New Braunfels Edition | May 2026

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New Braunfels Edition VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6 MAY 8JUNE 5, 2026

2026 Home Edition

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INSIDE

A buyer’s market Higher inventory, lower prices as economic conditions reduce demand

Housing inventory is at its highest with new home and neighborhood construction in New Braunfels, such as Mayfair. (Courtesy Mayfair)

Friday, May 15, at 8 a.m. New Braunfels WE’RE OPENING IN

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*To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address and set up auto renewal of your Costco membership on a Visa ® card at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address and sign up for auto renewal, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Valid only for new members and those who have not been a Costco member (in any capacity, Primary, Household, or Affiliate) in the last 18 months. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. A Costco membership is $65 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $65 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary.

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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 65+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, and Dallas-Fort Worth metros.

roll call.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Andrew Creelman Katlynn Fox Jessica McLaren Bailey Meyers Michael Milliorn Jillian Nachtigal Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Hamera Shabbir Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss

Kayla Brooks General Manager kbrooks@ communityimpact.com

Minh Nguyen Laura Patino Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Austin Market President Travis Baker

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Impacts

stylist Travis Arnold—offers client-focused cuts and color. Specific services include blonding, blending and hair extensions. • Opened March 30 • 992 Hwy. 46, Ste.102, New Braunfels • www.arnoldmane.com 4 The K9 Experience This new dog training and boarding center—owned by Blake Hodge—offers long- and short-term stays for pets. • Opened April 4 • 714 Union Wine Road, New Braunfels • https://thek9x.com 5 Wild Haus Children’s Boutique The boutique—owned by Grace Soechting—sells apparel and accessories for toddlers and elementary school- aged children. The boutique offers sizes ranging from 0-3 months old up to 6T for girls and boys. • Opened April 4 • 972 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.wildhausnb.com 6 JollyPop Vape Shop This is the vape shop’s second location. JollyPop Vape Shop sells tobacco and CBD products along with wine and beer. • Opened early April 7 Wendy’s The fast-food joint offers burgers, fries, tenders and desserts. • Opened April 17 • 2308 Hwy. 46 W., Ste. 101, New Braunfels • www.wendys.com 8 WellMed This is the medical clinic’s fourth New Braunfels location. The new location has 14 exam rooms and a laboratory for in-house testing. • Opened April 29 • 1037 S. Hwy. 46, Ste. 107, New Braunfels • www.wellmedhealthcare.com • 441 FM 1102, New Braunfels • Facebook: JollyPop Vape Shop

306

HOFFMANN LN.

CONRADS LANE

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OAK CREEK WAY

WATSON LN. W. HUNTER RD.

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CREEKSIDE CROSSING

CENTRAL PLAZA

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725

1044

LEISURE VILLAGE DR.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

2 CubeSmart Self Storage The storage facility offers climate-controlled units ranging from 5 by 5 feet to 10 by 30 feet, along with storage units for boats and recreational vehicles. • Opened March 17 • 2265 Hwy. 46, New Braunfels • www.cubesmart.com 3 Arnold & Mane The hair salon—founded by local independent hair

Now open

1 Found on a Tuesday The curated vintage shop is owned by Amy Oehler and features copper, quilts, artwork and more. • Opened March 10 • 1208 N. Academy Ave., Ste. 2103, New Braunfels • www.foundonatuesday.com

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9 The Board Game Vault This tabletop gaming club and bar—owned by local Alesha Cribb—will boast over 250 games, such as Warhammer and Dungeons & Dragons, along with American fare and spirits. • Opened May 1 • 2064 Central Plaza, New Braunfels • www.bgvsilos.com 10 360 MD The primary care and weight loss clinic is owned by Carol Ann Linebarger. 360 MD has two other locations in Austin and Buda. • Opened May 1 • 1067 FM 306, Ste. 106, New Braunfels • www.360mdaustin.com

