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San Marcos Buda Kyle Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 8 DEC. 15, 2023 JAN. 19, 2024
San Marcos' growth vision stirs passions
Multifamily developments, such as these townhomes along Lively Lane in San Marcos, could be limited or prevented in certain established single-family neighborhoods under a revised development plan.
AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
in 2013, titled Vision San Marcos: A River Runs Through Us. The primary updates to the plan involve the introduction of place types to zoning and the intensity level of development within that place type to guide future development as well as in ll development.
city, as well as preferred concepts of residential and commercial development—until at least Jan. 16. The new plan looks to update and expand the city’s zoning districts and categories from ve to 10. Those zoning types dictate what type and density of development can occur. The existing comprehensive plan was adopted
BY ERIC WEILBACHER
After citing a need to better inform San Marcos citizens of proposed changes, the San Marcos City Council postponed the adoption of Vision SMTX++—its comprehensive plan—Nov. 6. The council postponed the vote on the plan— which details various goals and objectives of the
CONTINUED ON 16
Also in this issue
Impacts: Blue Jay Books coming soon to San Marcos (Page 6)
Government: 3 downtown Kyle buildings to be leveled (Page 11)
Education: Texas State to host rst presidential debate (Page 13)
Community: Check out our 2023- 24 Volunteer Guide (Page 18)
The power of having the right partner. When you see your primary care provider, you’re not just checking a box— you’re taking your first step towards living your healthiest life possible. Schedule an appointment online or on the MyBSWHealth app today.
Find a primary care provider near you
Photography may include models or actors and may not represent actual patients. Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health. ©2023 Baylor Scott & White Health. 53-GAR-870100-DN3
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
BLANCO RIVER
Impacts
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surrounding area. Owners Madison Crowe and Megan Silva said they understand the power of being in a space people can feel proud of and comfortable in. • Opened in October • www.parkerhomeanddesign.com
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4 Frullati Cafe & Bakery Locally owned by David Clark, the cafe is known for its paninis and smoothies. The cafe’s first location opened in 1997 at Barton Creek Square before closing and relocating to Buda in 2018, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . Frullati Cafe & Bakery also offers salads and baked goods. • Opening in February • 730 E. Hopkins St., Unit 100, San Marcos • www.frullati.com 5 Hugo The store is one of Hugo Boss’ clothing brands and sells men’s accessories, shirts, jackets and pants. • Opening TBD • 3939 I-35 S., Ste. 1200, San Marcos • www.hugoboss.com/us/men 6 Blue Jay Books A new book store is setting up shop inside Old Soul Exchange. The book shop will sell a variety of vintage paperbacks, coffee table books, magazines, true crime, horror and more. • Coming December
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N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
• 301 N. Guadalupe St., Ste. 154, San Marcos • www.hangryjoessanmarcos.com
Now open
1 Harbor Freight Tools The California-based retailer offers a range of power and hand tools, generators, tool boxes and more. • Opened Nov. 21
• 123 S. LBJ Drive, San Marcos • Instagram: bluejay_vintage_atx
3 Butter Sweet The new bakery and fast-casual lunch spot offers a selection of assorted kolaches, baked goods, sandwiches and salads. The business is locally owned by Jonathan Smartt and Cody Couch, who also own Cody’s Restaurant & Bar locations in San Marcos and New Braunfels. • Opened Nov. 14 • 690 Centerpoint Road, Ste. 215, San Marcos • Facebook: Butter/Sweet Parker Home & Design The remote business provides interior design and real estate services to clients in San Marcos and the
In the news
• 4234 S. I-35, San Marcos • www.harborfreight.com
7 The Crystal River Inn The inn changed ownership Oct. 29. Since 1983, the inn has been owned by Kathy and Mike Dillon. The new owners are Eric and Corley L’Etoile. Kathy Dillon said they wanted to retire but wanted to sell the inn to someone who would continue to run it as a hotel. The Crystal River Inn has nine rooms in two historic buildings and also hosts weddings.
