New Braunfels · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in New Braunfels public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Downtown Housing and Public Incentives
The board will discuss updates to the downtown grant program and review new applications submitted by local business owners. These grants help fund improvements that keep downtown New Braunfels vibrant and attractive.
Park at Dogwood Affordable Housing Impact Fee Waiver
The board debated whether to provide $500,000 in public funds to help cover impact fees for a 76-unit affordable housing development. Supporters emphasized the need for workforce housing, while public commenters questioned developer fees and public subsidies.
Dittlinger Mill Redevelopment
Oxbow Development Group presented preliminary plans for the adaptive reuse of the Dittlinger Mill site into a mixed-use district with retail, dining, and public spaces. Residents expressed excitement along with concerns regarding traffic, parking, and building heights.
CTTC Building Tenancy
The board received updates on ongoing capital improvement projects and the Creekside Town Center development. These updates help track how public funds are being used to support local infrastructure and commercial growth.
Historic District Alteration and Demolition Requests
Property owners in local historic districts are seeking approval for exterior modifications, such as carports and roof replacements, ensuring changes respect local heritage.
Residential Accessory Structure Setbacks
Homeowners requested setback variances to accommodate carports due to narrow lot layouts and lack of rear or side vehicle access.
Land Acquisition for Economic Development
The city is looking at spending $4.6 million to buy nearly 7 acres of land, which could be used for future economic growth projects.
Manufactured Home Zoning and Non-Conforming Use
Sun Retreats requested a rezoning from C-3 to C-3 SUP to legalize 10 manufactured homes placed on their property. Surrounding neighbors strongly opposed the move, citing neighborhood character and illegal permit issuance, prompting the council to postpone the decision.
Gruene Road Land Acquisition
The board discussed whether to move forward with purchasing parcels adjacent to Gruene 16 to retain local control over future land use.
Infrastructure and Growth
Residents expressed deep concerns about whether current water and sewer infrastructure can handle new high-density housing developments.
NBPL Five-Year Plan Endorsement
The board endorsed the library's new five-year strategic plan to guide future development and services.
Mayfair Master District Revenue Bonds and Infrastructure Financing
The council discussed and approved a bond issuance for road facilities in the Mayfair development, prompting questions from residents about total debt caps and developer reimbursements.
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone Recommendation
The board planned to discuss and potentially recommend establishing a Neighborhood Empowerment Zone to encourage community investment and development.
Navarro Residential Development Park Land Compliance
Lennar Corporation sought eligibility for reimbursement under park land dedication rules for the Navarro Residential Development. The parks board voted unanimously to deny the request.
Alternative Sign Plan for Walnut Business Park along IH-35
Walnut Business Park received approval for seven new monument signs to help customers find 46 different tenants along IH-35. The plan replaces a chaotic mix of temporary banners and signs with uniform wayfinding while strictly banning future inflatable displays and wall banners.
Kuehler Court Rezoning
Developers want to build 42 small cottage homes on 5 acres. Neighbors are worried about traffic, density, and the inclusion of short-term rentals.
Construction Board of Appeals Bylaws Adoption
The board discussed adopting formal bylaws to govern its operations, procedures, and review processes.
Commercial Parking and Driveway Variance (330 Kessler Street)
A new ultrasound clinic needs to use crushed granite for parking and keep a narrow driveway. The board approved this to help the business open while protecting drainage.
Brauntex Theatre Digital Marquee Upgrade
The Brauntex Theatre wants to replace its static marquee with a digital one. The commission debated how to balance modern visibility and safety needs with preserving downtown's historic look before approving it 6-1.
Civic/Convention Center Expansion
The city is looking at expanding the convention center to attract more regional events. The goal is to make New Braunfels a bigger player in the convention market, which could bring in more visitors and tax revenue.
Affordable Housing Modernization
Council rejected a $500,000 NBU impact fee waiver for a 76-unit affordable housing project, preferring to explore funding through the Economic Development Corporation to protect utility ratepayers.
Telecommunications Tower at Fire Station No. 4
A new 150-foot cell tower is planned for the local fire station. While it aims to fix poor cell service in the area, some are worried about the health effects of having a tower so close to where firefighters sleep.