Relocations

In the news

14 Treetop Pediatric Dentistry The pediatric dentistry relocated from 2810 Oak Run Parkway to a new 7,400-square-foot location. Treetop Pediatric Dentistry offers dentistry services for infants and children. • Relocated April 20 • 3355 Oak Run Parkway, Ste. 100, New Braunfels • www.treetopdental.com 15 Rosie Lynn’s Ice Cream The ice cream shop—locally owned by Valerie Burns— relocated from 1121 N. Academy Ave., Ste. A, and will reopen in a new location May 1. Burns said the move will give the shop an additional 2,000 square feet of space and allow for more parking. • Relocating May 1 • 711 N. Walnut Ave., Ste. B, New Braunfels • Facebook: Rosie Lynn’s Ice Cream Shop 16 Betty Lou Coffee Co. The coffee truck—owned by Courtney Dallimore—will be relocating from 231 Landa St. to a brick-and-mortar this summer. Betty Lou Coffee Co. sells coffee and 17 New Braunfels Christian Academy Kinder-5th grade Kindergarten through fifth-grade students will be relocating from 995 Mission Hills Drive to the academy’s secondary campus as part of the One School Initiative—an initiative to get the academy’s elementary, middle and high schoolers on one campus. Director of Marketing and Communications Madelon Parker said the relocation will allow for more capacity at their Mission Hills location. • Relocating fall • 220 FM 1863, New Braunfels • www.nbcatx.org non-coffee beverages. • Relocating summer • 1147 N. Academy Ave., New Braunfels • www.bettyloucoffeeco.com

18 The Art Cottage Gallery & Working Studios

Coming soon

The gallery—owned by locals Sherry Wooley, Sherry Kelley, Kathy Perales, Vicki Smith and Tammy Manlove—celebrated its 15th anniversary March 28. The gallery houses artwork in various styles and mediums from local artists who have lived in New Braunfels for decades. • 307 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.artcottagegallery.com/index.html

11 Costco Wholesale The 152,000-square-foot store will sell an array of items, including jewelry, groceries, appliances and more. • Opening May 15 • 235 Kohlenberg Road, New Braunfels • www.costco.com 12 Adoration The health and wellness hub—owned by local Kelly Richardson—will have space for Pilates, massage therapy and counseling services. The health and wellness hub will also be equipped with a small weight room and a cold plunge. • Opening mid-May • 626 FM 1863, New Braunfels • www.adorationtx.com 13 Crunch Fitness The gym franchise will offer cardio and strength training equipment, Olympic lifting platforms, a babysitting area, group fitness studio and more. • Opening fall • 651 N. Business I-35, Ste. 900, New Braunfels • www.crunch.com/locations/new-braunfels

Closings

19 Double Schotts Sports Bar & Grill The bar and grill—owned by Austin Hanna—featured traditional bar food, including fried pickles and nachos, along with beers, wines, spirits and cocktails. Double Schotts Sports Bar & Grill opened in March 2018. • Closed mid-April • 2055 Central Plaza, Ste. 102, New Braunfels • www.doubleschotts.com

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

New Braunfels City Council received an update on the potential expansion of its convention center during a special meeting April 6. Brandon Dowling, a principal with C.H. Johnson Consulting Inc.—the rm selected by council to conduct a market viability study for the proposed expansion— said the city could potentially support a convention center and ballroom double the current size. Council gets update on proposed civic center expansion How does New Braunfels compare? When it comes to exhibit, ballroom and meeting space, New Braunfels' Civic & Convention Center is 71% less than the national average and 26% less than the regional average, according to the meeting presentation.

In a nutshell

could potentially support a convention center and ballroom double the current size, Dowling said. Redevelopment of the convention center could reposition it as a regional event hub, support new investment and create a more walk- able downtown area, according to the meeting presentation. According to the presentation, large event facilities typically undergo an expansion or renovation every 15 years. The New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center opened in 1971, and its last major renovation was in 2008, according to the presentation. The rm also engaged with various stakehold- ers, including city residents, local arts organiza- tions, the New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce, convention center sta and event planners, according to the presentation. District 3 council member D. Lee Edwards said Dowling’s presentation was “right on target.”