2 Hangry Joe’s San Marcos Hot Chicken The San Marcos franchise location is owned by Wimberley resident Mark Dalton and will serve Nashville-style hot chicken sandwiches as well as wings, chicken fingers, chicken waffles, and more. • Opened Nov. 20
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY SIERRA MARTIN & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
• 326 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.crystalriverinn.com
Now open
Coming soon
8 Saké Bistro & Bar Saké Bistro & Bar celebrated its fifth anniversary in San Marcos on Nov. 16, according to an Instagram post. The bar serves craft beer and offers a selection of sake.
• 100 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.vaultsakesanmarcos.com
9 The Mirage Castlerock at San Marcos, previously managed by Peak Made Real Estate, changed its name to The Mirage on Oct. 6 after moving to a new management group called Asset Living in November. The complex has one- to four-
bedroom apartment units. • 1610 N. I-35, San Marcos • www.miragesanmarcos.com
11 San Marcos Auto Center The auto repair shop, owned by New Braunfels locals Rick Benavidez and Cory Pompa, was previously located at 3600 N. Hwy. 123. San Marcos Auto Center has been open for six years and during that time business had increased, which caused them to outgrow the space. The shop offers a range of auto repair services, including alignments, general repairs and diesel repairs. • Opened Nov. 24
12 Salad And Go According to Brandi Hale, director of community relations, Arizona-based Salad And Go is a drive- thru concept that aims to offer fresh and affordable food. Salad And Go offers a range of salads, wraps, breakfast bowls, burritos and soups. The corporation has 124 stores in Arizona, Oklahoma, Nevada and Texas.
Closings
10 Small Fries Childcare & Learning Center The daycare provided care for infants and children up to 6 years old.
• Slated to open late summer 2024 • 200 I-35 frontage road, San Marcos • www.saladandgo.com
• 2510 Hunter Road, San Marcos • www.sanmarcosautocenter.com
• Closed at the end of September • 709 W Hopkins St., San Marcos
#MerryChristmas
lacimatx.com AVAILABLE NOW!
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Impacts
4 Body20 The boutique fitness studio utilizes an FDA-cleared electrical muscle stimulation suit. • Completion in February • 5401 FM 1626, Ste. 105, Kyle • www.body20.com 5 Wingzone This Las-Vegas-based restaurant chain offers bone-in and boneless wings, tenders, salads and burgers. • Opening TBD 6 Abbott’s Frozen Custard The New York-based custard franchise offers signature custard flavors such as vanilla and chocolate. • Completion in December • 2242 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle • www.abbottscustard.com/location/kyle-tx 7 Pho with Us The Vietnamese restaurant sells specialty pho, rice plates, vermicelli, banh mi and more. • Opening TBD • Kyle Crossing, Kyle • www.wingzone.com
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WINDY HILL RD.
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KYLE CROSSING
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Kyle
CAMINO REAL
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KYLE PKWY.
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Uhland
OLD LOCKHART RD.
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BLANCO RIVER
• 135 Kyle Crossing, Kyle • www.phowithus.com
MAP NOT TO SCALE
N TM; © 2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
8 Chick-fil-A This will be the second Chick-fil-A location to open in
• Opened Oct. 4 • 9087 Camino Real, Uhland • Facebook: The Great Bowl
the Kyle area. • Opening TBD • 2211 Kohlers Crossing, Kyle • www.chick-fil-a.com
Now open
1 City Limits Subaru The dealership is equipped with 60 service bays and offers new and used vehicles as well as car parts and services.
