Fredericksburg City Council Special Meeting and Joint P&Z: September 29, 2026

The Fredericksburg City Council convened a special meeting on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 5:30 PM, in a joint session with the Planning and Zoning Commission. The agenda included a resolution to authorize a revised conceptual alignment for a future roadway (part of a potential Waldorf Astoria development), executive sessions, and a joint discussion on amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) in the Central Business District (CBD).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Charlie Keeney (former mayor): Asked whether Resolution 2026-05 is binding, if the developer is obligated to make improvements, whether the road will be open to the public, and how drainage will be affected. He expressed hope the development would be good for the community.
• Dr. Mike Braden (property owner east of proposed development): Stated the new alignment may be the best approach but expressed concerns about the road being built in the floodplain, extra costs for building a bridge and curves, and the impact on other property owners. He urged that the road be built to state standards and paid for before development.
• Greg Davis (co-owner of Coliseusellers Winery, 414 Goehmann): Expressed excitement about the potential Waldorf Astoria resort, stating it would help his business with seven-day-week traffic and allow him to employ more full-time staff.
• Tony Smith (owner of Avast Winery, Stonewall): Voiced strong support for the Waldorf Astoria project, saying the resort would bring the “right kind of tourism” and provide vital midweek business for local wineries and restaurants. He noted the project is not walled off and will include public spaces.
• Randy Box (owner of Fredericksburg Inn and Suites): Supported the project, calling it a unique amenity that elevates the town’s perception for tourists.
• John Crenwelge: Stated he does not oppose the Waldorf but objects to the proposed roadway alignment near his property on safety grounds. He urged keeping the previous alignment, which he believes would be safer and less prone to accidents.
• Mike Davis (nearby ranch owner): Expressed empathy for neighbors but indicated general support for the Waldorf project, hoping it contributes positively to the town.
• Julie Herbert (COO of Heat Family Brands, 30-year resident): Voiced strong support, stating the Waldorf will attract the needed customer base, bring new residents, and help the community grow. She said “growth does not scare me” and that not growing is “dying.”

Discussion Items

• Resolution 2026-05 – Revised Conceptual Roadway Alignment at 405 Goehmann Lane: The Council heard from engineers and staff regarding the proposed roadway, which is part of a potential development agreement with Waldorf Astoria. Questions from Council focused on floodplain issues, FEMA approval, cut and fill requirements, safety of curves, and the eventual dedication of the road to the city. The developer’s attorney confirmed the road will be built to arterial standards as a two-lane private road initially, with the city having the right to take ownership and expand to four lanes in the future. The floodplain engineer explained that the areas to be filled are off-channel ineffective flow areas, and FEMA has already approved a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR).
• Joint P&Z/City Council Discussion on Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance – Conditional Use Permits (CUPs): Council and P&Z members discussed requiring CUPs for certain businesses in the Central Business District, particularly alcohol-related uses (wine tasting rooms, bars, etc.). Development Services Director Cliff Cross presented on the purpose and process of CUPs. City Attorney Barbara Quirk provided examples from San Marcos, including caps on the number of bars (14) and restaurants with alcohol (25) in their downtown, as well as time-limited CUPs and distance requirements. Councilmembers expressed differing views on whether there is a current problem or a perception problem, and on the need to preserve retail diversity. A consensus emerged to avoid regulating all CBD businesses and to focus on specific uses, with an agreement to form a subcommittee (possibly with stakeholders) to study the issue further before drafting amendments.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-05 (approving the revised conceptual roadway alignment) passed 4-1.
• Council and P&Z agreed to direct staff (led by Cliff Cross) to form a subcommittee to evaluate potential Zoning Ordinance amendments regarding Conditional Use Permits in the Central Business District. The subcommittee will consider regulating uses such as alcohol-related businesses, explore tools like distance separations, caps, and time-limited permits, and examine market data to ensure retail diversity. The goal is to bring forward specific recommendations for a future public hearing.
• The meeting noted that the order of the agenda was adjusted for efficiency, with public comments heard before the executive session on the roadway resolution.