The rst part of the study was a supply and demand analysis for the expansion of the exist- ing center. It analyzed economic, demographic, visitor and market conditions impacting the existing facility, and established the potential demand for new space based on trends and growth in the local and regional markets, city ocials said in an email to Community Impact . There are 120 hotel rooms within a 15-minute walk of the city’s convention center now, which is lower than the average for a convention center. Dowling said any future expansion of the convention center is going to need some form of hotel. “We’re not aiming to compete with the size and scale of Austin or San Antonio, but we think that there’s a market in between that, that is really right for New Braunfels to consider,” Dowling said during the special meeting. Based on preliminary information, the city

New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center

National average Regional average

Stay tuned

New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center

City controlled areas

The next step in the four-phase process will be presenting general program recommendations such as the size of exhibit space, ballroom space and banquet space. The third phase will consist of a master plan. A scal impact analysis will be conducted in the nal phase. The analysis will summarize the costs and benets of the community pursuing the recommendations presented in the program. City ocials anticipate having these results by late summer, the email states.

Exhibit space Ballroom space Meeting space

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: RELEVANT FACILITIES, JOHNSON CONSULTINGCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Government

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

$1.3M spent on right- of-way acquisition New Braunfels City Council approved a $1.3 million expenditure for right-of-way, or ROW, and easements associated with the Common Street Widening Project April 13. Explained To accomplish the project, the city must acquire ROW, drainage easements, utility easements and temporary construction easements from 62 parcels of land. Cobb, Fendley & Associates Inc. is the rm provid- ing ROW acquisition services. The $24.78 million project is part of the city’s voter-approved 2023 bond, Proposi- tion A. Project construction, which consists of expanding the roadway to four lanes, is anticipated to begin in 2028.

$320K allocated for new Tourism Public Improvement District The city of New Braunfels and the New Braunfels Convention and Visitors Bureau, or CVB, are working to bolster year-round tourism. New Braunfels City Council allocated $320,000 for the New Braunfels Tourism Public Improve- ment District, or NBTPID, on April 13 for 2026 and amended its scal year 2026-27 adopted budget to create the TPID Special Revenue Fund. The city also approved a service plan for the dis- trict, which outlines how dollars may be allocated by the NBTPID Board of Directors—which oversees the district. The board of directors is composed of lodging and hotel representatives participating in the TPID. What is it? The TPID adds a 2% rate assessment to hotels with ve or more rooms within city limits that do not get the majority of their revenue from ticket sales or passes to an attraction, according to the approved service plan. The 2% rate will only apply to room night sales. If a room night rental Council OKs river area parking fee exemptions Drivers with disabled parking license plates and placards will no longer be paying for parking near the Comal River. New Braunfels City Council approved an ordinance change on April 13 that adds disabled parking license plates and placard holders to the paid parking exceptions in river areas. Why now? The ordinance change aligns with the exceptions for river area parking and down- town parking by allowing those with a valid disabled license plate or placard to park for free in all city-owned paid parking loca- tions, according to agenda documents. In November 2025, the city approved a change that allows individuals with a valid disabled license plate or placard to park for free.

“Tourism dollars create jobs and benet businesses of all sizes. It also helps us compete for events and conventions

year-round, which keeps our economy more consistent.”

TANYA PENCE, CVB PRESIDENT

transaction is exempt from local hotel occupancy tax, it is also exempt from the application of the TPID assessment. The assessment will not apply to prior hotel contracts for room nights or fully prepaid hotel night reservations that were executed before creation of the NBTPID, the service plan states. The NBTPID is not a tax, and falls primarily on out-of-town visitors, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . CVB President Tanya Pence said the TPID is about strengthening the city’s economy in a sustainable way. “By increasing hotel occupancy, we bring more visitors into the community who support our local restaurants, shops and attractions,” Pence said in an email to Community Impact .

