New Braunfels Edition | April 2026

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 5 APRIL 9MAY 7, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

INSIDE

Capitalizing on tourism New Braunfels ocials look to market city as a year-round attraction

Isaac Jacob performed March 17 at Gruene Hall. A tourism public improvement district would help market other avenues of tourism. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)

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74% of Comal County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

Last year in Comal County, 74% of residential properties (61,354) didn’t protest their property taxes, meaning many homeowners may have paid more than necessary.¹

For those who did challenge their assessment, 84% won a reduction. ¹

That means thousands of homeowners could have saved hundreds or even thousands of dollars simply by filing a protest.

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About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Forth Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Andrew Creelman Janelle De Jesus Parks Kugle Ethan Thomas Jarrett Whitener Graphic Designers

Nic Delgadillo Laura Patino Managing Editor Sierra Martin Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez San Antonio Market President Heather Demere

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Amira Van Leeuwen Editor avanleeuwen@ communityimpact.com

Eloise Zatopek Account Executive ezatopek@ communityimpact.com

2714 N. Loop 1604 E., Ste. 102, San Antonio • 5129896808 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases nbfnews@communityimpact.com Advertising nbfads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

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Impacts

Coming soon

306

4 PNC Bank This will be the bank’s second New Braunfels location. PNC Bank offers personal and business banking services, including checking and savings accounts. • Opening early 2027 • 1916 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.pnc.com 5 Food Box The 7,000-square-foot convenience store will have a Deli Box Kitchen which will offer made-to-order meals such as tacos and breakfast sandwiches. • Opening early 2027 • Corner of I-35 and Ransom Road, New Braunfels • www.foodboxtx.com 6 Pullin Roots + Salsa Rosa Nail Studio Waxing hair removal studio Pullin Roots and nail salon Salsa Rosa Nail Studio are planning to merge and become Pullin Roots + Salsa Rosa Nail Studio sometime this year. • Opening TBD • 265 N. Walnut Ave., New Braunfels • Instagram: Salsa Rosa Nails; Facebook: Pullin Roots 7 The Archive Work Club The hybrid co-working space will feature workstations, conference rooms and private event space. • Opening late April • 210 W. Mill St., New Braunfels • www.thearchive.work 1101

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for homeowners and businesses seeking insurance compensation and personal injury litigation services. • Opened January • 391 Landa St., Ste. 1110, New Braunfels • www.the-duke-law.com 3 Gatsby Glass of New Braunfels The franchise, owned by Scott Kastelic and his wife, Lisa, offers custom glasswork, designs, finishes and more. • Opened March 9 • 4155 Altgelt Lane, Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.gatsbyglass.com/new-braunfels-tx

Now open

Relocations

1 Children’s Lighthouse The family owned early learning school—owned and operated by Ashley and Ryan Hempton—offers preschool and pre-K programs and before- and after-school care. • Opened March 23 • 726 Barbarosa Road, New Braunfels • www.childrenslighthouse.com/newbraunfels 2 The Duke Law Firm Locally owned by Bryce Duke, the firm offers support

8 Hill Country Event Rentals The event rental company—previously located at 1268 Summerwood Drive—moved to a larger location this month at 1361 Wald Road. The business offers equipment for parties, events and more, according to its website. • Relocated March 1

• 1361 Wald Road, New Braunfels • www.hillcountryeventrentals.com

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9 Evelyn Kate Day Spa, Merle Norman Cosmetics The day spa relocated from 1312 E. Common St., Ste. 404. Evelyn Kate Day Spa and Merle Norman Cosmetics offer massages and hydrafacial packages and cosmetic services. • Relocated March 27 • 1135 Kuehler Ave., New Braunfels • www.evelyn-kate.com

