PRESENTER: Presenter
Jeff Jewell, Economic and Community Development Director
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SUBJECT: Title
Approval of a recommendation by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) for a five-year lease with the City of New Braunfels for trail and park access.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On February 7, 2024, the NBEDC held a public hearing and approved a project expenditure of $8,000,000 for the purchase of approximately 130 acres in northwest New Braunfels to be used for economic development projects and future park space within the New Braunfels Parks System. City Council approved the project expenditure on February 12, 2024.
The 2017 Parks and Recreation Master Plan encouraged acquisition of additional parkland to maintain and grow level of service and parkland targets. The land’s mix of developable acreage and wooded land supports both active recreation and trail/conservation potential, aligning with the systemwide need to expand capacity and amenities as New Braunfels grows.
A Northwest Park Master Plan project is underway to determine the vision, goals, design, and long-term plan for the development of the park.
While the Master Plan is being finalized, the Parks Department intends to open a portion of the land for public access of natural surface trails. To do so, access to the NBEDC-owned land must be formalized via lease agreement. On September 15, 2026, the NBEDC voted unanimously to enter a five-year lease, at no cost, with the City of New Braunfels to allow public access.
ISSUE:
The Parks Department intends to open a portion of the NBEDC land for public access of natural surface trails - a five-year lease between the NBEDC and City of New Braunfels will formalize access.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
N/A Economic Mobility YES Enhanced Connectivity N/A Community Identity
N/A Organizational Excellence YES Community Well-Being
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City of New Braunfels for the lease.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the lease agreement between the NBEDC and City of New Braunfels.