GUADALUPE RIVER

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prohibited area

Prohibited river access areas A lack of ordinance coverage was discovered following the recent increase of people entering the Old Channel from Hinman Island Park and Prince Solms Park.

PRINCE SOLMS PARK

S L

Ordinance change helps endangered species New Braunfels City Council approved an ordinance change prohibiting public entry to the Comal River Old Channel from city-owned property on second and nal reading April 13. In case you missed it The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan

requires the city to prohibit river access along the protected Comal River Old Channel. The previous ordinance only prohibited entrance to the Old Channel from the Landa Park Golf Course and did not cover access from Landa Park, Hinman Island Park or Prince Solms Park, according to agenda documents. The ordinance change will help protect the fountain darter habitat, according to the ordinance text. Fountain darters are only found in the Comal and upper San Marcos rivers in Texas, according to U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Education

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Select teachers in New Braunfels ISD may be eligible for additional compensation through the state’s Teacher Incentive Allotment, or TIA. The TIA was established in 2019 through the passage of House Bill 3. It is a program designed to put teachers on a path to earning a six- figure salary. It is a designation system that allows districts to identify “highly effective” teachers using single- or multiyear appraisal data to receive additional funding through the Foundation School Program, according to an NBISD April 13 board meeting presentation. There are three levels of designation: recognized, exemplary and master. NBISD Chief Academic Officer Lani Norman said the TIA is based on how a student scored at the beginning of the year and Select teachers could be eligible for up to $32K

Next steps

TIA designation system Each designation provides extra funding per designated teacher, which is based off of campus socioeconomic level, campus rural status and student growth. Recognized Exemplary Master

The district’s TIA committee will reconvene after summer break to develop and maintain a TIA Handbook that outlines processes, procedures and changes, according to the presentation. The district applied to join the TIA in mid- April and anticipates receiving notification of application acceptance in August. Upon acceptance, the 2026-27 school year will be a data capture year for eligible teachers. In October 2027, the district will submit data for eligible teachers. In August 2028, teachers who earn a designation will receive their money from the TIA, according to the presentation. “No district is immune to some of the issues facing public education, but also this is exciting for us,” Norman said.

$3K-$9K

$6K-$18K

$9K-$32K

Funding per teacher $0 $5K $10K $15K $20K $25K $30K $35K

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

how teachers grew that score by the end of the year. In the first year, 2nd-8th grade teachers that teach reading or math and high school level teachers that teach English I, English II or Algebra I will qualify, according to the presentation.

NBISD’s estimated phase one timeline for TIA roll out

2026-27 school year: District captures data for eligible teachers October 2027: District submits data on behalf of eligible teachers April 2028: Teachers and district are notified of designation approvals August 2028: Funding from the 2026-27 school year are paid to teachers that qualify and are officially designated

2026

The discussion

2027

excited to see where the initiative goes. Trustee Kim Goodwin asked if every teacher in the district would have the opportunity to receive additional compensation from the TIA. Norman said part of the TIA Advisory Planning Committee’s task was to develop a phase-in plan for other eligible teachers.

Board Vice President Nancy York asked why the district chose math and English. Norman said State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness, or STAAR, and end-of- course testing already exist as a valid and reliable growth measure, which will be able to show student academic growth. Board Secretary Steve Minus said incentives are great if they are attainable, and he was

2028

2029

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Education

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

NBISD invests another $1.55M in school buses New Braunfels ISD trustees are investing another $1.55 million to purchase 10 school buses from Longhorn Bus Sales before anticipated price increases in January 2027. Within that purchase, seven 77-passenger buses will be used for general routes. Two 54-passenger buses and one 14-passenger bus will be used on routes for students with disabilities. All of the 54-passenger buses will be equipped with wheel- chair lifts. The purchase is funded by the district’s 2024 bond, according to board documents from a regular meeting April 13. Zooming out Senate Bill 546, which was passed during the 2025 legislative session, requires public school-op- erated buses to be equipped with three-point seatbelts for each passenger and bus driver. The district’s purchase brings the number of buses that

CISD 2023 Bond projects wrapping up Comal ISD is beginning to wrap up the final projects associated with its 2023 Bond. In a nutshell Approximately 98% of the district’s 2023 Bond projects have been completed or are in the process of being completed, Chief Operations Officer Mark Stahl said during an April 23 school board meeting. “This reflects a highly active portfolio supported by early procurement, phasing discipline and strong construction over- sight,” Stahl said. About 246 million, or 44% of 2023 Bond funds have been spent by the district for the voter-approved projects, said Jenny Hale, executive director of accounting and finance.