13 Watering Hole Saloon & Dancehall The dance hall—owned by Holly Allen—is celebrating its 40th anniversary from June 18-21. Watering Hole Saloon & Dancehall has live music every week. • 1390 McQueeney Road, New Braunfels • www.wateringholesaloon.com 14 Two Rivers Running The running store—owned by local Michelle Domier— celebrated its 5-year anniversary March 27. The business sells running shoes from an array of brands such as Hoka and Altra. • 1265 N. Academy Ave., Ste. 1101, New Braunfels • www.tworiversrunning.com 15 McKenna Children’s Museum The museum is celebrating its 20th anniversary in New Braunfels throughout 2026. • 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.mckennakids.org 16 Cash America Pawn The pawn store—previously named Comal Pawn— changed its name following a change in ownership. The shop was previously owned by the Scheel family who have since retired, according to Comal Pawn’s website. Cash America Pawn is now part of the FirstCash, Inc. network of pawn shops. The pawn shop also has firearm transfer services, pawn loaning services and more. • Rebranded early March • 1105 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.firstcash.com 17 Wasserbahn Racers Schlitterbahn New Braunfels Waterpark Resort and its parent company, Six Flags Entertainment Corp., will be opening a new ride called Wasserbahn Racers on May 2. The ride will feature three face-first water slides, which will pit riders head-to-head in a timed drop to see who can get to the bottom fastest, said Cyle Perez, regional manager of public relations of Six Flags Fiesta Texas. • Opening May 2 • 400 N. Liberty Ave., New Braunfels • www.sixflags.com/schlitterbahnnewbraunfels

Now open

In the news

10 Living Health Holistic Health Care The holistic medicine practice was previously owned by Leslie Tatum. In early 2026, Living Health Holistic Health Care transitioned into new ownership under local Jessica Cohn. Living Health Holistic Health Care offers a range of holistic services, including nutritional therapy, colon hydrotherapy, vitamin injections, autonomic response testing and more. • 1208 N. Academy Ave., Ste. 2101, New Braunfels • www.livinghealthholistic.com 11 “Choose Kindness” mural New Braunfels city officials celebrated the completion of the mural with a ribbon-cutting Feb. 27. The mural, painted by local artist Johnny Duncan, comes from a local campaign of the same name spearheaded by the McKenna Foundation in 2025. The campaign aims to highlight the good deeds of the residents and organizations in Comal County, inviting site visitors to document those who “chose kindness.” • 2932 S. I-35 frontage road, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/facilities/facility/details/ westside-community-center-104 12 The Braunfels Foundation Trust The Braunfels Foundation Trust plans to renovate and restore the Hinman House, which will serve as the Trust’s new, permanent home. The $1 million restoration will focus on structural preservation and maintaining the building’s architectural character, according to a news release. The project is anticipated to be completed late July. • 161 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels • www.nbchamber.com/braunfels-foundation-trust

18 UBP Burgers The burger joint—owned by John Evans—opened its first brick-and-mortar location. UBP Burgers serves burgers, loaded fries, beer-battered onion rings, simple salads and more. • Opened March 3 • 588 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels • www.ubpburgers.com

Closings

19 Fatburger The Los Angeles-based chain served gourmet burger meals. • Closed March • 675 Business Loop I-35, Ste. 201, New Braunfels • www.fatburger.com 20 Round Table Pizza The West Coast pizza chain served specialty pizzas, craft beer and more. • Closed March • 675 Business Loop I-35, Ste. 108, New Braunfels • www.roundtablepizza.com

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Government

BY ETHAN THOMAS

City denies rezoning for potential housing project

City considers change to river area parking Changes could be coming to parking around river access points in New Braunfels. What to know New Braunfels City Council approved an ordinance on first reading that would exempt individuals displaying a valid dis- abled license plate or placard from parking fees at city-owned river area paid parking locations March 23. The ordinance was approved on first reading, which means the item will be considered by City Council for a second and final reading at a future meeting. The second reading will act as the final vote required before the ordinance change takes effect, according to city officials.

Residential Agricultural Old Mission Lane extension

2722

WALZEM MISSION RD.

In a 3-2 vote on March 23, New Braunfels City Council denied a motion to rezone 38 acres for a

new subdivision. What happened

OLD MISSION LN.