Coming soon
9 Poco Loco Super Mercado The supermarket sells groceries such as produce, meat
3 Smoothie King Smoothie King sells smoothie bowls as well as various fruit and coffee.
• Opened Nov. 13 • 14457 I-35, Buda • www.citylimitssubaru.com
and dairy items. • Opening TBA • 1206 N. Burleson Road, Kyle • www.pocolocosupermercado.com
• Opening late 2024 to 2025 • 2260 Main St., Ste. 201, Buda • www.smoothieking.com
2 The Great Bowl The Great Bowl serves burgers, tacos, fries, teriyaki chicken, chicken and waffles, and more.
10 Crunch Fitness The gym offers a wide range of strength training, cardio
RICK COFER AUSTIN’S GO-TO CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
COFERCONNELLY.COM • 602 W. 11 TH ST., AUSTIN, TX 78701 • 512-200-3801
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
equipment and fitness classes. • Opening TBA • 19167 I-35, Kyle • www.crunch.com
Now open
Now open
11 Tony C’s Beer Garden The Austin-based pizza joint sells New York-style pizza and authentic Italian dishes. • Slated to be completed by April 2024 • 2344 Kohlers Crossing • www.tonycsbeergarden.com
In the news
12 Pizza Classics Pizza Classics will be officially rebranding itself as Kyle Pizza Co. on Jan. 1. • 118 S. Front St., Kyle • 512-268-1979 13 XCharge North America The company opened its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Kyle Nov. 16. It specializes in Level-3 electric vehicle chargers and energy storage. • 19121 Marketplace Ave., Ste. b2 145, Kyle • www.xchargeenergy.com
14 Crumbl Cookies The Kyle franchise location is owned by Jace Mattinson and Houston Erbstoesser. Crumbl Cookies offers a weekly rotating menu with various cookie flavors and also offers catering and gift packages. • Opened Nov. 16 • 5180 FM 1626, Ste. 110, Kyle • www.crumblcookies.com
15 Halftime Co. Indoor Golf Club Located inside Plum Creek Business Park, Halftime Co. Indoor Golf Club offers golf year-round. The golf club is owned by local Justin Baker and has two golf simulators with access to over 300 courses around the world. The golf club also has a
putting green area. • Opened Oct. 30 • 19121 Marketplace Ave., Ste. 125, Kyle • www.halftimeco.com
CROSSWINDSTEXAS.COM
CHECK OUT OUR NEW AMENITIES: PLAYGROUND STRUCTURE, SPLASH PARK, AND SPORT COURT WITH PICKLE BALL! Out where gentle breezes blow across the rolling Texas prairie, there’s a place for families to connect in an active community with all the comforts of home. Crosswinds features a swimming pool, splash area, dog park, hike & bike trails and playgrounds – and even more exciting new additions coming soon to this beautiful master-planned community!
AT CROSSWINDS IN KYLE
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WINDY HILL RD.
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KYLE
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Operating since 2018
Offering 24 craft beers on draft rotated on a weekly basis.
We have 50+ Craft beers in packages along with a variety of Wine, Ciders, Seltzers, Non-Alcoholic Beers, and specialty Sodas We off er weekly sales and punch card discount for Growler Fills. Rotating Food Vendor hosted onsite most Fridays. Monthly Pint Night with local and national breweries. JOIN US EVERY MONTH FOR BINGO NIGHT, STEAK NIGHT, GAME NIGHT, FOOD PAIRINGS, SUNDAY BRUNCH, MIMOSA SPECIALS AND MUCH MORE
Follow us on our social media
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GrowlerExpress for current events and weekly sales.
1567 Main St 800, Buda, TX 78610 • 512 361-0911
We host Private Events : Birthdays, Team building, Anniversary, Business Meetings etc.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Government
BY ZARA FLORES & AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
3 buildings to be leveled in downtown Kyle The city of Kyle will be demolishing three city-owned buildings in downtown following City Council approval Nov. 14. American Abatement LLC, a San Antonio-based abatement company, will execute the demolition and perform asbestos surveying and removal. What you need to know City Manager Bryan Langley told Community Impact that the buildings were chosen for dem- olition because they are in poor conditions and would require signi cant investment to repair. “We do not believe that the buildings, in their current con guration, represent the highest and best use of the land in that area,” Langley said. Funding for the demolishing of the aforemen- tioned downtown properties comes from the city’s general fund. The city expects to begin demolition in mid-December.