Cost breakdown

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

Total: $1,555,149

SOURCE: NEW BRAUNFELS ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

do not meet SB 546 requirements down from 30 to 15. With the 15 buses purchased this year and five retrofit buses, all route buses would be equipped with three-point seat belts, according to a separate April 13 meeting presentation. Five of the 15 remaining noncompliant buses would be retrofitted this summer and cost an esti- mated $185,000. A one-time budget amendment for the cost of this retrofit would be presented to the board in May. The 10 buses left would be in service temporarily. The district plans to replace these buses before the Sept. 1, 2029, compliance deadline.

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Calling all

young historians and creative minds. New Braunfels' history museum, The Sophienburg Museum & Archives, is hosting a 3-day History Maker Summer Camp for all incoming 3rd through 6th graders. Become an amateur archaeologist. Learn to read the clues of prehistoric cultures. Explore the artifacts and what they tell us.

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Transportation

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

NBU begins final phase of $7M sewer line project in Gruene

New Braunfels Utilities, or NBU, began the final phase of its Gruene Road Sewer Main Rehabilitation and Relocation Project on April 7, according to a news release. The impact The majority of construction impacts will occur overnight Sunday-Friday morning from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. The project is anticipated to be completed May 29, according to the release. During active work hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane. There will be flaggers direct- ing drivers through the area. Short segments of a flagging operation will be conducted during the weekdays while the proj- ect’s contractor constructs two concrete vaults near the bridge, the release states. About the project The first phase of the two-phase project, which was completed in March, focused on replacing

Phase 2 traffic impacts The majority of construction impacts will occur overnight Sunday-Friday morning from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. During active work hours, traffic will be reduced to one lane. There will be flaggers directing drivers through the area, according to a news release.

NEW BRAUNFELS ST.

and Relocation Project also consists of replacing old cast-iron lines near the Guadalupe River, which will prevent future pipe failures. An odor control unit will also be installed behind businesses on the 1200 block of Gruene Road to eliminate occasional, unwelcome odors in the downtown Gruene area, as previously reported by Community Impact.

the aging, 12-inch sewer line along Gruene Road from Hunter Road to the 1200 block of Gruene Road. The second phase of the project will take place along the 1200 block of Gruene Road and continue the work previously outlined in Phase 1 of the project, according to the release. The Gruene Road Sewer Main Rehabilitation

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NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Live music

Featured artist

• May 23: Monte Good, 11:30 a.m., Zoe Allan, 11 a.m.; Departure ATX, 6 p.m. • May 24: Zoe Allan, 11 a.m.; Bill Ayers, 3 p.m.; Kristen Foreman, 6 p.m. • May 25: Nyles, 2 p.m. • May 28: Elysha LeMaster, 6 p.m. • May 29: Logan Tucker, 6:30 p.m. • May 30: Luke Leverett, 10 a.m.; Movin’ Melvin Brown, 2 p.m.; Trey Gonzalez, 6 p.m. • May 31: Cactus Country, 11 a.m.; Prairie Rattlers, 3 p.m. The Villa 1190 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.drinklokal.com • May 15: Luke Leverett, 5 p.m.; Alli Mattice Band, 8:30 p.m. • May 16: Hannah Swann, 2 p.m.; Mustxrd, 5 p.m.; File 13, 8:30 p.m. • May 22: Jeff Wood, 5 p.m.; New Moon, 8:30 p.m. • May 23: Laura Allan, 2 p.m.; Altar Ego, 8:30 p.m. • May 29: JJ Villarreal, 5 p.m.; Hoodoo Daddies, 8:30 p.m. • May 30: Ian Tonroy, 2 p.m.; Kyle Reed Hemmen, 5 p.m.; Tiffiny Dawn Band, 8:30 p.m. • June 5: Tommy T & The 210s, 8:30 p.m. • June 6: Krissy Taylor, 5 p.m. • June 12: Ryan Talley, 5 p.m.; TX 46 Band, 8:30 p.m. • June 13: Laura Allan, 2 p.m.; Jackie Not Marilyn, 8:30 p.m. • June 19: Jeff Wood, 5 p.m.; Alli Mattice Band, 8:30 p.m.

