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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 1 DEC. 9JAN. 9, 2026
2025 Senior Living Guide
“Ride the Rio!” driver Santos Mata said the microtransit service in New Braunfels helps get community members to doctors’ appointments, meetings and even job interviews. (Ethan Thomas/Community Impact)
Microtransit service aims to enhance public transportation
convenience. “Rapid population growth and the need for more exible, convenient public transit options make New Braunfels a strong t for a microtransit service like Rio,” De Ridder said.
“Ride the Rio!” is part of the city’s ongoing eorts to enhance public transportation and meet the growing mobility needs of residents, as previously reported by Community Impact . Via Partnership Principal Thomas De Ridder said the service maximizes exibility and
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Ready, set, ride! The city of New Braunfels launched its long- awaited microtransit service, “Ride the Rio!” on Nov. 18. There are several ways to book, plan and pay for the new on-demand ride service.
CONTINUED ON 18
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Give Your Lawn a Winter Break!
Only water sparingly every 2–3 weeks , if needed.
When winter rolls into Texas, your warm-season grasses, like Bermuda and St. Augustine, take a well-deserved nap.
Here’s what that means for your yard:
If you see a mix of green and brown, that’s normal. It’s different from disease, which usually appears in circles.
Your lawn may look brown due to cooler temps, but it's likely just conserving energy for spring.
From buying property to managing cash flow and accepting payments, RBFCU keeps your business moving forward. • Commercial Real Estate Loans – fund expansion • Business Checking – keep cash flow simple • Merchant Services – ACH, payroll, POS systems and more Power Up Your Business
Winter Lawn Care Pro-Tips • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers in
• Mow until the grass fully goes dormant. A final cut, around 2.5–3 inches, helps protect your lawn through winter.
winter. Use a potassium-rich blend in late fall to strengthen roots for the cold months.
Irrigation use raises your household water bill by around... Did you know?
Here are a few water rebates that can save you money this winter season: • Grass Removal • Irrigation Zone Removal • Healthy Soil Ways to Save!
EXPLORE WAYS TO SAVE
Visit rbfcu.org/business or call 210-945-3800
Federally Insured by NCUA Membership eligibility required. To open a business account, RBFCU personal accounts of all principal owners must be in good standing. Programs and fees subject to change. We do not offer Money Service Businesses (MSB) accounts. Business lending rates and terms subject to change and offered with approved credit. Restrictions may apply. RN4160818
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
About Community Impact
Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.
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Wishing you and your families a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
See you in 2026 for your gardening needs! Thank you for making 2025 a wonderful season
956 N Walnut Ave, New Braunfels, Texas 78130 • (830) 629-2401
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Impacts
4 Glam House Aesthetics The Schertz-based beauty and wellness clinic oers waxing, microneedling, vitamin supplements and more. • Opened Nov. 15
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• 1108 W. Coll St., New Braunfels • www.glamhousemedspa.com
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5 Academy Sports + Outdoors The retailer sells a wide variety of sporting goods and hunting and shing gear. • Opened Nov. 16 • 159 I-35 S., New Braunfels • www.academy.com Solid Foundations RN Care The in-home nursing service oers a variety of post- hospitalization treatments and assistance including hospice and recovery care support. • Opened Oct. 29 • Serving New Braunfels area • www.solidfoundationsrncare.com
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Coming soon
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6 Iron Oak Apparel Co. The Schulenburg-based apparel company is opening its second storefront in Gruene. Iron Oak Apparel Co. sells pearl snap polos, hats and other western lifestyle apparel. • Opening Dec. 6 • 1258 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • www.ironoaktx.com 7 Yasaka Sushi & Ramen The restaurant will serve all-you-can-eat sushi and ramen. • Opening Dec. 1 • 1348 I-35 N., New Braunfels • Facebook: Yasaka AYCE 8 Texas Roadhouse The restaurant serves steaks and burgers. • Opening Dec. 8 • 3206 I-35 N., New Braunfels • www.texasroadhouse.com/locations/new-braunfels
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automobile plans. BIG-Brock Insurance Group also oers farm and ranch insurance. • Opened Nov. 7 • 468 S. Seguin Ave., Ste. 402, New Braunfels • www.brockinsurancegrp.com 3 Fischer’s Neighborhood Market The New Braunfels-based gas station—founded in 1966—features a car wash and Hunt Brother’s Pizza, along with traditional fuel pumps. • Opened Nov. 12
Now open
1 Wholesale Electric Supply The Texas-owned business sells electric supplies to electricians and also sells pipe, wires, plugs, lighting and other electrical equipment to the public, Branch Manager Ryan Nichols said. • Opened Nov. 3 • 3530 Loop 337, New Braunfels • www.netwes.com 2 BIGBrock Insurance Group The company—founded by Mark Brock—oers insurance plans for local businesses, individual home and
