PRESENTER: Presenter
Jordan Matney, Deputy City Manager
Matt Eckmann, Assistant Director of Public Works
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SUBJECT: Title
Discuss and consider a resolution recommended by the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation approving a project expenditure of up to $8,000,000 for the purchase of approximately 130 acres of land, legally described as approximately 62.6 acres out of the O Russell Survey No. 2, Abstract 485 and 3982 Hunter Road - approximately 68.163 acres out of the O Russell Survey No. 2, Abstract 485 for a project authorized under 505.152 of the Texas Local Government Code.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic and Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 4
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels and the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation (NBEDC) have identified two parcels for acquisition for future use as parkland in the New Braunfels parks system. The two parcels total around 130 acres. Approximately 70 acres are relatively flat and have development potential for structures and recreation facilities, and 50 acres are wooded and have development potential for trails and conservation. Acquiring the parcels would provide a potential expansion of the existing Alligator Creek Trail with an opportunity to develop a more formalized trailhead to increase community access.
City Council adopted the Parks and Recreation Master Plan in January 2017. Strategic implementation recommendations included the expansion and connection of the parks system through acquisitions and multi-modal linkages. Specifically, the strategies recommended the City:
• Increase the proportion of park acres per population through a variety of park type amenities, and open space options.
• Establish connectivity between parks and greenways that is accessible by pedestrians, bikes and parks and open space in New Braunfels.
• Provide a park system offering the community a variety of parks and services that integrate environmental design, safety, emerging trends and local culture and history.
• Continue to plan, develop and operate a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that support multiple activities.
The City’s comprehensive plan, which City Council in August 2018, included a Parks, Recreation and Open Space element. The plan identified a variety of parks projects and strategies that recommended the City continue to:
• Create opportunities for youth to be physically active, thereby reducing childhood obesity;
• Ensure parks and green spaces are within a one mile walk or bicycle ride for every household in New Braunfels;
• Maintain a variety of park types: regional, community, neighborhood and greenbelts;
• Create multi-purpose facilities that maximize productivity of space while providing flexibility to address new and emerging trends;
• Continue development of sidewalks and trails to increase inner connectivity by five percent each year to support reduction of carbon footprint;
• Increase the number of accessible public spaces of all sizes
ISSUE:
The north side of New Braunfels is experiencing rapid housing growth. More than 800 new single family home permits have been issued since 2020 and more than 2,500 homes are within a one-mile radius of the new proposed parkland. Acquiring the parcels would provide an increase in park programming and outdoor opportunities for residents in this quick-developing region of New Braunfels.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Up to $8,000,000 will be paid by the NBEDC. The NBEDC currently has adequate funds for this project expenditure.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution and purchase contract.