The city of New Braunfels is considering using eminent domain to acquire right-of-way for a road project included in its 2023 Bond Program.
What we know
In a 6-1 vote, New Braunfels City Council approved a resolution on Aug. 24 authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire right-of-way for the Barbarosa Road/Saur Lane Project in the event that land negotiations for 2241 Westmeyer Road are unsuccessful. New Braunfels Mayor Michael French was the dissenting vote.
City staff have been negotiating with property owners in the area but have been unsuccessful in acquiring the necessary property rights from the aforementioned parcel to advance the project, agenda documents state. The property is owned by Teresa Hudson, according to the Guadalupe County Appraisal District.
The city received an appraisal for the property and sent an initial offer in June 2025. Hudson counteroffered about two and a half times the initial offer, according to the meeting presentation. The city declined to provide a settlement offer and sent a final offer in June 2025.
"The property owner is working on getting an appraisal of their own right now to provide some additional backup information," said Matthew Eckmann, the city's assistant director of public works.
Funds for property acquisition and eminent domain are incorporated into funding for the project, agenda documents state.
About the project
The Barbarosa Road/Saur Lane Project was approved by voters in Proposition A of the city’s 2023 Bond Program. The roadway, between FM 1101 and Saengerhalle Road, will be widened from two lanes to four lanes. There will be pedestrian upgrades, the addition of 12-foot driving lanes and a 16-foot median. The project will also provide intersection improvements and improve drainage infrastructure, according to agenda documents.
Next steps
City staff plan to file a petition for condemnation in September. Eckmann said they hope to have possession of the property by the end of this year.
"I will note that during this process, it does not stop negotiations with the property owner. We still continue working with the property owner to reach an amicable agreement throughout this whole process," Eckmann said.