• 2308 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.ischersmkt.com/store/ ischers-neighborhood-market-51
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ANDREW CREELMAN, AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN & ETHAN THOMAS
9 Sunshine Tienda The clothing designer—co-owned by Laura and Amanda Ernst—will be opening its rst brick-and-mortar location. Sunshine Tienda sells women and children’s summer-inspired clothing and accessories. • Opening Dec. 16 • 1623 New Braunfels St., New Braunfels • www.sunshinetienda.com 10 Riverview Calvary Chapel The church, which has been renting a space at Through A Child’s Eyes Development Center, is building a permanent, 19,000-square-foot chapel. Riverview Calvary Chapel oers services on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. The church also has a children’s ministry program along with ministries for high schoolers, young adults, men and women. • Opening December • 6804 FM 306, New Braunfels • https://riverviewcalvarychapel.churchcenter.com/home
E. Common St., Ste. 211, according to a Facebook post. Whole Cardiac Wellness oers cardiovascular treatments to alleviate and manage heart diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, atrial brillation and high blood pressure, according to its website. • Relocating Jan. 5 • 1583 E. Common St., Ste. 211, New Braunfels • www.myprivia.com/wholecardiacwellness 14 RaineHills The boutique—owned by Audrey Treªich—is relocating from 711 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. B. RaineHills sells clothes for toddlers and newborns along with children’s toys, nap mats and more. • Relocated November • 1627 New Braunfels St., New Braunfels • www.rainehills.com
Expansions
18 John Newcombe Country Club The country club—owned by John Newcombe— debuted its adult padel program and two new padel ball courts. The John Newcombe Country Club features health and tness centers, oering a range of indoor and outdoor tness classes. • Expanded Oct. 29 • 625 Mission Valley Road, New Braunfels • www.newkscc.com
Expansions
15 Yard Sale Records The record store—locally owned by Howard Lovell— acquired the adjacent suite in October. Yard Sale Records sells a range of new and used vinyl records, vintage memorabilia, CDs, cassette tapes, books and more. • Expanded October • 880 Elliot Knox Blvd., Ste. 600, New Braunfels • www.yardsalerecords.com 16 Mixie Permanent Jewelry The Gruene-based jeweler—owned by Jo Hartman—is expanding its storefront. Mixie Permanent Jewelry had previously shared its space with another business. • Expanded Nov. 20
Relocations
11 Coverall Insurance Agency The insurance agency—owned by Matthew Allen— relocated its headquarters from 1259 Loop 337. Allen said the new headquarters has better frontage road access and is a more suitable location for the agency to conduct business. Coverall Insurance oers insurance plans and coverage for local residents and businesses. • Relocated Nov. 10 12 Headwaters at the Comal The nonprot’s administrative o¥ces relocated from a temporary space at the corner of E. Klingemann St. and Lakeview Blvd. to a permanent location on the property. The move is part of the organization's $28.5 million master-planned expansion project. • Relocated Nov. 7 • 333 E. Klingemann St., New Braunfels • www.headwatersatthecomal.com • 4510 FM 1102, New Braunfels • www.coverall-insurance.com
for seniors—specializing in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, according to a news release. • Rebranded Oct. 18 • 2022 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.grandbrook.com/communities/new-braunfels Terracon The engineering company, founded in April 1965, will celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout 2026. The company has locations throughout Austin, San Antonio, Houston and Dallas. Terracon oers materials testing, geotechnical engineering and more. • Serving Texas • www.terracon.com
• 1720 Hunter Road, New Braunfels • Facebook: Mixie Permanent Jewelry
In the news
17 Grand Brook Memory Care The senior center—previously known as Chapters Living—received a new name after undergoing a management change. Grand Brook Memory Care is now part of 13 Grand Brook Memory Care centers. The senior center oers assisted living and memory care services
13 Whole Cardiac Wellness The cardiology clinic will be relocating from 1583
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Government
BY ETHAN THOMAS & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
New Braunfels City Council unanimously approved an ordinance creating its fourth tax increment reinvestment zone, or TIRZ, for a 195.9-acre tract of land within the Zipp Family Sports Park on Nov. 10. The park, located at Klein Road and FM 1044, is a $40 million , 150-acre multisport park project. Land acquisition for the park was approved by voters as part of Proposition 2 in the city’s 2013 bond. In a 2019 bond, voters approved funding for the construction of Phase 1 of the project. “We’re hoping to have this space be complementary 4th tax increment reinvestment zone approved
TIRZ No. 4 preliminary build-out and revenue forecast Over the next 25 years, TIRZ No. 4 is anticipated to generate a total of $5.1 million in TIRZ revenue to the city of New Braunfels.
