New Braunfels City Hall exterior.
City of New Braunfels
mySA
Catherine Wilson, mySanAntonio.com
The three proposition bond includes several transportation projects, funds to begin phase two of Mission Hill Park, and the construction of a new library branch on the southeast side of town.
Here's a rundown of what voters need to know before the polls open.
Transportation projects
The city's transportation proposition comes in at just over $99 million and is said to be the largest New Braunfels has ever seen, according to a City of New Braunfels bond presentation.
Among the projects in the proposition are eight citywide street construction projects, including widening streets from two to four lanes in areas such as Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane. Along with additional lanes comes several expansions to sidewalks and turn lanes to Barbarosa Road and Saur Lane.
Other transportation projects include adjustments to turn lanes and traffic lights to FM 1101, Alves Lane, and Saengerhall Road. In addition, several intersections on roads such as McQueeny Road, South Union Avenue, and San Antonio Street would receive significant repairs.
One of the most ambitious items on the transportation proposition is the expansion of Common Street, which comes in at a projected cost of over $24 million. The proposed expansion would increase the street by two lanes.
Proposition B includes a three tier observation deck to Mission Hill Park.
City of New Braunfels
Phase two of Mission Hill Park
If the proposition is passed then New Braunfels Parks and Recreation will receive just over $12 million to begin phase two of Mission Hill Park, a 10-acre park located near the intersection of Oak Run Parkway and Independence Drive. The New Braunfels Parks Foundation gave the city the land for what would later become Mission Hill Park in 2012 and it would expand the city’s first public park west of Loop 337.
The second phase of construction would add a multi-level observation tower, canopy walks, event spaces, restrooms, and more parking, as well as more paved and unpaved trails around the park. The second phase would complete the current plans for the park’s development.
Proposition C would fund a new public library.
City of New Braunfels
New public library branch
The growing city is looking to expand the New Braunfels Public Library branches by constructing a third one, which would be located at the intersection of South Walnut Avenue and Settlers Crossing, for $28.5 million. The library system's southeast location would sit in Guadalupe County and exist conveniently within walking distance of six schools.
If passed, the library would relieve some of the stress on New Braunfels Public Library, located on East Common Street. The New Braunfels Public Library sees an average of 380 visitors a day, but sees that number jump by more than 200 during the summer, according to Assistant City Manager Jared Werner.
The concept for the new public library in New Braunfels.
City of New Braunfels
The new library branch takes up 23,000 square feet and is designed with New Braunfels' youth and families in mind. In addition to housing books and other media services, the modern space would accommodate quiet study rooms, meeting rooms, and a plaza with a garden.
"It's just a really safe, fun, wonderful environment for the community," Assistant City Manager Jordan Matney said.
How does this impact local tax rates?
The city's bond package is expected to come at no additional cost to residents. Voters within the Comal ISD school district will also have the option to vote on the district's bond. That bond, which costs $634.6 million, includes new schools, security, and new campus facilities. It is not expected to impact local tax rates.
While at the polls, residents will also cast their votes for the open seats on New Braunfels City Council. The mayoral, district 5, and district 6 seats are on the ballot.
When is voting?
Early voting for local elections commences Monday, April 24, and run through April 29. The last days for early voting are May 1 and May 2. Election Day is on May 6. For a list of polling locations visit nbtexas.org.