Redbird Listening Room 1260 S. Business I-35, New Braunfels www.redbirdlisteningroom.com • May 15: Michael Kelton, 7:30 p.m. • May 17: Josh and Kristi Grider, 7:30 p.m. • May 21: George Ensle, 7:30 p.m. • May 22: Luke Bulla, 7:30 p.m. Gruene Hall 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels www.gruenehall.com • May 13: Jordan Minor Band, 6 p.m. • May 15: Friday Afternoon Club, 4 p.m.; Kolby Cooper, 8 p.m. • May 16: Joel Hofmann, 11 a.m.; Bo Phillips, 1 p.m.; Kolby Cooper, 8 p.m. • May 18: Lindsay Beaver, 6 p.m. • May 19; Slim Bawb, 6 p.m. • May 20: Mark Hummel, 6 p.m. • May 21: Bailey Rae, 8:30 p.m. • May 22: Kody West, 8 p.m. • May 23: The Wilder Blue, 8 p.m. • May 24: Dale Watson & His Lone Stars, 8 p.m. • May 28: Payton Howie, 8:30 p.m. • May 29: Midnight River Choir, 8 p.m. • May 30: Old 97s, 9 p.m. • June 4: Brayden Stewart, 7 p.m. Krause’s Cafe 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels www.krausescafe.com • May 13: Lederhosen Junkies, 6 p.m. • May 15: The Pictures, 6 p.m. • May 16: Colton’s Kin, 11:30 a.m.; Passing Strangers, 6 p.m. • May 17: Harfmann Duo, 11 a.m.; Kade Isakson, 3 p.m. • May 20: Pivo & Polka, 6 p.m. • May 21: The Alex Meixner Band, 6 p.m. • May 22: Phil Hamilton, 6 p.m.

Alex Meixner Band @ Krause’s Cafe

New Braunfels has a variety of different venues for live music, from the locally owned to the traditional Redbird Listening Room and the historic Gruene Hall. Artists include local bands such as the Bucksnort Boogie Boys and singer-songwriters such as Hannah Swann. Specializing in traditional German music, polka and dancing, the Alex Meixner Band will perform at

Krause’s Cafe this May. The group mixes up classic European folk tunes with a modern rock twist, according to their website. Learn more about all the live music and concerts going on across the New Braunfels area throughout the next two months with this calendar of events. • May 21, 6:30 p.m. • 148 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.krausescafe.com

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Events

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

10th Annual “Breast in Show” Gala: The Diamond Decade Hosted by the nonprot Pink Warrior Advocates, the gala will feature live auctions, dinner and stories from survivors. All proceeds will benet local breast cancer warriors. • May 16, 6-11 p.m. • $150 (general admission) • New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center, 375 S. Castell Ave., New Braunfels • www.pinkwarrioradvocates.org/gala

7th Annual Antique Barn Sale & Artisan Show Hosted by the New Braunfels Conservation Society, the event will showcase local vendors and artists. There will also be museum tours and live music.