Marijuana arrests drop in San Marcos A year ago, San Marcos voters overwhelm- ingly approved a ballot measure that ended criminal prosecution of low-level marijuana enforcement in the city. A report from Ground Game Texas shows between Janu- ary-June 2022 and January-June 2023 there has been an 85% reduction in marijuana possession citations and arrests. How we got here The end of low-level marijuana enforce- ment in San Marcos has resulted in an 85% reduction in arrests and citations, according to the report. From January-June 2022, there were just over 45 arrests and citations. In the same time period in 2023, that number dropped to below 10, the report shows.
Transforming downtown The buildings slated for demolition are located at:
Animal control and evidence facility
VFW building
Police department
N
The demolition process will cost a maximum total of $209,920 , including:
$150,970 Demolition
$24,700 Asbestos survey/removal
$34,250 Granite removal alternate
SOURCE: CITY OF KYLE COMMUNITY IMPACT
Mural highlights Indigenous community The city of San Marcos dedicated a new mural, named Coahuiltecan Guardian Spirits of the River and Medicine, Nov. 14. The overview
public art in the heart of San Marcos. The mural is located near city hall and was created by muralists Ernesto Hernandez and Cindy Tobar. Hernandez said the Coahuiltecan creation stories describe how Spirit Water rose up and delivered all Creation. “Four medicines represent the four natural water sources, from San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and Austin,” Hernandez said.
City manager Stephanie Reyes said the city man- ager’s o ce looked to the mural arts committee for a mural at this location to “liven up” the city hall complex and serve as a “vibrant showcase” for
Muralists Ernesto Hernandez and Cindy Tobar explain the Coahuiltecan mural.
AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN COMMUNITY IMPACT
Happy Holidays • On - site x - ray and lab • Online patient portal • Locations near you We’re here when you need us, days, nights, weekends & holidays • Multi - specialty health care • 24/7 phone nurses • Easy, online scheduling
AustinRegionalClinic.com
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
What would you give to make a ? For less than $1 a month , you can help support local nonprofits by rounding up your bill through PEC’s Power of Change Program. Together with other generous members, your donations have funded 80 organizations that serve local communities. Round up your bill to support local nonprofits
Join today at pec.coop/change!
Spring Sports & Recreation Are Right Around the Corner! Adult and Youth Sports Registration Dates Kickball Season 1: 1/12 � 2/23 Men’s & Co-ed Softball Season 1: 1/12 � 2/23 Youth Basketball: Coming Soon! Camp Registration Dates Spring Break Camp: 1/5 - 3/12 Summer Camp Early Bird: 2/12 - 3/28 Event Registration Dates Valentines Dance for People With Disabilities: 1/5 - 2/7 Paint & Sip: Monthly registration. Register for these events at TeamSideline.com/Kyle
Need a ride? Save money with Kyle Uber3.14!
Download the City of Kyle App with the QR code below and claim your vouchers!
Dec. 1st -25th Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park
We’re celebrating all month long at Mary Kyle Hartson Park! Stop by for live music and local vendors from December 1st to the 25th and get in the holiday spirit! For details on themed days, events, and more, visit CityOfKyle.com/25Days Want even more festivities? Stop by Lake Kyle and walk through the new light trail, or register at TeamSideline.com/Kyle to go ice skating*! *Ice Skating open through 12/23, registration required.
Dress Your Pet Photo Contest! Send in a picture of your pooch in their finest threads! Contest runs January 2nd through 15th. Email your pics to saligaweesa@cityofkyle.com
January 1st, 2024 at James Adkins Pool Starts at 10am, register at: TeamSideline.com/Kyle
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
Education
BY SIERRA MARTIN
Texas State to host presidential debate Texas State University will host a presi- dential general election debate in Strahan Arena at the University Events Center on Sept. 16, 2024. The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Nov. 20 the first presidential debate of four scheduled leading up to the general election will take place at the Texas State campus in San Marcos. A closer look Texas State will be the first location in Texas to host a presidential debate and is partnering with the city of San Marcos to organize the event. The university also has the distinction of being the only Texas uni- versity with a U.S. president as an alumnus. The 36th U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson graduated in 1930.
