In a decisive 6‑1 vote on November 9, the New Braunfels City Council gave the New Braunfels Economic Development Corp. (NBEDC) the green light to spend $500,000 toward the Park at Dogwood affordable housing project. The council’s resolution reflects a strong commitment to expanding safe, low‑cost homes for families earning 30‑60% of the San Antonio–New Braunfels Metro Area Median Income.
Funding details and remaining shortfall
The Park at Dogwood is a $22.3 million development slated for 1869 McQueeney Road. State‑approved tax credits cover $20.4 million of the cost, leaving a $1.90 million shortfall that would halt construction and prevent the project from moving into its permanent loan phase. The city’s contribution, combined with a $272,000 roadway impact‑fee waiver, will cover roughly $772,000 of that gap. The remaining $1.13 million will be addressed through a deferred development fee, according to the council’s meeting presentation.
“The city’s direct contribution represents a relatively small percentage of the overall project cost but makes a meaningful advancement toward the project’s overall financial feasibility,” said Jeff Jewell, director of economic and community development for NBEDC.
Community response
Local leaders and residents voiced strong support for the initiative. LaMoyne Davis, CEO of the Family Life Center, urged council members to back the recent proclamation recognizing National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week with concrete action, stating, “I’m here to ask you to back that proclamation with action by voting yes on the incentive.”
Jesamy Ferguson, director of Hill Country MHDD, highlighted the link between housing stability and mental health, noting that over 75 % of the 700 people who sought psychiatric services in the past year identified housing insecurity as a major stressor.
Neighborhood resident Aja Edwards, whose property backs up to the planned site, expressed enthusiasm, calling the development “needed.”
Critics raise concerns
District 1 Council member Toni Carter was the sole dissenting vote. While she expressed empathy for the need for affordable housing, she cautioned against using taxpayer money for a model that still leaves a shortfall. “I won’t support the project as a result of that,” Carter said.
Angela Keller, a resident of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, voiced a desire for greater oversight. “I respect affordable housing, but there should be more restrictions on it,” she said, adding that she would like to see Congress consider legislative changes to protect taxpayer interests.
Project impact
When completed, the Park at Dogwood will provide 76 units of one‑ and two‑bedroom housing for low‑ and moderate‑income families. Tenants will pay affordable rates for an estimated 30‑year affordability period, with strict repayment provisions if the developer fails to meet income‑target requirements during the first 15 years.
The development is also slated to be exempt from property taxes, removing approximately $18,200 annually from the city’s tax rolls. This exemption is part of the broader strategy to keep rents affordable while still delivering a viable, long‑term community asset.
Next steps
With the council’s approval, NBEDC will move forward on securing the remaining financing and preparing the site for construction. The city’s contribution signals a partnership between public officials, developers, and community advocates to address the pressing need for affordable housing in New Braunfels.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Austin — read the source article.