Total revenue forecast at 85% contribution
Total taxable value
$400K
$31,547,206 2030 $61,960,058 2035 $71,828,688 2040 $83,269,136 2045 $96,531,751 2050 2025 $1,050,000
+$5.1M
$300K
$200K
$100K
$0
2025 2030 2035 2040 2045 2050
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS, TXP, INC.COMMUNITY IMPACT
to the sports park,” Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney said during an Oct. 27 City Council meeting. A TIRZ works to capture a portion of the new tax
revenue occurring within the dened zone, making a Tax Increment Fund available to assist in nancing projects identied in the Preliminary Project and Financing Plan.
TIRZ No. 4 boundary Multi-family, commercial properties Zipp Family Sports Park (Property already owned by the city)
What else?
Two-minute impact
WALNUT AVE.
About $5.1 million will be generated within the TIRZ, which will provide funding for projects such as parks and streetscape enhancements, public infrastructure improvements, and economic devel- opment incentives, according to agenda documents. Due to the size, location, drainage issues and land characteristics, new private sector development and redevelopment within TIRZ No. 4 is unlikely to occur, according to the Preliminary Project and Financing Plan. The zone encompasses the entirety of the Zipp Family Sports Park and four additional lots, includ- ing two adjacent lots, which the city says could be used for retail, restaurant and hospitality spaces.
The three other TIRZs established in the city are in the Creekside, Mission Valley Hill and downtown areas of New Braunfels. Other than the city of New Braunfels, the taxing jurisdictions applicable to TIRZ No. 4 are Guadalupe County, Guadalupe County Lateral Road, Marion ISD and New Braunfels ISD. However, there are no other taxing entities contributing a portion of their tax increment to the fund, and no sales tax is proposed to be directed to the fund, agenda documents state.
W. ZIPP RD.
LEGEND POND
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY ETHAN THOMAS & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
City approves paid parking exemptions New Braunfels City Council approved to exempt drivers with disabled license plates from downtown paid parking during a regular meeting Nov. 24. The overview The decision was recommended by city sta based on state law and public feed- back. Under Texas Transportation Code Section 681, vehicles displaying a valid disabled license plate or placard may not be charged parking fees at parking meters. Disabled drivers who have a plate or placard do not need to register their vehicles or pay when parking, according to the city. The parking program’s ambassadors, who are called ParkNBTX Ambassadors, will be trained to identify legitimate placards, agenda documents state.
City looks to update transportation plan
“We talk about responsible growth, and the Thoroughfare Plan is one
of the tools we have in our toolkit to manage growth in our community.” JORDAN MATNEY, DEPUTY CITY MANAGER
The city of New Braunfels is planning to update its 2012 Regional Transportation Plan, known as the Thoroughfare Plan, with hopes of easing strain on existing infrastructure and shifting resources to roadways more aligned with projected population data. The plan identies major existing and proposed roadways within the city limits and the extraterri- torial jurisdiction and serves as a comprehensive document to help the city guide growth, preserve rights of way and plan for future transportation needs. The update uses new data and public feedback to account for new projections of future needs for the city. Digging deeper The updated plan proposes a west connector from SH 46 to FM 2722, development at Sauvignon Creek and Wilbur Way, and extensions to existing
roads such as Brooke Avenue, River Oaks Drive, Elm Creek Road and FM 758 Outer Loop. Other roads are being proposed for removal, as they are no longer necessary due to new development. The city is also planning a study to remain consistent with Guadalupe County and Seguin’s current plan update eorts, according to a Nov. 4. New Braunfels City Council meeting presentation. Proposed updates to the plan are expected to be presented at a Dec. 8 council meeting—after press time. If approved, City Council will establish an eective date for implementing the plan.
