Boerne community park project expected to break ground in the summer
A new Boerne park is expected to begin construction in the summer, expanding open spaces for residents. During the March 3 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, commissioners approved a major subdivision plat for Northside Community Park, which has been a developing park project for more than 15 years. The plat was approved under the consent agenda, which required no discussion from the commission.
The park, located at the corner of Toepperwein Road and Adler Road, currently features a skate park and an open field that is home to a few soccer goals. According to the P&Z agenda, the first phase of the community park is expected to include the construction of:
- 2 multiuse fields
- 2 covered basketball courts
- 12 pickleball courts
- All-inclusive nature-themed playground and splash pad
- Walking trail
- Dog park
- Food truck park
- Restrooms
Jonathan Swarek sworn in to represent Fair Oaks City Council Place 6
Fair Oaks Ranch welcomed a new City Council member March 6, following the cancellation of a special election scheduled for February. Jonathan Swarek was the sole applicant for the positions, meaning he was sworn in after the closing of applications and the cancellation of the election.
Place 6 council member Chesley Muenchow in November resigned from City Council due to an out-of-city move, according to an announcement by Mayor Greg Maxton on Nov. 6.
Due to the council seat having a little over a year before expiring, City Council in December called for a special election Feb. 25. Applications were open through Dec. 26, and Swarek was the only applicant. Swarek will serve the remaining term, which is scheduled to be up for election in May 2026.
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Fair Oaks Ranch Drought Contingency Plan updates to go in effect April 1
Beginning April 1, Fair Oaks Ranch will have an updated Drought Contingency Plan.
According to the approved resolution, the new Stage 3 will result in the following restrictions:
- In addition to Stage 1 and 2 water restrictions, landscape watering through an irrigation system is limited to once every other week.
- Power washing sidewalks, driveways, pavement, the outside of buildings or other impervious surfaces is prohibited.
- Watering with drip irrigation is allowed every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The Stage 4 restrictions will be similar to restrictions in Stage 3 under the former plan, with the following additions:
- In addition to Stage 1, 2, and 3 water restrictions, all nonessential water usage is strictly prohibited. This includes all landscape watering through irrigation and sprinklers.
- Watering with drip irrigation is allowed once a week as determined by the year-round watering day schedule.
Sidewalk improvements on Dietz Elkhorn denied
Fair Oaks Ranch City Council on March 6 denied bids for a sidewalk improvement along Dietz Elkhorn Road. The 1,300 linear feet of sidewalk would have been along the north side of Dietz Elkhorn Road between the Vantage Apartments and Elkhorn Ridge/Square Gate.
City Council denied the project due to concerns about the number of residents who would use the sidewalk, and whether the cost would lead to a community benefit.
In the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, $388,232 was set aside for the project. In addition, several developers in the vicinity of the proposed sidewalk agreed to provide a financial contribution in support of the project.
To support the effort, the city received 16 bids Feb. 5, and the lowest bid was from Bueno Pro Services LLC for an amount of $264,298.71. With a 5% contingency, the total project cost was around $277,513. The donations would have reduced the cost to the city.
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Rezoning for The Birch at Spencer Ranch approved to allow up to 201 lots
A rezoning of The Birch at Spencer Ranch development was approved by Boerne City Council on Feb. 25, allowing for a decrease in lot sizes.
City staff said 147 of the 201 lots would comply with the minimum lot requirements of 5,400 square feet, while the remaining 54 lots would not be in compliance. The average lot size for the development would be around 6,280 square feet.
On Dec. 2, the Boerne Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended denying the request for R2-M, which led to the developer revisiting the plan to rezone to lower density neighborhood density residential.
Due to the development being part of a former city agreement and the property plats established, City Council approved the rezoning request in a 5-1 vote, with Sharon Wright voting against.
Council member Joe Macaluso highlighted that the Planning and Zoning Commission did their jobs correctly, and stated that City Council would likely not approve residential zoning that dense were it not for the previously agreed upon development agreement.
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