Killen, Griffin & Farrimond, the firm represent- ing the proposed property developer KB Home, requested a postponement of at least 45 days to determine the best way to address public concerns discussed during a planning commission meeting Feb. 3, said Ashley Farrimond, a lawyer with the firm. The motion to postpone failed, which forced City Council to vote on the rezoning, according to state law. If 20% or more of the landowners around the property requesting to be rezoned voice opposition, four of the seven voting council members must be in agreement to move the item along, according to Texas Local Government Code. Notices were mailed to 63 landowners within 200

feet of the property. Of those, 34 notices were returned in opposition to the rezoning, or about 54% of respondents. Had the rezoning passed, the number of lots would have decreased from 156 homes to 131 homes on the 38 acres because of the increased lot size and require the extension of Old Mission Lane. The land can still be sold and developed at the current zoning classifications. The property owner and developer can also bring a similar item back for consideration in a year, Planning Director Christopher Looney said.

City Council approves incentive for The Faust Hotel New Braunfels City Council approved a reso- lution tying economic incentives to the historic Faust Hotel during a March 9 meeting. The details The agreement will provide a hotel occupancy

10-year revenue projections

$10M New taxable value $2M Hotel occupancy tax revenue

$500K Sales tax revenue $380K Property tax revenue

events and are collected by state and local gov- ernment agencies, according to the Texas Comp- troller. The Chapter 380 Economic Development Program will rebate 100% of HOT generated by the hotel for five years or $1 million, whichever comes first, Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney said. The property is expected to add $10 million in new value and generate an estimated $2 million in HOT over 10 years, agenda documents state.

W. SAN ANTONIO RD.

tax, or HOT, rebate to support ongoing hotel renovations, according to agenda documents. HOT funds typically go to promoting tourism and

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Election

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting and the last day to apply for a ballot by mail . April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election Day

Residents in Comal and Guadalupe Counties can vote at any polling location during early voting or on Election Day. A full list of polling locations and times can be found at https://newbraunfels.gov/3894/may-2026-election-info.

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

KEY: *Incumbent

City Council, District 6 April Ryan* Nikki Shaw Steven Voges

Mayor Neal Linnartz* Michael French Angela Allen Jonathon Frazier

Sample ballot

City Council, District 5 Mary Ann Labowski* Chase Taylor

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Election

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Note: Mayoral candidate Jonathon Frazier endorsed Neal Linnartz for the May 2 election. “After spending more time speaking with Mayor Neal Linnartz and discussing the future of New Braunfels, we realized we share a very similar vision for the community. Rather than approaching this as adversaries, we have decided to work together moving forward,” Frazier said in an email to Community Impact . Frazier will still appear on the ballot, as the deadline to withdraw has passed.

KEY: *Incumbent

New Braunfels Mayor

Neal Linnartz* Occupation & experience: Incumbent Mayor, Attorney, past chair of New Economic Development Corp., service on many non-profit boards www.nealfornb.com

Michael French Occupation & experience: Intelligence analyst and a communications subject matter expert www.michaelformayornbtx.com

Angela Allen Occupation & experience: Residential real estate agent, Served on the city planning commission since May 2022

www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61586332724997

Why are you running for office?

I was born and raised in New Braunfels; I care deeply for my community. Not having children, I dedicate my caring and nurturing to my community. I want to make sure we stay on the right path and continue to offer excellent services while keeping taxes as low as possible.

I am a concerned citizen running for a second time to save our city from this devastating rapid nose-bleed speed unrelenting growth. Our water situation is dire. Our police officers need real support. Our local businesses need our help as they are shutting down. We need common sense growth!

I’m running for mayor because I feel a calling in this critical moment. Our city is at a crossroads—what we do over the next decade could make it unrecognizable. Growth is outpacing infrastructure and water. It’s time for strong leadership that listens, respects residents and puts people first.

How would you prioritize responsible growth as the city approaches build out?

Growth must pay for growth, so we need to keep all impact fees as high as the law allows. As we run out of space for sprawl within the city, our focus is shifting to infill, and we must try to maintain our character and history as we infill.

We must slow way down our growth. Zoning must be re-thought and regulated. New Braunfels is at a critical turning point. The city is 73% built out. We need to shift from “rapid expansion” to “mature management.” We need to protect our beauty and charm, before it is too late!