City begins process to update comprehensive plan
The plan has 46 goals and eight strategies, categorized into 287 actions. Progress on action items
5%
The city of New Braunfels has started the process to update its long-range comprehensive plan, Envision New Braunfels, according to a news release. A comprehensive plan is a policy document that guides community decision-making through various forms of community engagement, according to previous reporting.
Some details The new update will rene and refresh the goals and actions needed to support the city’s continued growth and quality of life. As part of the update process, residents are being asked to complete a questionnaire, which closes Dec. 12. A proposed update is slated to be presented to council in November 2026, according to the city.
Ongoing In progress Complete Pending
19%
52%
24%
SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS COMMUNITY IMPACT
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Education
BY ETHAN THOMAS
306
SMITHSON VALLEY RD.
CANTERBURY RD.
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GUTHRIE TRL.
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Update: Poultry, agriculture barn additions and courtyard fencing have reached substantial completion. • Cost: $4.9 million • Timeline: Work has reached substantial completion. 7 Canyon High School Project: Controllers for campus HVAC systems will be replaced. There will also be upgrades to the school’s safety, security, and student and teacher technology. Update: Roof replacement, exhaust fan replacement, interior renovations and re alarm replacements • Cost: $1.1 million • Timeline: The roof replacement project began in October 2025, with an expected completion date of March 2027. 6 Middle School No. 9 Project: Construction of a new middle school on 6004 Guthrie Trail, in the Mayfair subdivision, to provide relief for Church Hill and Canyon Middle Schools. Update: Concrete foundation and steel support work is ongoing—mechanical, electrical and plumbing work is also underway. • Cost: $34 million • Timeline: Construction began in February 2025, with an expected completion date in summer 2027.
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3 Smithson Valley High School Project: Repair and improve the HVAC units of the school, and update the campus security and public address system Update: HVAC controller updates and retro- commissioning have begun at the campus. • Cost: $47,000 • Timeline: Work began in October 2025, with an expected completion date of March 2027. 4 Elementary School No. 22 LAKE DUNLAP Project: The 110,000-square-foot facility will serve approximately 800 students, easing strain of growing student enrollment. Update: Currently in the design development phase, construction documents due November 2025 • Cost: $3.5 million • Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in February 2026, with an anticipated completion date in summer 2027. 5 Davenport High School Project: Agriculture barn construction, new fencing around the campus and updates to student and teacher technology 46
Several voter-approved projects are underway across Comal ISD, according to an update to the board of trustees Oct. 23. InNovember 2021, voters approved $428 million for district-wide HVAC and infrastructure updates, land purchases, the construction of new facilities and renovation projects, according to the district. 1 Memorial Early College High School Project: Replace and improve existing roof, HVAC units, improve security measures—new security cameras, lighting and fencing Update: Roof work at the campus continues on the south end of the building • Cost: $90,000 • Timeline: Construction began in October 2025, with an expected completion date of February 2026. 2 Freiheit and Oak Creek Elementary Schools Project: Replace and improve existing roof, HVAC units and playgrounds, and update security systems Update: Substantial completion has been reached on all HVAC and roof work. • Cost: $10 million • Timeline: Work has been completed. 1044
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12/12 Mark Jungers followed by The Joel Hoffmann Band 12/20 Foster & Quinn 12/27 Roy Heinrich and The Pickups
For more events or to rent an onsite cottage visit: www.rileystavern.com • 8894 FM 1102 New Braunfels, TX 78132
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY ETHAN THOMAS
NBHS students to shift classrooms
What else?
