Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The New Braunfels City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The workshop focused on the City of New Braunfels Thoroughfare Plan Update. City staff presented the plan, answered questions from the council, and heard public testimony. No formal action was taken; the council will consider action on the plan on December 8, 2025.
Presentation Deputy City Manager Jordan Matney, Transportation Director Garry Ford, and Fire Chief Rui Lozano presented the draft 2025 Thoroughfare Plan Update, which revises the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan. They described the plan as a long-range tool to guide development, requiring developers to dedicate right-of-way and construct roadways at their own cost, not a list of immediate construction projects. Chief Lozano highlighted the safety rationale: each minute of delay in emergency response reduces survival rates by 10%, and effective connectivity is essential for fire and police access. Staff conducted extensive outreach from May to October 2025, receiving 362 comments from 299 unique individuals. Proposed additions include the West Connector and Brook Avenue extension; proposed removals or reclassifications target several existing roadways.
Council Discussion Councilmembers questioned the data behind the proposed routes, coordination with county and regional partners, and the implications of removing connections. They noted that removing roads from the plan could shift costs to taxpayers, reduce eligibility for state and federal funding, and limit the city's ability to manage growth. Councilmembers acknowledged the strong feelings of affected residents but stressed the need for a comprehensive strategy. Staff emphasized that removing a connection does not eliminate eventual road construction; it simply reduces developer contributions and city control.
Planning Commission Recommendation The Planning Commission voted 9–0 to recommend approval of the plan, but with the exclusion of four minor collector routes: Seminole Drive, Old Mission Lane, Countryside Drive, and Pleasant Lane/Elm Creek Road. The council is not bound by this recommendation.
The council allocated 30 minutes for speakers opposed to the plan and 30 minutes for speakers in favor.
Opposition Several residents of neighborhoods directly affected by proposed connections spoke against the plan. Martin Nealeigh (Seminole Drive) and Jody Smith (Seminole Drive) argued that extending Seminole Drive would funnel high-speed traffic from nearby schools through a narrow residential street, harming safety and property values. Beverly Fisher Garrett (Pleasant Lane, 44-year resident) said the road would bisect her cattle property and requested an alternative route. Suzanne Collins (Pleasant Lane) cited flood risks on Elm Creek Road and Waco Springs Loop, contradicting the city's Vision Zero commitments. Kathy deBerjeois (Waco Drive) contended that the need for connectivity could be met by existing or alternative connections. David Irvin (ETJ resident) and Michael Theal (Countryside) raised concerns about flooding, blind curves, and the lack of notification. Angela Allan (Mission Hills Ranch) urged the council to reject the plan and seek a more neighborhood-friendly solution. In total, speakers collected dozens of removal requests (57 for Seminole, 42 for Old Mission, 55 for Countryside, 51 for Pleasant/Elm Creek).
Support Representatives of business and civic organizations voiced support. Jonathan Packer (Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce) and Lee Garrett (Chamber Transportation Committee) argued that the plan is essential for managed growth, developer-funded infrastructure, and future economic development. Casey Lee (Four Rivers Association of Realtors) said connectivity increases property values and quality of life. Justin Meadows, Chris Parreira, David Ozuna, Todd Blackman, and other residents stressed that growth will occur regardless and that the plan ensures predictable, equitable development. They also noted that thoroughfare planning reduces long-term costs and improves emergency response.
Good evening. We're gonna call this Tuesday, December 4th, 2025 special meeting of the City Council of New Bromfels to order. Mrs. Wilkinson, will you please call roll? Councilmember Carter. Here. Councilmember Capizi. Here. Councilmember Edwards. Here. Councilmember Sbradley. Here. Councilmember Lebowski. Here. Councilmember Ryan. Here. And Mayor Leonards. Here we have a quorum. If you'd stand and join me in the invocation, followed by the pledges. Heavenly Father, thank you for bestowing upon us as the City Council of New Bromfels the privilege of serving this wonderful city we call home. Please give us the wisdom to do what is best for the whole community and not get distracted by the request of a few. I pray that you give us wisdom and understanding, give wisdom and understanding to our citizens who may not agree that the best bit that the solutions that best benefit the whole people and not just the few. Open our eyes and ears, Lord, to gather information from accurate and trustworthy sources and keep us from straying or relying on misinformation and hate spread on social media, which is often the devil's tool. Please look after and protect our hardworking staff as they help us to better serve and improve our community and be with our first responders who work diligently to keep our community safe. Lord, thank you for the wonderful weather we've had lately and keep it coming. Lord, keep us humble and obedient to your word. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen. And to the requirement for each one nation under God with liberty. Honor Texas. One state under God. One and indivisible. Okay, tonight we've got a workshop that covers a presentation, discussion, and possible staff direction on the city City of New Bromfels Thoroughfare Plan update. Mrs. Matney. Thank you. Good evening, Mayor and City Council and citizens. Tonight we are going to be making a presentation. We will not be asking for any action this evening. After we make the presentation and receive feedback, our plan is to move forward with asking for action on December 8th. Um, so long as that still aligns with your goals for this process. Ms. Matney, uh, just to interrupt a minute. We're having a little trouble hearing until we could get the sound adjusted. Please speak up just a little. Okay.