year perfor- mance ratings, and in support of efforts to reform the Texas Education Agency’s accountability system for a rating method that uses more than standardized testing. The A-F rating system was implemented by the TEA in the 2017-18 school year. According to the TEA, the system analyzes student achievement alongside the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness performance.

Staffing needs increase

Bulverde Middle School staffing $3.6 million

Growth $2.7 million

Due to growth in the district and the planned opening of a new middle school, Comal ISD approved allocating $7.2 million toward the first staffing request for the 2024-25 school year.

Total $7.2M

Special education staffing $1.2 million

SOURCE: COMAL ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Comal ISD to add staff for 2024-25 school year In response to growth throughout the district, Comal ISD board of trustees approved a request for $7.5 million to add additional staffing in the 2024-25 school year. The district is projected to grow by 898 students in the upcoming 2024-25 school year, or about 30,235, according to board documents.

The overview Bobbi Supak, chief human resources officer at CISD, said that personnel and staffing utilizes about 80% of the district’s budget. “We know budgets are tight, we know money is tight, but we also want to make sure that the campuses are staffed appropriately to serve the needs of our students,” Supak said. What’s next? The staffing request will be the first of two presented to the board to allow principles of CISD campuses to recruit qualified teachers.

Providing Dermatology & Rheumatology care in New Braunfels & Schertz

Jeremy Purser, MD, Vicente Quintero, MD, Danielle Brown, MD, and Robert Kimelheim, DO

www.hcderm.com @hillcountrydermatology 830-626-5551

2967 Oak Run Parkway, Ste 210 New Braunfels, TX. 78132

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Transportation

Development

BY ERIC WEILBACHER

117 cottages on tap for latest Solms Landing development nished out inside so you can use them as storage,” Peoples said. “Since all are eligible for short term rentals, you can put your owner’s stu in there when you’re renting it out.” Peoples said in addition to the owner storage,

Railroad underpass work begins April 15 After an initial delay in February, a detour will be in place rerouting trac in and out of downtown New Braunfels to perform work on the railroad underpass beginning April 15. The takeaway According to city ocials, Landa Street will be closed from West Zink Street to the Wurstfest driveway for about three weeks. The closure will allow for contractors to replace aging rock walls and sidewalks.

I35 at FM 725 turnaround work resumes The Texas Department of Transportation recently resumed work on the I-35 turnaround at FM 725 in New Braunfels after months of delay. The gist Tanya Brown, a spokesperson for TxDOT, said the timeline for completing the project was pushed back due to material acquisition delays. The northbound to southbound turnaround is open for use, and nal asphalt will be poured this summer. The southbound to northbound turnaround is still under construction and closed completely for at least the next two months, Brown said. The backstory This follows a delay last year due to a change of the retaining wall design and a change in the contractor.

Open Turnaround

Austin-based builder Wes Peoples Homes is nishing up the rst few of more than 100 cottage homes in Solms Landing, a 98-acre mixed-use development adjacent to the Creekside shopping center near Resolute Baptist Hospital in New Braunfels. Over the next two years, the project will total 117 cottages when complete, Founder Wes

Closed Turnaround

should a buyer want to utilize the short term rental zoning, for an additional charge the stand-alone rooms could be nished out into a private oce space for residents working remotely. Diving in deeper The cottages are located centrally within Solms Landing and next to The Court House, an enter- tainment venue that is slated to have pickleball and padel courts, a full bar, restaurant, live music stage and more, as previously reported by Community Impact . Peoples said “numerous businesses” are poten- tially coming to Solms Landing. A brick-and-mortar farmers market is anticipated to open, along with a Cajun market and cafe and several other businesses.

725

Peoples said. The takeaway

The cottages will not have attached garages.

