The decision follows concerns over public safety, trespassing and environmental issues in the area, which has seen increasing use despite not being officially designated as a park, said Jordan Matney, deputy city manager for the city, at a Nov. 12 council meeting.
The background
City staff had previously proposed the fence in response to escalating problems at the Faust Street Bridge area.
Rivers and Watershed Manager Amy Niles presented the recommendation during an Oct. 8 River Advisory meeting, noting a significant rise in crowds, litter and safety issues.
Large crowds often gather on weekends, setting up makeshift camps with grills and coolers, leading to significant litter accumulation, Niles said.
By numbers
This year alone showed increases in incidents and service demands, Niles previously presented:
- 185 55-gallon bags of litter and 611 bags of trash were collected. An additional $13,000 budget amendment was required to cover increased cleanup needs.
- 371 citations were issued so far this year, compared to 195 in 2023.
- 155 calls for service were reported, addressing parking violations, intoxication, assaults and medical emergencies.
New Braunfels Fire Chief Lozano emphasized the risks posed to first responders. Emergency responders have faced challenges accessing the area due to steep terrain, he said.
"What's disturbing to me is every time we respond, it’s always young people engaging in risky behavior—people who may not fully understand the dangers of jumping into shallow water or trespassing onto private property," said Lozano.
While residents support the fence to address safety and environmental concerns, some have voiced a desire for continued private access to the area.
James Reno voiced support for the fence, citing concerns over private property rights.
"I am for fencing up this area ... but I think the most important thing that hasn't been communicated is private property," Reno said "Private property rights are no little thing, and those residents that are being trespassed upon should have the right to their property privately."
Darrell Pennazo, another local resident, expressed concern for the safety of his children.
"Our kids used to go down there quite a bit and play. ... However, we don't allow them to go anymore," Pennazo said. "It's their safety that we're concerned with. ... It's the trash. ... I used to go fishing down there a lot, even though I'm convinced there's no fish there."
What's next
With the council's approval, the city staff will move forward with installing the fence to restrict access at the Faust Street Bridge area, Matney said.
The city plans to work with its communications department to inform surrounding communities about the new access restrictions, Matney said.
Additionally, the city will explore options to address the makeshift stairs and slope under the bridge, which have contributed to safety concerns, Matney said.
