After a bond election received unanimous approval from New Braunfels City Council on Feb. 11, the city hopes to move forward with $143 million in projects. A majority of the funding—$120 million—would be derived from a bond initiative that will be put to a vote May 4. “A lot of work went into the preparation, the recommendations and the finalization of this bond program,” City Manager Robert Camareno said, offering his gratitude to consultants, city staff and all who were involved in the bond process. The bond package is divided into four propositions.
Proposition 1: streets
City streets projects were identified as the top priority in New Braunfels as a city-appointed advisory committee worked throughout 2018 to determine which items were best suited for a potential bond election. If passed, the bond will support an additional $44,512,490 for streets projects. An additional $8 million that is supported by roadway impact fees will also go toward identified streets projects. which include:- Goodwin/Conrads Lane reconstruction—$21,397,150
- Klein Road reconstruction, Phase 2—$13,000,800
- citywide streets improvements—$15,000,000
- additional streets funding—$3,114,540
Proposition 2: parks and recreation
The second proposition—parks and recreation—would allocate $16,547,420 for three projects. The New Braunfels Economic Development Council, or 4B Board, has pledged an additional $15 million to go toward the first phase of a sports field complex. The proposed parks and recreation projects are as follows:- all-abilities park enhancements—$500,000
- Comal Cemetery wall stabilization—$5,262,500
- sports field complex construction, Phase 1—$25,784,920
Proposition 3: public safety
The third proposition would address public safety with the addition of three new facilities. They are:- Fire Station No. 2 replacement—$7,367,500
- Fire Station No. 3 replacement—$6,736,000
- police department facility—$36,311,250