SMCISD trustees to vote on restructuring board The San Marcos CISD board of trustees held a public hearing to consider restructuring the board by adopting seven single-member districts. Currently, the district has five single-member and two at-large trustee positions on the board. In a single-member district, an individual is elected to represent the constituents of a specific area within the district. At-large trustees are elected to represent the district as a whole, according to the Texas Secretary of State. Zooming in The board established a redistricting committee of private citizens and hosted multiple public hearings throughout the process. A map was pre- sented at the public hearing that represents what the district lines for each board member would be based off of the elementary school zones, which would give each trustee its own district.
Redistricting the board The board might vote to approve dropping at-large districts in favor of single-member districts only.
Single-member districts
Two at-large districts, five single member districts
District population distribution
15,554
Jessica Cain
11,787
19,014
Margie Villalpando
11,526
14,823
Sandra Sepulveda Lopez
12,356
16,886
Brian Shanks
11,679
14,786
Clementine Cantu
11,482
81,063
Anne Halsey
11,433
81,063
Dr. Mari Salmi
11,819
SOURCES: SMCISD, U.S. CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Transportation
Real estate
BY KATY MCAFEE
How did Austin get so many toll roads?
What’s next
78610 Number of homes sold
October 2022
October 2023
Residential market data
Year-over-year home sales in the San Marcos-Buda-Kyle market increased in October, according to data from the Austin Board of Realtors. As more homes were sold, median home prices across the market dipped. The average number of days homes spent on the market also increased year over year.
The CTRMA has a ve-year plan for potential roads it plans to bring to the Austin metro using surplus funding. Bass said the group is looking into adding one or two tolled lanes on MoPac, south of Lady Bird Lake. The CTRMA could also use its surplus funding for nontolled transportation projects, such as shared-use paths.
49
+12.24%
Without adequate nancial support from gas tax revenue, transportation leaders turned to toll roads as a solution. “In the early 2000s the commission said, ‘There’s got to be a better way to do this,’” Bass said. “One way we [did] that is by having our regional mobility authority go to the bond market [to] issue bonds, borrow money, and then collect the tolls and pay back that borrowed money over time.” The CTRMA has worked with the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization to build six toll roads through this process. The Texas Department of Transportation built the other four. Langmore said adding toll roads has gone “amazingly well,” as they’ve given drivers a faster option and generated enough surplus to build more roads in the past two decades.
As Austin’s population started to boom about 20 years ago, local transportation leaders recognized the need for more roadways connecting the region. Many roads were in a “lousy state of repair,” and the state did not have the money to x them or build new ones, said John Langmore, former board member of the Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority. At the time, state road projects were funded solely through the gas tax—a $0.20 per gallon tax Texans pay every time they’re at the pump. By the early 2000s, the gas tax wasn’t bringing in enough revenue to build all the needed infrastructure projects in Austin. Texas’ gas tax has not gone up since 1991, and it has lost nearly half its purchasing power due to in ation, according to CTRMA documents. The growing number of electric vehicles and fuel- e cient cars have also limited gas tax revenue, CTRMA Executive Director James Bass said.
55
78640
78610
98
+36.73%
78640
134
78666
21
35
78666
66
+13.64%
75
80
Median home sales price
2022
2023
N
78610
-16.4%
$359,500
$430,000
The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority operates six toll roads in Austin.
MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS 512 454 7636 WWW.ABOR.COM
78640
-3.11%
$349,950
$361,200
COURTESY CTRMA
78666
-5.9%
$340,000
$361,308
SAN MARCOS 510 Barnes Dr (512) 392-0366
CREEKSIDE TOWN CENTER 263 Creekside Crossing (830) 608-1969
SOUTHPARK MEADOWS 9900 IH-35 Service Rd S (512) 280-7400
NEW BRAUNFELS 1671 IH-35 S (830) 629-0434
From the cover
San Marcos’ growth vision stirs passions
How we got here
Two-minute impact
At issue is whether density will be promoted in established neighborhoods or only in newer, outlying developments. The revisions as currently written in the Vision SMTX++ comprehensive plan would prevent increased density in existing neighborhoods that do not currently have that level of density, according to the published revisions by city staff. Under the plan, any neighborhood deemed Neighborhood Low-Existing would not allow for “missing middle” housing, such as townhomes, cottages, accessory dwelling units or anything that doesn’t fit within what that area already allows. Opponents say that would make housing less affordable for renters and homeowners alike as well as encourage sprawl and development outside the city’s central core. Did you know? The city charter outlines that plans such as these need to be adopted and used as guidelines for growth, development and other factors. Comprehensive plans outline the direction a city will go in terms of prioritizing: Development Capital improvement projects (such as sewer/stormwater, road construction, other infrastructure Implementing other citywide plans (such as for greenways, arts, transit, etc.) Area-specific plans for the airport, downtown, and neighborhood plans Annexation of and requirements for extraterritorial jurisdiction developments
various aspects of zoning, including: • Building forms • Street layout • Open space
Every five years, the city’s comprehensive plan is supposed to be re-evaluated and updated as needed. The new 150-page plan looks to update and expand its zoning districts, and serves as the “vision for equitable and compatible growth.” The plan will serve as the blueprint and guide for future development throughout the city. The plan calls for area centers that will guide any proposed mixed-use, community and neighborhood developments in the city’s future, according to city documents. The primary updates to the plan involve the introduction of place types to zoning. Place types are meant to provide guidance on
Along with many other aspects to define “a set of places that are unique and authentic to the community” according to the planning document. A total of 10 place types are being considered. One of those—Neighborhood Low-Existing— would prohibit multifamily development within these areas. That designation would apply to historically single-family housing areas.
Increasing development types The city’s new Vision SMTX++ comprehensive plan introduces place types, which are meant to assess land use and zoning guidelines more holistically. These neighborhood types are some of the 10 place types being considered, with Low-Existing and Low-New being the newest revisions. Each place type allows for various land uses.
If a neighborhood is updated to this place type:
It could mean in that neighborhood:
Only the type of existing housing—likely just single-family homes—would be allowed for infill development.
Neighborhood Low-Existing
A mix of low density, residential housing types would be allowed alongside single-family homes, such as accessory dwelling units or duplexes.
Neighborhood Low-New
Townhomes, ADUs, cottage courts and other types of housing would be allowed.
Neighborhood Medium
Neighborhood High
High density housing types with some commercial included
Neighborhood Transition
Small-scale commercial, mixed-use and diverse housing types
SOURCE: CITY OF SAN MARCOS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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16
COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY ERIC WEILBACHER
The breakdown
Next steps
that adding denser development into established neighborhoods would be problematic. “As long as people know when they buy their home what’s going to be surrounding them, that’s fine,” Hughson said. Lee said pushing development away from older areas cause a number of issues. “If you put new developments only on the outside on the edges of the city and that’s the only place you’re willing to increase any kind of density, you’re going to increase the traffic issues that we already have,” Lee said.
The updates in the Vision SMTX++ plan that are causing pause have to do with where “missing middle” housing can be built in the city. “Missing middle” housing refers to types of housing that fall between apartments and single-family homes, said Casey Lee, government affairs coordinator for the Four Rivers Association of Realtors. The updated plan would virtually prevent that type of housing from any neighborhood desig- nated as low density and as already existing with predominately single-family construction. Mayor Jane Hughson said she is concerned
The city council formed a committee of Mayor Jane Hughson and Council Members Alyssa Garza and Shane Scott to seek more community input prior to mid-January, when the body is expected to bring the plan up for another vote once more. “We’ve devoted so much time, effort and energy and money to this, but there still seems to be a fundamental lack of community awareness and opportunity for input,” Garza said. If the plan doesn’t pass, the city’s comprehensive plan goes back to the drawing board for revisions and community consensus at a later date.