The New Braunfels ISD board of trustees voted to lease six temporary classrooms, or portables, at the site of the old New Braunfels High School at a regular board meeting Nov. 10. The portables—which cost $250,000 —will be used to relocate about 112 students and sta members from the existing facility to make way for Phase 2 reconstruction, and will be located by the old NBHS tennis courts and cafeteria, board documents state. The portables are being funded by the district’s 2021 bond. Phase 1 reconstruction is expected to be complete and ready for use as students return from winter break in January, but it will not be able to support all the sta members employed by the school, board documents state. The portables are expected to be used through the end of the 2025-26 school year, with a minimum six-month lease from service supplier Aries Building Systems. Paul McLarty, NBISD
Expansion zone
Portables location
New Braunfels High School
Phase 1 reconstruction includes the addition of a new three-story academic wing,
ETHAN THOMASCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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Phase 2 reconstruction has already begun, with $226 million being allocated from the district’s voter-approved 2024 bond for the construction of general education classrooms, a new Junior Reserve Ocer Training Corps. space, and new facilities for ne arts and athletics. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027, according to the district.
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chief business and support services ocer, said he doubts they’d need the full $250,000. “Hopefully, we’ll only have it for one semester, but we’ve got enough money in here if we have to go beyond that,” McLarty said.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Transportation
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
City invests $90K on right of way for intersection project
development west of New Braunfels, is the boutique rm’s signature project. The improvements are required under the development agreement between Veramendi and the city. Although construction of the improve- ments is being performed directly by Veramendi, the ROW is being acquired by the city, according to agenda documents. The project is part of a broader partnership between Veramendi and the city of New Braunfels, Perry said in the email. “These investments reect our commitment to supporting responsible growth and enhancing mobility for residents and visitors citywide,” she said. The project costs approximately $1 million for construction and ROW. The ROW acquisition is being funded by trac impact fees that have been collected from the Veramendi development and aect two properties, agenda documents state.
New Braunfels City Council approved an expen- diture of up to $90,000 for the acquisition of right of way, or ROW, for the Oak Run Intersection Improvements Project on Nov. 10. What you need to know The project—which is designed to enhance trac ow and overall safety—looks to improve the trac signals and turn lanes at the Oak Run Parkway and Hwy. 46 intersection, according to agenda documents. Roadway striping will also be updated, along with sidewalk widening. The intersection will be realigned, and drainage will be upgraded—all of which will increase the intersection’s eciency and help accommodate current and future trac demands, according to an email from Kristina Perry, marketing director at ASA Properties. ASA Properties is a Texas-based real estate rm that specializes in master-planned residential land development. Veramendi, a large housing
Oak Run intersection improvements
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What’s next Construction is expected to begin in December or January, and the work is anticipated to take about six months to complete, Perry said in the email.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Transportation
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
New Braunfels Utilities, or NBU, is about to begin work on a $7 million wastewater project in Gruene’s Historic District. The project will be carried out in two phases. It aims to provide the capacity needed to serve the area today and the ability to handle the area’s future growth, according to a news release. Phase 1 focuses on replacing the aging, 12-inch sewer line along Gruene Road—from Hunter Road to the 1200 block of Gruene Road—with an 18-inch sewer line. Phase 1 construction is slated to begin in January and wrap up in March, the release states. NBU begins $7M sewer project
The impact
Gruene Historic District Phase 1 trac impacts
Location
Days
Time
Trac impact
• Southbound: one-way trafic from New Braunfels Street south to Hunter Road • Northbound: only local trafic to access the parking lot, no through trafic • No roadway construction
Monday-Thursday
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Gruene Road
• Southbound: typical trafic patterns • Northbound: only local trafic to access parking lot, no through trafic
Friday-Sunday
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Sunday night-Friday morning 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Full road closure
• Westbound: only allowed left turn onto Gruene Road • Eastbound: typical trafic patterns • No street parking from Gruene Road to New Braunfels Street
Monday-Thursday
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Hunter Road
• Westbound and eastbound: typical trafic patterns • No street parking from Gruene Road to New Braunfels Street
Friday-Sunday
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
Roads impacted by phase 1 construction 1 Hunter Rd. 2 New Braunfels St. 3 Gruene Rd.