• May 24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • Historic Old Town, 1300 Church Hill Drive, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfelsconservation.org/events-at- historic-old-town

• Free • New Braunfels Veterans Memorial, 3030 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov An Evening with the Spurs: Coyote Tales & Court Stories with Sean Elliott, Bill Schoening & Rob Wicall This event will feature stories and conversations from a former Spurs player, the previous announcer for the team and the man behind the old Coyote mascot. • May 28, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • $54-$80 (general admission) • Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre, 290 W. San

May

June

Still Rammin’ Fest The music festival at Gruene Hall will feature a lineup of honky tonk and country artists and will benet the SIMS Foundation. • May 17, doors open at noon • $75 (general admission) • Gruene Hall, 1281 Gruene Road, New Braunfels • www.gruenehall.com/calendar Memorial Day Ceremony 2026 The event will recognize those who have lost their lives serving their country. • May 25, 8:30 a.m.

Kops & Kids Safety Picnic This educational event will help teach children about law enforcement and their role in the community. The event will feature live demonstrations, free food, games, prizes and more. • June 4, 4-7 p.m. • Free (admission) • Landa Park Dance Slab, 164 Landa Park Drive, New Braunfels • www.newbraunfels.gov/kopsandkids

Antonio St., New Braunfels • www.brauntex.org/events

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Dining

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Eduard Hernandez opened Birria Haus in 2024 after working with several local food truck owners.

ANDREW CREELMANCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The brisket birria ramen bowls ($12) are topped with spicy sauce and loaded with cheese, onions, cilantro and a lime wedge.

COURTESY BIRRIA HAUS

Locally owned Birria Haus puts a twist on street food

The classic birria street tacos ($14.99) contain slow- braised brisket birria and also come with rice and beans.

recipe Hernandez said he has perfected over the years. He also said his form of birria beef emphasizes the traditional slow-cooking process with his own hints of avor. Craving tacos? Birria Haus serves street quesadillas, street tacos, tacos al pastor, customizable ramen bowls and more. For a bit of fusion, Hernandez added brisket birria ramen bowls to the menu, which are also made with the slow-braised birria beef. Hernandez said he wants to continue serving people and the community in New Braunfels. “I’m still here because I love being able to serve the community,” he said.

Eduard Hernandez said one of his passions is getting behind the stove and cooking street tacos. After decades in the corporate world and service in the U.S. Army, Hernandez said it was time for a change. “I made friends with someone in the food business, and it piqued my interest,” he said. “From there, I jumped right in.” Respecting the craft With his passion for cooking came new birria recipes. Birria is a Mexican stew consisting of slow- cooked beef, pork or lamb chops, Hernandez said. It originated in Jalisco, Mexico, and is typically served alongside or inside tacos and quesadillas. Birria Haus serves slow-braised birria beef, a

COURTESY BIRRIA HAUS

217 E. Mill St., New Braunfels https://birria-haus.square.site

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Real estate

BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN

Home Edition

2026

Howdy neighbors! Welcome to your annual Home Edition. In this edition, we explore how the housing market has shifted from a sellers market to a buyers market. We also included some interesting Q&As for individuals interested in home inspections and staying ahead of plumbing issues. Thank you to the local businesses and sponsors who made this issue possible. Their support helps keep local journalism strong and our community informed.

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Silver Sponsors

SABOR and Four Rivers Association of Realtors sign agreement to merge

Four Rivers AOR represents Realtors and real estate professionals in the following counties: Counties the organizations serve

• Caldwell • Comal • Gonzales

• Guadalupe • Hays

merger represents an opportunity to better serve members and strengthen the Realtor voice across the region. “By coming together, we can expand resources, enhance collaboration and position our members for long-term success,” Zapata said in the release. Four Rivers AOR formed in 2014 after merging with the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors, Seguin Board of Realtors and San Marcos Area Board of Realtors. The association provides advocacy, education and housing market information, according to the release. Next steps The proposed merger is pending approval by both organizations. Once details related to governance structure, operational planning and nances are nalized, a general membership

The San Antonio Board of Realtors and Four Rivers Association of Realtors announced in an April 14 news release that they formally approved and signed a strategic merger agreement. What it means The organizations are looking to amplify advocacy eorts at a local and state level, expand education and professional development oppor- tunities, and increase networking and regional collaboration. The merger would expand the association’s coverage across a larger geographic area and create new opportunities to enhance member services, the release states. SABOR CEO Gilbert Gonzalez said this was an important, strategic moment for the associations and the communities they serve. Ed Zapata, chair of SABOR, said the proposed

