The details
The parking lot at 350 South Castell Ave.—which is owned by the city—and another lot at the corner of South Castell Avenue and Coll Street that is owned by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation are part of a proposed reconfiguration.
The NBEDC purchased the Coll Street lot in 2016 as a short- to medium-term parking solution, said Jeff Jewell, economic and community development director for the city, at a Nov. 21 Economic Development Corporation meeting. Jewell outlined plans to combine the two lots, creating an estimated 63 additional parking spaces.
Jewell said the project would support operations at the New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center and enhance business development downtown.
He mentioned there is no "silver bullet" solution to the downtown parking issues, and it requires a multifaceted approach.
What else?
The estimated cost for the reconfiguration is $488,000 which would be funded by hotel occupancy taxes. Jewell added that the next steps involve engaging in detailed design work, including landscaping plans and establishing an agreement between the city and the NBEDC.
Efforts to address downtown parking also include improved signage, employee parking permits and agreements to lease additional lots. “We’ve been working with the parking committee since 2023 to discuss and implement solutions,” Jewell said.
City Council is expected to review the reconfiguration plans in the coming months.