Sunday night-Friday morning 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
• Full road closure
Monday-Sunday
7 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Typical trafic flow
New Braunfels Street
Sunday night-Friday morning 11 p.m.-7 a.m.
• One lane, two-way trafic with flaggers
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NEW BRAUNFELS ST.
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What happens next?
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The second phase of the project—dubbed River Phase—will consist of replacing old cast-iron lines near the Guadalupe River, which will prevent future pipe failures and keep the entire system running smoothly. An odor control unit and siphon vault will also
be installed behind businesses on the 1200 block of Gruene Road in 2026. The odor control unit will eliminate occasional, unwelcome odors in the downtown Gruene area, the release states. Phase 2 construction is slated to begin in March and wrap up in May 2026.
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Transportation
BY ETHAN THOMAS
Upcoming projects
CONRADS LN.
306
HUECO SPRINGS LOOP RD.
1 Common Street Widening Project: adding lanes, sidewalks, completing drainage and utility upgrades between Loop 337 and FM 306 Update: The project is in the design phase. • Timeline: 2028-2030, according to city documents • Cost: $24.78 million • Funding source: 2023 bond (Proposition A) 2 Kohlenberg Road Project: widening the road to four lanes, adding a turn lane and a new tra c signal at FM 1101 and improving drainage infrastructure between FM 1101 and I-35 Update: The project is currently in the design phase. • Timeline: Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with an estimated completion date in mid-2029. • Cost: $15.93 million • Funding source: 2023 bond (Proposition A)
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4 Conrads Lane Project: improve the existing two-lane road with turn lanes and tra c signal improvements at major intersections, and improve drainage infrastructure and railroad crossings between Goodwin Lane and FM 1102 Update: The project is under construction. • Timeline: Construction began in early 2025 and is estimated to be completed in early 2027. • Cost: $11.8 million • Funding source: 2023 bond (Proposition A)
Mission Valley, FM 1863 and Independence intersections along Hwy. 46, and Borchers and Loop 337. The Gardenia intersection is still under construction. • Timeline: Construction began in 2025, with an estimated completion in 2026 • Cost: $5.21 million • Funding source: 2023 bond (Proposition A)
Ongoing projects
3 Citywide Intersection Improvements Project: There will be new tra c lights at several intersections across the city Update: completed projects include Hueco Springs,
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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Development
HUECO SPRINGS LOOP RD.
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BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
W. SAN ANTONIO ST. LANDA ST.
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2 Wood Meadows A new 16-inch waterline will be installed under the Guadalupe River, replacing an old 8-inch and 12-inch waterline that have reached the end of their service life. • Update: The project is 75% complete and four months ahead of schedule. The waterline has been drilled under the river and is currently being tied into NBU’s water system. An 8-inch waterline still needs to be extended on one side of the river. • Timeline: July-December 2026 • Cost: The project has an anticipated expenditure of $2.4 million in NBU’s FY 2025-26 budget. • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget
1 Hueco Springs Substation and Feeders NBU identi¤ed the need to construct an additional distribution substation along River Road and Edwards Boulevard. The substation site is adjacent to an existing Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation looped transmission line. The substation is master-planned for two power transformers and six distribution feeders as opposed to one power transformer and three feeders. The project will also create several switching ties to adjacent substations. O¥cials said this will allow for system resiliency—leading to fewer and shorter outages for utility customers. • Update: 75% complete • Timeline: Completion in May 2026 • Cost: The $14.22 million project has an anticipated expenditure of $6.49 million in NBU’s FY 2025-26 budget. • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget
3 McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion
The plant’s treatment capacity will expand from 2.5 million gallons per day, or MGD, to 5 MGD. This will provide capacity for ongoing and future growth. The McKenzie basin is the largest and fastest-growing basin NBU serves and encompasses the Mayfair development. • Update: 62% complete • Timeline: Completion in November 2026 • Cost: The $91.88 million project has an anticipated expenditure of $24.25 million in NBU’s iscal year 2025-26 budget. • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget
NOTE: SINCE THE WOOD MEADOWS PROJECT BEGAN IN JULY AND IS EXPECTED TO CONCLUDE IN DECEMBER, THE FY 2025¡26 BUDGET AMOUNT REPRESENTS THE MOST ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE PROJECT’S COST, NBU SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST CHARLCEE CERVANTEZ SAID IN AN EMAIL TO COMMUNITY IMPACT .