We must evaluate New Braunfels as a whole and determine highest and best land use through Planned Unit Developments. Preserve the character of key areas, stop high-density sprawl, pause approvals until infrastructure, water, sewer, and roads are ready, protect aquifer, prevent flooding.

What would your top priorities be if elected?

Keep taxes low, provide PD & FD with the staff and resources they need to keep us safe, preserve our historic downtown, economic mobility and housing options, entrepreneurship and job opportunities, access to childcare, community beautification and identity preservation, enhanced connectivity and transportation improvements.

We must slow down our growth. We are transforming into a congested cement city. Our city is facing a severe, immediate water deficit. We need a stronger solution to battle our dire water situation. Our police officers need more funding and personal. Local businesses need our help. Citizens come first!

My priorities are restoring trust, ensuring transparency and putting residents first. I will propose using Planned Unit Developments for build-out, pause approvals until infrastructure, water, sewer, roads and public safety are ready, stop high-density sprawl, protect the aquifer, prevent flooding, support first responders and preserve the Texas Hill Country.

What do you think is the big challenge the city faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it?

Dealing with growth will continue to be the big challenge facing the city. I wish we could wave a magic wand and have green space stay green space but that is not reality. We must plan and stick to our plans on dealing with growth. Make development pay for growth.

Our continuous and unrelenting growth must be contained. We must slow growth to a healthy 4% from our current 30% each year. We must be part of the Texas Water Development Board’s Texas Water Plan and be recognized as a Water Deficit City! We must find better, sustainable water resources.

Our biggest challenge is unchecked growth overwhelming our water and infrastructure. We are at a crossroads. We must pause to evaluate infrastructure, water and city demands—not everything is a yes vote. We must also reevaluate how our city government operates to ensure it still effectively serves our growing community.

Money and time. As a fiscally conservative community, we keep our taxes low but that means we must be very efficient and cannot do everything. The city’s projects take staff hours to complete and with so many projects, it can take time to see them through completion. What resources do you think the city is lacking?

New Braunfels is lacking a great communicator who inspires all through optimism, projecting a vision of New Braunfels as the great shining city on a hill. I will be the citizens’ champion, strong and confident, fighting as the voice of the people. In this city, citizens must come first!

I know they are lacking. 1. Wastewater and sewer capacity 2. Infrastructure. Roads funding for state roads. Creating strong relationships with our state reps needs to be a priority. 3. Enviromental protection.

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

BY ETHAN THOMAS

New Braunfels City Council, District 5

*Incumbent

Chase Taylor Occupation & experience: Sales; Vice-Chair; New Braunfels Planning Commission, Executive level management www.chasethetruthnbtx.com

Mary Ann Labowski* Occupation & experience: Incumbent District 5 Councilmember; Certified Municipal Official, Third-generation New Braunfels native,

Proven Community Leader www.MaryAnnLabowski.com

I am running so that the citizens of New Braunfels will actually be represented at City Hall, not ruled over. They deserve a representative that is going to fight tooth and nail for their best interests, over the interests of the select few and outside entities. Why are you running for election? I am going to truly listen to and consider constituent feedback. Especially when it comes to rezoning. The fact is, most of these high density, high impact developments require a rezoning request to be approved. City council is under no legal obligation to approve these requests. How would you prioritize responsible growth as the city approaches build-out?

I’m seeking reelection because my constituents, family and friends have encouraged me to keep serving. Their honest feedback keeps me accountable and confirms I’ve delivered meaningful results for New Braunfels. Their trust inspires me to keep listening, working hard and finishing the important work for District 5 and our city.

Responsible growth demands smart planning, transparency and accountability. I will strengthen roads, water, drainage, and public safety—while relieving severe congestion on IH-35 and Highway 46, improving intersections, and enhancing connectivity. I’m committed to managing growth, preserving our historic charm, and protecting New Braunfels for future generations.

Changing the culture at City Hall, putting citizens first, stopping irresponsible growth, increasing police pay, promoting homeownership for our current residents. What would your top priorities be if elected?

