City staff aim to guide investment and redevelopment while preserving the area’s cultural identity and addressing critical infrastructure needs, as presented at a Nov. 18 special council meeting by Samantha Whitney, project lead from TG Partners, a business advisory firm.
The details
The West End Area Plan outlines strategies to enhance pedestrian connectivity, create gathering spaces and upgrade infrastructure in the neighborhood, Whitney said.
The plan recognizes "the rich history and a past here that you can see today" in the neighborhood, Whitney said.
The plan's focal point is Spur Street, a key corridor connecting I-35 to Live Oak Avenue and West San Antonio Street. Whitney shared concepts grounded in community feedback, emphasizing improvements like:
- Sidewalk network expansion: Filling gaps for safer pedestrian access
- Street redesign: Adding lighting, crosswalks, and bike lanes to reduce the highway-like feel
- Stormwater upgrades: Addressing drainage issues affecting residents and businesses
- Place-making initiatives: Highlighting historic structures and fostering social hubs like corner stores and gathering spaces
Community engagement shaped the plan, with input gathered during events like Juneteenth and Cinco de Mayo, along with meetings with residents and business owners.
Feedback revealed consistent themes: the need for improved sidewalks, better lighting for safety, drainage solutions and parking strategies.
Whitney said the city aims to carefully manage redevelopment to bridge the scale gap between small-scale buildings and larger projects, preserving the neighborhood's distinctive identity.
Jeremie Hernandez, owner of Butcher Boy Taco House, located on Spur Street, said the West End Area Plan is a positive step for the area.
“I've lived on the west side my entire life. ... I think it's great that we're going to get some lighting, some curbing and some more parking,” Hernandez said. “[The project] will help drive in some other businesses to come in and want to invest there. ... I feel that this is great.”
Eva Lopez, a third-generation New Braunfels resident, said drainage should be the priority, before sidewalks.
Lopez has lived in her West Side home since 1920 and said her property has been damaged due to the drainage problems in the area.
“I see the future coming and I do like what's coming up, but again I think that we need to be heard on our priorities," Lopez said.