Examples of ‘missing middle’ housing types
Duplex
Fourplex
Townhomes
2013
Triplex
Multiplex
Cottage Courts
City adopts comprehensive plan
2020
City Council requests rewrite of the plan with MIG Inc. for $341.5K
In their own words
Feb. 2023
First public hearings and presentations on changes
“We wanted to protect existing neighborhoods. ... As long as people
“San Marcos needs a variety of housing options to be an a ordable place to
Nov. 2023
Approval of Vision SMTX++ postponed for more community outreach
know when they buy their home what’s going to be
live, work and play. [This plan] actively discourages those options.” STEPHANIE RYAN, FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS, 2023 PRESIDENT
surrounding them.” JANE HUGHSON, SAN MARCOS MAYOR
Jan. 16, 2024
Tentative date for hearing a final approval of the plan
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Community
Volunteer Guide Learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle. For specific volunteer requirements, contact the organization directly. This list is not comprehensive.
2023
San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter The shelter aims to provide care and protection for pets while finding them quality homes. • Sample activities: foster, clean kennels, pet photography, data entry, walking dogs • Donations accepted: monetary, dry or canned kitten/ puppy food, blankets, laundry detergent, durable toys
install trail markers, educational activities, fundraise • Donations accepted: monetary • 107 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.smgreenbelt.org
Feed the hungry
Empower children
(stuffing free), milk replacer • 750 River Road, San Marcos • www.sanmarcostx.gov
Hays County Food Bank This organization provides assistance through food, nutrition education and advocacy. • Sample activities: drivers, distribution, home delivery drivers, special events, weigh food orders, intern
Austin Angels This nonprofit organization is part of the National Angels foster care community program that provides mentorship and support to children in the foster care system. • Sample activities: be a mentor, babysit, tutor, supportive families, activities, one-time events and family needs • Donations accepted: monetary, clothes, shoes, art supplies, furniture • 401 FM 967, Buda • www.austinangels.com CASA of Central Texas This nonprofit organization works to provide high- quality, best-interest advocacy for children and youth in the child welfare system. • Sample activities: Court Appointed Special Advocate, community outreach support, fundraising and event support • Donations accepted: monetary, in-kind support (comfort kits, hygiene kits, supply drives, book drives),
Help the community
• Donations accepted: monetary • 220 Herndon St., San Marcos • www.haysfoodbank.org
Austin Habitat for Humanity Austin Habitat for Humanity dedicates its resources to building homes for individuals. • Sample activities: constructing new homes, working on home repair projects, supporting ReStores, discount home improvement stores and donation centers • Donations accepted: gently-used or new building supplies, appliances, furniture, home goods, clothes, monetary goods • 2521 N. I-35, San Marcos • www.habitat.org Buda Public Library The library aims to enrich its community by supporting early literacy and lifelong learning. • Sample activities: shelving, program assistance, become a member of Friends of the Buda Library • Donations accepted: Friends of the Buda Library program accepts book donations and holds book sales
Animal services
Prevent a Litter of Central Texas (PALS) This non-profit organization aims to end pet overpopulation and pet homelessness through spay/ neuter programs and educating the community. • Sample activities: voucher intake & processor, data entry, clinic intake assistant, event ambassador • Donations accepted: monetary, animal food and toys • 215 W. San Antonio St., Ste. 101, San Marcos • www.preventalitter.com PAWS Shelter of Central Texas This nonprofit organization is a no-kill shelter that aims to provide care for homeless, abandoned and abused animals in Central Texas while relieving animals from other shelters that are on the euthanasia list. • Sample activities: adopt, foster, offsite events in the surrounding area, Adoption Ambassador Program, dog walking, visitations • Donations accepted: monetary; bleach; Purina ONE dog, cat and kitten food; litter; blankets
contact office for wish list items • 2725 Hunter Road, San Marcos • www.casacentex.org
Care for the environment
• 405 E. Loop St., Buda • www.budalibrary.org