The development—dubbed Garten Haus Cottages at Solms Landing—will consist of cottage homes ranging from 875-1,389 square feet in size and feature two bedrooms and one-, two- and two-and- a-half bathrooms. The cottages range in price from $278,000-$342,000. The cottages will not have attached garages, but will have detached 50-square-foot multiple purpose rooms, Peoples said. “We refer to it as ‘zoom’ rooms. They come standard; they’re on slabs. They come standard not

ERIC WEILBACHERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The original completion date was expected to be September 2023. Work has resumed and is expected to be completed by August 2024, according to TxDOT. The project began in 2021 and will cost around $5.4 million when complete, according to TxDOT. Brown said the funding for the turnarounds comes from state and federal sources.

The Court House

UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD

LANDA PARK DR.

Garten Haus Cottages at Solms Landing

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

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

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

SUMMER DRAMA CAMP Ages 5 - 13 write and create their own staged performance

SAVE $40 on registration with code FPCImpact

Contact Kirsten Boyd, Director of Music & Arts 830-609-7729

Your Partner In Senior Care Solutions

FREE SERVICE Helping you find the right care

Independent Living

Memory Care

Personal Care Home & more

Assisted Living

at 830-500-0711 or CarePatrol.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Environment

BY KAMERYN GRIESSER

Bluebonnet season began early this year—what does it mean? Bluebonnet Bloom time: March-May Texas paintbrush Bloom time: March-September

In recent weeks, Texans traveling on major highways may have noticed a familiar harbinger of spring: seas of bluebonnets flooding the roadsides— over a month early this year. What’s happening? A typical bluebonnet season begins in early April, but the first buds arrived at the end of February, said Andrea DeLong-Amaya, the direc- tor of horticulture for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. She said the flower typically blooms until mid-May before they become “toasted.” “The seeds start to germinate in the fall, when we get a lot of rain, and then continue to grow in the winter,” DeLong-Amaya said. “If it ends up being a really dry spring, [the season] might stop earlier.” DeLong-Amaya said another wildflower to look out for next is the pink evening primrose, followed by paintbrushes and star hibiscus.

Butterflyweed Bloom time: May-September

Texas redbud Bloom time: March-April

Pink evening primrose Bloom time: February-October

Texas star hibiscus Bloom time: May-September

SOURCE: LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Attention New Braunfels Residents!

Resident River Parking Passes

River season is right around the corner! Do you have your Resident River Parking Pass yet? A free Resident River Parking Pass is available to City of New Braunfels residents, allowing them to park in the pay-to-park lots on Fair Lane, Elizabeth Street, Hinman Island Drive, Mill Street, and San Antonio Street at no charge. Please note: This pass is NOT valid for the Prince Solms Parking Lot. Individuals need to bring their proof of residency and auto insurance to the office. One sticker will be issued per vehicle listed on the resident’s auto insurance. The sticker is valid for three years and can be picked up at the Parks Administrative Office or at Das Rec during regular business hours.

RESIDENT RIVER PARKING PASS

10001

Das Rec 345 Landa St. Monday – Friday: 5 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Parks Administrative Office 110 Golf Course Rd. Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Saturday: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Go to www.newbraunfels.gov/riverpass for more Resident River Parking Pass details.

Non-resident paid parking at River Acres Park Paid parking on Fair Lane by River Acres Park will be implemented for non-residents. Since 2018 there has been a notable increase in park and river usage and the Guadalupe River parks. An informal survey found that more than 72% of park users were non-residents. To give residents more opportunities to use the park and give them easier access to the park, the City will begin to require non-residents to pay for parking. Residents will need to use their Resident River Parking pass to qualify for free parking. Paid parking will begin in May 2024; parking is only on weekends and holidays May 1 - Labor Day. Scan the QR code or visit www.newbraunfels.gov/river to find out more information on Resident River Parking Passes and what to expect when you visit the Guadalupe and Comal Rivers this summer!

River Acres Park

Paid parking for non-residents No parking Public river access No parking May 1 - September 30 Fire lane zone

Public Library New Braunfels

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20-21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40

communityimpact.com