My top priorities: responsibly managing growth while keeping property taxes low, strengthening public safety with well-equipped police, fire and EMS, and improving roads, sidewalks, transportation and water infrastructure—so New Braunfels remains a great place to live, work and raise families for generations.

Light speed development and urbanization of our city. There is a big disconnect between the direction our current leaders are pushing for, and the desires of the majority of the citizens here. We need to review and implement feedback of the majority of our citizens. That is who we serve. What do you think is the big challenge the city faces in the next five years? How do you plan to address it?

One of our greatest challenges is balancing rapid growth with the quality of life that makes New Braunfels special. I will support thoughtful planning, invest in roads, water and infrastructure, preserve our historic character, strengthen public safety and keep property taxes low—all while ensuring resident voices guide every decision.

I think that we actually have plenty of resources, but those resources are being severely mismanaged. What resources do you think the city is lacking?

As New Braunfels grows, we must expand infrastructure, public safety and transportation. This means adding road capacity, improving transit and ensuring police and fire have the staffing, training and equipment to serve our community. Proactive investment keeps us ahead of growth and preserves our quality of life for generations.

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BY ETHAN THOMAS

KEY: *Incumbent

New Braunfels City Council, District 6

Nikki Shaw Occupation & Experience: 20-year Retired Combat Medic, Licensed Massage Therapist; Diverse leadership and team building, joint agency collaboration www.igotyoursixnbtx.com

April Ryan* Occupation & Experience: Incumbent City Councilmember, former President NB Downtown Association, Spark Small Business Center Board www.aprilforNB.com

Steven Voges Occupation & Experience: Test Engineer, Engineering, programming, teacher, technician, sales and manual labor www.VogesForDistrict6.com

Why are you running for oce? Serving District 6 and this community has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life, and I am ready to continue the hard work of ensuring New Braunfels remains the best place in Texas to live, work, play and raise a family.

I want to see our government work for the people.

I’ve been a servant leader all my life. I retired three years ago, bought my house, did some remodeling, continued my education and searched for ways to get involved in the community. I strive to bring strength, courage, integrity and honesty to my service to the citizens of this community.

How would you prioritize responsible growth as the city approaches built out? Our growth demands a constant commitment to improving our core infrastructure. Smart, strategic investments in roads & trac management are

Aligning development with infrastructure capacity. New Braunfels is on path to be built out by 2035, as the population of New Braunfels continues to grow, quality of life for current residents shouldn’t be impeded. We need forward-thinking planning, roads and utilities out pacing new development and a public-serving government.

I believe in starting with the end state in mind. Determine what level of growth (size, population, business, trac, tourism) is sustainable with available resource; then, strategically grow and develop within that framework to modernize while keeping the unique atmosphere New Braunfels is known for intact.

necessary to address congestion and improve connectivity. I am proud of the work done on the Pedestrian and Bike Network Plan, intersection improvements, timed signals & numerous road projects.

What would your top priorities be if elected? Leveraging my extensive experience as a small business owner & community leader, I’m dedicated to addressing the concerns of all citizens. As a scal conservative I have successfully balanced infrastructure improvements, public safety priorities, protection of our natural resources, and expanded access to parks & trails to improve our quality of life.

1) Plan infrastructure for the long term which supports New Braunfels current and future residents. Taking into consideration all options, while keeping in mind of the disabled, elderly and the community. 2) Hold new development to a higher standard. 3) Promote transparency and accountability of our city government.

To be a voice for New Braunfels citizens and ensure our retired, and young families can aord to live and thrive here. Promote transparency in all decision-making processes. Conserve local natural resources, community character and heritage the citizens of New Braunfels love.

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Education

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Comal ISD ocials broke ground at the site of the yet-unnamed Elementary School No. 22—located at 3265 S. Cranes Mill Road—on March 17. The school is part of the district’s voter- approved 2023 bond, Proposition A, according to the district’s website. In May 2023, voters approved Proposition A, which allocated $560.56 million for the construction of three new elementary schools, one middle school and the Life Bridges main campus, according to the district’s website. The new campus is designed to provide CISD ocials break ground on new school

The timeline

The CISD board of trustees unanimously approved approximately $58.43 million for the construction of the school during a meeting Jan. 22. The approval marks the nal step in a three-phase process to authorize the project, according to board documents. The school is anticipated to open in the 2027-28 school year, Stahl said.

