New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation Regular Meeting - September 15, 2026

The New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) held a regular meeting on September 15, 2026, at City Hall. Key topics included a proposed Comal River Master Plan, an update on the Mayfair community development, a proposed contract extension for the 210 S. Castell project, approval of a lease for public park access, and an extension of a feasibility period for a land purchase. The board also heard public comments and entered executive session for economic development negotiations.

Public Comments & Testimony

• David Warmke (District 5 resident) criticized the EDC's transparency and reporting, stating that the annual report was "sloppy" and that the diversion of sales and property taxes to the EDC represents 50% of property tax collections. He questioned the justification for the EDC's budget and suggested reducing the sales tax allocation.
• Julie King (resident) commented on the 210 S. Castell project amendment, questioning the need for additional consideration for a five-year extension and referencing the Coal Street drainage project.
• Tiffany Kelly (resident, Green Courtyard) expressed opposition to exercising the feasibility period extension for the Bartels/Voges property, arguing the purchase price is overvalued and recommending the EDC sell both the original 16 acres and the additional 6.7 acres.
• David Warmke (resident) again spoke during Item E, urging the board to "pull the plug" on the property and sell it to return funds to the general fund and put the land back on tax rolls.

Discussion Items

• Comal River Master Plan (Item 6.A): Scott McClelland, Assistant Director of Transportation & Construction Services, presented a proposal to develop a comprehensive master plan for the Comal River. The plan would address five priorities: continuous public realm improvements (parks, restrooms, accessibility), in-river improvements (modifying dams, accessible entry/exit, river walls), stronger connections to downtown and adjacent districts, making the river a year-round attraction, and reinforcing the river's identity and branding. No action was taken; staff will proceed to develop a request for qualifications and return for funding approval.
• Mayfair Community Development Update (Item 6.B): BJ Jones, CFO of Southstar at Mayfair Developer, LLC, provided an update on the 1,900-acre master-planned development. Key points: Costco opened spring 2026; Mayfair Elementary is in year two; major middle school under construction; over 1,400 lots developed; 35+ miles of trails and 300 acres of parks planned; sales tax projections from Costco and future commercial tenants. Future park concepts include Fairway Park Phase II, a dog park, pocket parks, and a community park with pickleball, basketball, and accessible playgrounds. No action taken.
• Proposed Amendment to Contract with 210 S. Castell, LLC (Item 6.C): Jeff Jewell, Economic & Community Development Director, presented a request to extend the performance deadlines for the redevelopment of the former Producers Co-op site by five years (to 2031). The project, which received a $4.5 million incentive tied to construction completion, has been delayed due to the loss of a potential anchor tenant, softening tenant demand, rising construction costs, and redesign of the public market space. No incentives have been paid. Mike Myers, project sponsor, confirmed delays and requested the extension. The board discussed the need for an update on the consideration and possible increased valuation. No action taken; staff will bring back a formal amendment at a future meeting.
• Five-Year Lease for Trail and Park Access (Item 6.D): Jeff Bransford, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director, presented a five-year, no-cost lease agreement between the City and EDC to allow primitive public access to the 130-acre Northwest Park property (purchased in 2024 with EDC assistance) before full development. The lease will connect to the Alligator Creek Corridor trail network. The board approved the lease unanimously after opening and closing public comment (none offered).
• Exercise of Third and Final Feasibility Period Extension (Item 6.E): Jeff Jewell presented three options: cancel, extend, or initiate purchase of 6.688 acres adjacent to 16 acres already owned by the EDC. The board discussed the need for public input and direction from City Council. After public comments opposing the extension, Director Hammonds moved to extend the feasibility period while pursuing a public process, seconded by Director Austin. The motion passed unanimously.
• Proposed Land Purchase (Item 6.F): This item was not discussed because the subject matter was addressed in the previous item (6.E). No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of August 13, 2026, minutes (Item 3): Unanimous approval.
• Approval of five-year lease with City of New Braunfels for Northwest Park trail access (Item 6.D): Motion by Director Carden, second by Director Campos; passed unanimously.
• Exercise of third and final feasibility period extension for Bartels/Voges purchase contract (Item 6.E): Motion by Director Hammonds, second by Director Austin; passed unanimously.
• No action on Comal River Master Plan; staff to develop RFQ and return for funding.
• No action on 210 S. Castell amendment; staff to prepare formal amendment for future meeting.
• No action on Mayfair update; informational only.

Executive Session

The board convened in executive session at 6:17 PM to discuss economic development negotiations for eight named projects per Texas Government Code Section 551.087. The board returned to open session at 6:36 PM with no action taken.