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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Development
BY ETHAN THOMAS & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
After almost a decade, The Mainzer’s opening timeline is revealed The Mainzer, a hotel project slated for devel- opment at the existing New Braunfels Utilities, or NBU, facility at 263 Main Plaza has an opening timeline. NBU is expected to relocate to a new location o Loop 337 in early summer 2027. The move will allow the city to redevelop the historic building into a boutique hotel with a restaurant, parking and social gathering spaces. The update The $33 million hotel project, which has been in the planning stages since 2018, is expected to break ground in summer 2027 and become operational by fall 2028, according to an email from the city.
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356-unit complex now leasing in Gruene Apartment complex Landhaus at Gruene, located at 2080 FM 1102 in New Braunfels, is now leasing. Once construction is complete, the community will have 356 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units across six buildings. Construction began in February 2024, and all buildings are anticipated to be completed by January or February of 2026, Community Director Misty Posey said.
The Mainzer will be a boutique hotel with a restaurant.
RENDERING COURTESY CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELS
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New Braunfels Heights apartment complex opens New Braunfels Heights, an apartment complex located at 128 Lonesome Quail, opened and began leasing units Oct. 6. Some details one-bathroom units and two-bedroom, two-bath- room units.
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As of press time, only one building is complete. Two more buildings are anticipated to be com- pleted in early December, and the remaining build- ings are expected to be completed by summer of 2026, Heather Sabedra and Mariah Whitney, leasing professionals with the property, told Community Impact.
The complex has 390 units across 15 buildings. Alliance Residential Company is the developer and Greystar is managing the property. New Braunfels Heights oers one-bedroom,
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17
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Microtransit service aims to enhance public transportation From the cover
Check this out
“Ride the Rio!” service area The transit service covers a 47-square-mile service area throughout New Braunfels.
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GUADALUPE RIVER
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HUECO SPRINGS LOOP RD.
The service area encompasses most of the city limits and parts of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction but excludes extensions of city limits that run along Krueger Canyon Road and FM 306. For community members outside of the service area, the Alamo Regional Transit system is still available, according to the city. The regional transit system can enter and exit the service area to pick up or drop o riders, but it cannot complete trips entirely within the zone, New Braunfels Transit Manager Julie Sitton said. The service area map was created after an Alamo Area Metropolitan Plan Organization study, which began in 2019 and was completed in 2021, according to city ocials. The study showed possible strategies to improve public transit in New Braunfels, including xed routes and a microtransit service, said Garry Ford, director of transportation and capital improvements.
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Six vans available to ride within the service area with two on standby Three vans equipped to be Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant
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SOURCE: CITY OF NEW BRAUNFELSCOMMUNITY IMPACT
How we got here
The timeline November 2023 City of New Braunfels endorses hybrid transit plan August 2024 City votes to move forward with “Ride the Rio!” September 2025 City receives an update on operational costs October 2025 City awards contract to Via, a TransitTech company November 2025 City launches “Ride the Rio!” on Nov. 18
“We really don’t have the density to support a xed route, and then the cost of putting that cash capital investment in is substantial,” Ford said. New Braunfels City Council member Toni Carter said she was concerned about cutting o income to local rideshare drivers. However, operating hours ending before bars and restaurants close in the city eased those fears. “Until folks start using it and we really see whether it’s a successful program or not, I’m just in a wait-and-see mode,” Carter said.
In November 2023, the city o cially endorsed the hybrid transit plan. Hybrid transit plans consist of on-demand services like “Ride the Rio!” and xed-route bus services. City o cials decided the rst step in this plan would be to implement the microtransit system. The decision was made as xed routes require a large initial investment, including the purchase of passenger buses and hiring and training sta to operate the eet, which was deemed too cost-pro- hibitive, Ford said.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ETHAN THOMAS
How it works
By the numbers
How it works
Order your ride
The service will be operational seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Riders can download the “Ride the Rio!” app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and will be prompted to create an account. Similar to other rideshare apps, the user will select a pickup and drop-o location, according to the “Ride the Rio!” website. Once selected, riders who are students, veterans, seniors, or disabled can schedule a ride, while others can choose to be picked up as soon as possible, which the city aims to keep within 30 minutes, Sitton said. Seniors, disabled individuals, veterans and students will pay a discounted $2 rate, and other riders will be charged $4 , according to the city’s website. Those who do not wish to use the app can either order their ride online at https://city.ridewithvia.com/new-braunfels or call the general dispatch number at 830-282-3413, according to the website.
