Contact
Presenter
Applicant: Ylda Capriccioso, Park Development Manager
Contact Info
ycapriccioso@nbtexas.org
Subject Header
SUBJECT:
Title
Presentation of the Draft City of New Braunfels Hike & Bike Trail Plan - Update 2020
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BACKGROUND / RATIONALE:
Council District: ALL
Applicant: City of New Braunfels
Staff Contact: Ylda Capriccioso, Park Development Manager
(830) 221-4358
ycapriccioso@nbtexas.org
General Information:
HBT Interim Update
The City of New Braunfels contracted with Vickery & Associates to assist with an update to the City’s 2010 Hike & Bike Trail Plan (HBT). This update is specifically called for in Envision New Braunfels, the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The 2010 Hike and Bike Trail Plan is a conceptual level citywide network of on- and off-street facilities; it does not include sidewalks. The Update refreshed the 2010 Plan to reflect existing and proposed on- and off-street citywide non-vehicular bike/ped network. The Update used existing land use knowledge, GIS data, current conditions, 2017 Parks Strategic Master Plan, Alamo Area MPO Bicycle and Pedestrian Planning Study, the work of the Thoroughfare Plan, and Envision New Braunfels.
The Update Plan contains three parts similar to the 2010 Plan, trail standards, trail inventory and maps, and trail opportunities.
1. Trail Types and Design Standards
a. Overview of trail types and identifies types in New Braunfels
b. Provides design standards for multi-purpose trails
c. Identifies criteria for trail widths and surfacing
2. Trail inventory and Maps
a. Identifies on- and off-facilities network (approximately 26 miles)
b. Created maps per park district
c. Changes to HBT include modifications based on review of 2010 HBT proposed projects, completed segments required by the City Code, and City park and roadway projects.
3. Trail Opportunities
a. Includes eight (8) areas of opportunity. These are based on the City planning documents, construction/development projects, and feasibility.
i. County Line Memorial Trail
ii. Dry Comal Greenway Trail
iii. River Trail (Cypress Bend to County Fairgrounds)
iv. Alligator Creek Trail (east and west)
v. Camp Comal Trail
vi. Gruene Loop Trail
vii. Solms Loop Trail
viii. Morningside Greenway Trail
Next Steps & Approval Process
The Update requires a recommendation by the following city advisory boards and final consideration by City Council. In addition to these recommendations, several outside agencies will be notified of the update, including Alamo Area MPO and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Below is the timeline for presentation and consideration:
ü July 21, 2020 - Park and Rec Advisory Board (recommended for approval)
• August 4, 2020 - Planning Commission briefing presentation
• August TBD, 2020 - City Council briefing presentation
• September 2, 2020 - Planning Commission recommendation
• September 14, 2020 - City Council final consideration and adoption
Once approved the HBT Updates will be a component of the 2017 Parks Strategic Master Plan and Regional Transportation Plan. All plans are part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. An adopted plan ensures trails are eligible for state and federal grant funding. The plans will be made available online <http://www.nbtexas.org/2539/Park-Planning-Development>.
ADDRESSES A NEED/ISSUE IN A CITY PLAN OR COUNCIL PRIORITY:
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City Plan/Council Priority: Envision New Braunfels Comprehensive Plan |
Action 1.10: Update the Regional Transportation Plan (2012) to plan for future arterials and collectors that connect to regional centers. Action 1.12: Collaborate with internal and with external partners and stakeholders to identify and connect sidewalk and bicycle lanes to trails to improve access and connectivity to key hubs and desirable destinations Action 2.2: Prioritize areas that are best suited for conservation and preservation. Action 2.27: Designate, enhance and advertise the Walnut Avenue improvements as a “trail” or “linear pathway” to have it be utilized to its fullest extent as a great public space. Action 3.19: Improve walkability across town to attract younger generations seeking pedestrian connections. Action 3.20: Encourage residential developments to include pedestrian and bicycle friendly trails to nearby schools, preferably within a 2-mile radius of each school. Action 4.1: Ensure parks and green spaces are within a one-mile walk or bicycle ride for every household in New Braunfels. Action 4.4: Prioritize existing city-owned land and future land acquisition decisions to focus investments in a greenway system that achieves a contiguous network. Action 4.8: Update the Trails Master Plan (2010) including trail standards that promote multi-modal use while protecting natural resources. |
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
Recommendation
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Interactive Hike and Bike Plan Map <https://newbraunfels.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=2addd8c83f1c408994524f38c8713588>
Draft Hike and Bike Trail Plan Report
<https://www.nbtexas.org/DocumentCenter/View/18860/Updated-Trail-Master-Plan-DRAFT-8?bidId=>
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Draft Report