Comal ISD ocials held a groundbreaking ceremony for Elementary School No. 22 on March 17.

enrollment relief to Bill Brown Elementary and will serve approximately 800 students in a 110,000-square-foot facility, as previously reported by Community Impact . The campus will also allow the district to keep up with growth in the area and give more space to students, allowing them to learn more eectively, Chief Operations Ocer Mark Stahl said. “[The school is] attacking growth in our district and adjusting to it, and just providing top-notch educational facilities for students,” Stahl said.

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Education

BY ETHAN THOMAS

Potential price increases expedite bus purchase The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees approved the purchase of 10 school buses March 16, ahead of potential price increases. The $1.55 million purchase from Longhorn Bus Sales is part of the district’s third and nal bus acquisition. The purchase is funded through the district’s voter-approved 2024 bond, Proposition A, according to board documents. By the numbers The 2024 bond included funding for the pur- chase of new school buses to maintain and replace the district’s aging eet, board documents state. The purchase includes seven 77-passenger buses for general education routes for $1.13 million, two 54-passenger special needs buses for $318,410 and one 14-passenger special needs bus at $110,985, board documents state.

School board election canceled in NBISD The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees canceled its May 2 election for single-mem- ber Districts 2 and 4 on March 16. The overview Following the Feb. 13 deadline to le for a place on the ballot, four candidates had led, two for each of the seats up for election. For District 2, incumbent Nancy York faced educator Jennifer Hendriex, who withdrew her application Feb. 20. In District 4, incumbent John Tucker also faced one challenger—educator Sarah Teale—before her subsequent withdrawal from the candi- dacy, according to district documents. Since Tucker and York are running unopposed, they will be sworn into oce following the May election for another three-year term, the district’s website states.

Cost breakdown

NBISD trustees approved the purchase of 10 school buses, totaling $1.55 million, according to board documents.

One, 14-passenger special needs: $ 110,985 Seven, 77-passenger: $ 1,125,754 Two, 54-passenger special needs: $ 318,410

Total: $1.55M

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Why now? The district is expediting the purchase in response to projected price increases anticipated to take eect in January 2027 as a result of more stringent federal emissions standards, Flores said. Bus prices are expected to rise between $22,000- $25,000 per unit under the new Texas state emissions standards. By advancing the purchase, the district hopes to maximize bond funding, manage future cost increases and protect long- term transportation resources, NBISD Director of Transportation Cesar Flores said.

Name for Comal ISD Middle School No. 9 approved One of the newest schools in Comal ISD now has a name. The Comal ISD board of trustees approved Dr. Jerry S. Major Middle School as the name for Middle School No. 9 during a regular meeting March 26. The details The school, which will be built in the Mayfair subdivision, is named in honor of Jerry Major, who was the district’s superintendent from 1993-2000, according to a news release. Major was an edu- cator for 35 years and held numerous leadership roles in the district, according to the release. The school’s construction was passed as part of the district’s voter-approved 2023 bond, Proposi- tion A. The $123.55 million project broke ground in February 2025 and is expected to be completed by April 2027.

The middle school will be located at 6004 Guthrie Trail, inside the Mayfair subdivision.

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BY ETHAN THOMAS

Comal ISD board members received an update on a number of 2021 and 2023 bond projects across the district at a board meeting Feb. 26. Three projects are funded by the voter-approved 2021 bond, which allocated $411.3 million for the construction of two new elementary schools, one new middle school, land acquisition and infrastructure projects, according to the district’s website. The remaining projects are funded by the voter- approved 2023 bond, which allocated $560.6 million to the construction of three new elementary schools, an additional middle school, the Life Bridges replacement campus and safety and security projects across the district, according to the district’s website.