The rst year of the service will primarily be funded by American Rescue Plan Act funds, which will account for about 65% of operational costs. Additional funding will come from the New Braunfels Transit District’s designation as a “small urbanized area” by the Federal Transit Administration, Sitton said. The FTA makes federal resources available for transit operating assistance and transpor- tation-related planning in urbanized areas— dened as having populations of 50,000 or more. State funds will be used to account for the 35% local match required by the FTA, Ford said. The service will cost the city $6.08 million in total, as previously reported by Community Impact . The cost per year will uctuate between $1.15 million and $1.29 million over the course of ve years , Sitton said.
Pay the $4 fee or $2 discounted rate
Hop on!
Get to your destination
Know before you go
Children 14 and under may not use the service unless accompanied by a parent or guardian who must also pay the appropriate fare.
Eating and drinking are not allowed inside the van.
Riders who are severely ill and possibly contagious may be denied a ride, according to the website.
Funding breakdown Year one of the service will be funded primarily by ARPA funds, and future funding depends on available state and federal money, Sitton said.
Looking ahead
Ridership and locational demand data will be used to make the determination in the future. Service years 2029 and 2030 are optional, with the availability to extend the service contract through the two remaining years, Sitton said. “There’s a variety of things that we could look at to determine how we change this system,” she said.
All rides will be free until Dec. 31, but after the new year, riders can pay in advance by using a credit or debit card linked to the account or pay in cash. The service contract with River North Transit, a subsidiary of Via, will be in eect until 2028, after which the city will reevaluate the service, including possible expansion, changes in operations or a switch to a xed-route system.
Federal funding: ARPA, FTA funds
State funding: City's contributions, funded by state grants
35%
Year 1
65%
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830.608.9989 NEW BRAUNFELS & SPRING BRANCH
19
NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION
Events
Wurstfest 2025: Capturing the culture, craft and celebration From Nov. 6-15, around 220,000 people cel- ebrated German culture while supporting local nonprot organizations at Wurstfest. Wurstfest—which originated in 1961—began as a one-day festival created by the New Braunfels meat inspector, Ed Grist, as a festival to honor sausage. The festival has since grown to 10 days of cele- brating the city’s German heritage, as previously reported by Community Impact . Read all about it Marc Allen, 2025 festival general chair and president-elect, said crowds were evenly dispersed across the 10-day event, and attendance was up about 4%-5%. One of the signicant changes implemented at the event this year was eliminating drink tickets, which sped up the lines. By eliminating drink tickets, more space was created on the grounds. “We had seven new vendors that we were able to put in spots where drink ticket booths were,” Allen said. Some of the new vendors added were Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County, Dive-in Donuts, Pecos Pete’s All Natural Tea & Soda Co., Fryday Concessions, Long Creek High School Dance Boosters and The Sauer Kraut Food Truck. The organization also replaced 87 toilets. Allen said they appreciated those who visited Wurstfest. “We hope we fullled their expectations with entertainment, family, fun, friends,” Allen said. “We’re doing our best to improve year upon year.”
Attendees dress in traditional fedoras and beer mug-shaped hats to celebrate German heritage at Wurstfest 2025.
ETHAN THOMASCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Pecos Pete’s All Natural Tea & Soda sells collectible mugs and jars to Wurstfest 2025 attendees.
Cody Bane holds a stein of beer after winning the 2025 Texas Steinholding State Championship Finals.
ETHAN THOMASCOMMUNITY IMPACT
AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT
Attendees gather in a Volkswagen bus turned photo booth to take commemorative photos.
A musician with Austin Polka Band smiles.
ETHAN THOMASCOMMUNITY IMPACT
AMIRA VAN LEEUWENCOMMUNITY IMPACT
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