SABOR represents over 13,000 members and serves more than 10 counties, including:

• Atascosa • Bee • Bexar • Frio

• Kendall • La Salle • Medina • Val Verde

SOURCE: SAN ANTONIO BOARD OF REALTORS, FOUR RIVERS ASSOCIATION OF REALTORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

meeting will be held with members of SABOR and Four Rivers AOR. Then, those members will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed merger, the release states. If approved, the National Association of Real- tors will need to ratify the merger agreement for the merger to become ocial.

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Real estate

BY ANDREW CREELMAN

Homelessness rises in Comal County

Number of unhoused individuals in Comal County (2020-2026) Point-in-Time count results show the number of individuals experiencing homelessness has increased year over year since 2020.

to be experiencing chronic homelessness. So far in 2026, that number has risen to 33. The total number of individuals observed to be unhoused was 46 in 2020, and has increased to 126 in 2026. Between 2025 and 2026, chronic homelessness in Comal County has risen by approximately 7%, according to the McKenna Foundation. The increase can be attributed to the cost of living and the lack of affordable housing options. Stallings said the surplus housing currently being built is meant for those with middle- to upper-class incomes. What’s being done Stallings said NB Housing Partners plans to unveil new shelter beds at its First Footing Shelter in May and increase community partnerships. “We’re working together with other groups to figure out how to quickly get more housing on the ground,” Stallings said.

More people are experiencing homelessness in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 2024 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report to Congress. In New Braunfels, similar trends are taking place, with the estimated number of individuals experi- encing chronic homelessness increasing by 200% since 2020, according to Comal County’s 2026 Point in Time count, or PIT. Digging deeper The PIT gauges changes in homelessness in the surrounding area, year over year. The data was compiled in partnership with the Comal County Homeless Coalition and the McKenna Foundation, said Kellie Stallings, executive director of NB Housing Partners. NB Housing Partners is a non- profit that provides assistance to Comal County’s homeless population. In 2020, 11 individuals in Comal County claimed

Unhoused individuals surveyed Total experiencing chronic homelessness

200

150

100

0 2020 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

NOTE: THERE WAS NO DATA AVAILABLE IN 2021 DUE TO COVID-19, AND THE 2024 DATA MAY CONTAIN DUPLICATE PARTICIPANTS DUE TO SURVEYOR ERROR. SOURCE: MCKENNA FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY IMPACT

NEW BRAUNFELS EDITION

Real estate

New Braunfels Housing Authority looks to increase affordable housing in the city

337

The New Braunfels Housing Authority, or NBHA, is working to bring more affordable housing options to the city with three new projects. During an April 6 special New Braunfels City Council meeting, NBHA Executive Director Henry Alvarez said Villa Serena—a low-income housing development at 109 Rosa Parks Drive—is reaching “economic obsolescence.” As a result, the authority is looking to use the Rental Assistance Demonstration, or RAD, Program to reposition 35 units on the 16-acre property and add about 360 units. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development oversees the RAD Program, which is a tool that places properties under a long-term rental assistance contract. The authority is in predevelopment discussions, and repositioning of Villa Serena is expected to begin in

2026 or 2027, according to the presentation. A second project, named Lyndon Ranch Apartments, is also in the works. The Lyndon Ranch Apartments would be located on a 13-acre parcel at 1801 Loop 337. The 303-unit, 3-story housing project developed by Paravel Capital would offer a mix of market-rate and affordable 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom units, 80% below the average median income. The third project is Park at Dogwood. The 75-unit low-income housing project would be a public- private partnership with The Park Companies. Park at Dogwood would be developed by Unicorp Construction, the presentation states. Lyndon Ranch and Park at Dogwood are slated to begin construction in 2026 or 2027, according to the presentation.

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