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Completed

1 Canyon High School Project: exhaust fan replacement Update: completed • Timeline: November 2025-February 2026 • Funding: 2021 bond • Cost: $523,000 2 Canyon Lake High School Project: construction of baseball and softball facilities Update: completed • Timeline: July 2025-February 2026 3 Memorial Early College High School Project: heating ventilation and air conditioning and roof replacement Update: completed • Timeline: October 2025-February 2026 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $11.02 million

8 Church Hill Middle School Project: HVAC repair and replacement Update: crews expected to move furniture at end of the school year to continue HVAC replacement work • Timeline: October 2025-August 2026 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $3.04 million 9 Elementary School No. 21 Project: construction of new elementary school Update: campus design underway • Timeline: Spring 2026-Summer 2028 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $71.89 million 10 Smithson Valley High School Project: HVAC controls upgrade Update: upgrades to HVAC systems continues • Timeline: October 2025-March 2027 • Funding: 2021 bond • Cost: $53,800 This list is not comprehensive

• Timeline: February 2025-Summer 2027 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $123.55 million 5 Life Bridges (Main Campus)

Project: construction of a new campus to educate young adults with disabilities, ages 18-21, to aid transition into the community Update: foundation preparation and concrete placement in progress • Timeline: February 2025-Fall 2026 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $15.98 million 6 Elementary School No. 22 Project: construction of new elementary school Update: contractors have broken ground on the project • Timeline: March 2026-August 2026 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $71.89 million 7 Canyon Middle School Project: roof repair and replacement for middle school Update: construction began in March • Timeline: February 2026-Summer 2027 • Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $736,000

• Funding: 2023 bond • Cost: $4.58 million

Ongoing

4 Middle School No. 9 Project: construction of new middle school Update: second-oor concrete placement complete, exterior work underway

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Development

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

2nd amenity center on tap for Veramendi Veramendi developers are planning to break ground on a second amenity center called The Outlook at the end of the second quarter or at the beginning of the third quarter this year. In a nutshell

Housing coming near the Guadalupe River The Blus on the Guadalupe, a 155-acre gated housing community, is in the works. What we know Pulte Homes plans to oer 53 1-acre or larger homesites. The community is antici- pated to open late in the third quarter or early in the fourth quarter of 2026, Cherri Kuhns, marketing manager for PulteGroup’s San Antonio Division, said in an email to Commu- nity Impact .

Mayfair opens new 217 home community A new housing community called Village at May- fair, located at 5430 Addante St. in New Braunfels, has started moving in residents. The details Village at Mayfair, which began leasing its rst phase in February, boasts 217 single-family and duplex homes. The project is being developed by Empire Development, according to an email from Mayfair Vice President of Marketing Kristi Robinson. The community oers: • 52 one-bedroom, single-story duplex units

The Hill Marketplatz to oer commercial space Comal County business owner, John Olthuis, is working to redevelop a portion of the Braunfels Haus Apartments. Two-minute impact Olthuis said he purchased the property in 2007 and worked with the city to get a portion of it rezoned. The Hill Marketplatz will have about 15 commercial spaces for lease. The project is slated to be completed by the end of May.

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The amenity center will have a: • 3,000-square-foot clubhouse • 5,500-square-foot pool • 2,100-square-foot pavilion • 700-square-foot bathhouse • 1,300-square-foot basement

Village at Mayfair is now leasing one-, two- and three- bedroom homes.

The Outlook will consist of a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse.

smart features that can be managed via phone, according to Robinson’s email. The community also has an array of amenities, including a community clubhouse with a tness center and dog park. The community is being built out in 12 phases and is anticipated to be fully constructed by the end of the year, the email states.

but there will be a second-story level overlooking Word Park. ASA Properties is a Texas-based real estate rm that specializes in master-planned development. “We feel like this is a good balance in providing specic amenities for those who have chosen to live within the community of Veramendi,” he said.

• 88 two-bedroom, single-story units • 25 three-bedroom, single-story units • 52 two-bedroom, two-story units

The Outlook, which is adjacent to Veramendi’s future Word Park, will have dierent pool tiers and pickleball courts. ASA Properties Co-CEO Garrett Mechler said residents will be able to enter on the ground oor,

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