San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance This nonprofit organization aims to protect quality of life through interconnected parks and natural areas through conservation, stewardship and education outreach for community members in the San Marcos area. • Sample activities: remove invasive species, build and
Hays-Caldwell Women’s Center This nonprofit organization works to provide education, violence prevention services and crisis intervention to victims of family and dating violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
• 500 FM 150 E., Kyle • www.pawsshelter.org
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Empower children
Care for the environment
School Fuel This organization aims to provide San Marcos CISD students facing hunger over the weekend a sack of nutritious and shelf-safe food each Friday of the school year. • Sample activities: assemble sack lunches, distribute food to students • Donations accepted: monetary • 1331 Hwy. 123, San Marcos • www.schoolfuelsanmarcos.org
San Marcos River Foundation This nonprofit organization aims to preserve and protect the San Marcos River. • Sample activities: become a member, trash clean ups, tree-planting, invasive species removals, water
quality monitoring • Donations accepted: monetary • 604 W. Hopkins St., San Marcos • www.sanmarcosriver.org
Salvation Army This organization provides an array of emergency assistance services to the Hays County area. • Sample activities: emergency disaster relief services team member, bell-ringer • Donations accepted: monetary, vehicle, clothing • 1346 Thorpe Lane, Ste. B, San Marcos • www.salvationarmytexas.org
Southside Community Center This nonprofit organization, affiliated with the United Methodist Church, aims to improve the living conditions and personal dignity. • Sample activities: paint offices, help serve dinner, office filing, donation organizing • Donations accepted: clothing, hygiene products, packaged food, monetary • 518 S. Guadalupe St., San Marcos • www.southsidecommunitycenter.org
• Sample activities: intern, office work, landscaping, childcare, HELPline advocates, donation center assistance • Donations accepted: monetary, host a benefit, wish list, planned giving, new and gently-used clothing and household goods, brand new full-size toiletries • P.O. Box 234, San Marcos • www.hcwc.org
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
Events
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
MLK Kids’ Event The Dunbar Heritage Association will celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with books, arts and crafts, and videos. • Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. • Free • San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos • https://forms.gle/zspFsqxeSrnz6K6R Winter Weekend Stock Up Sale The Tanger Outlets will host a four-day sale for a variety of name brand outlet stores. • Jan. 13-16, time TBD • Free (admission) • Tanger Outlets, 4015 I-35, San Marcos • www.tanger.com/sanmarcos/events/january New Year’s Celebrations Family Fun Day There will be crafts and activities from various New Year celebrations from around the world. • Jan. 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free • Spring Lake, 201 San Marcos Springs, San Marcos • www.meadowscenter.txst.edu/education/ familyfundays
December
60+ Ornament Decorating Attendees will be given an ornament to decorate using acrylic paint. • Dec. 19, 1-3 p.m. • Free • Dunbar Recreation Center, 801 W. MLK Drive, San Marcos • 512-393-8280 2023 Cocoa Jingle The annual Cocoa Jingle event will have cocoa, pictures with Santa and a holiday pajama contest.
• Dec. 20, 3-6 p.m. • Free (admission)
MLK Walk & Celebration The event will begin with a wreath-laying ceremony at the LBJ/MLK Crossroads Memorial. There will be a silent walk following the ceremony through the Historic Dunbar neighborhood to the Historic Hays County Courthouse followed by a community celebration on the courthouse grounds. • Jan. 16, 9:30 a.m. • Free • LBJ/MLK Crossroads Memorial, MLK Drive and LBJ Drive, San Marcos • www.dhasmtx.com
• Downtown Buda, 122 N. Main St., Buda • www.downtownbudatx.com/cocoajingle
January
Polar Bear Splash Start off the new year with Kyle’s annual tradition. • Jan. 1, 10 a.m. • $5 to jump only, $20 jump and sweatshirt • James Adkins Pool, 110 W. Center St., Kyle • www.cityofkyle.com/recreation/polar-bear-splash
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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SAN MARCOS BUDA KYLE EDITION
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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SAN MARCOS - BUDA - KYLE EDITION
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