Council declines recommendation to ask NBU to waive $500,000 in impact fees for Park at Dogwood; directs staff to explore EDC funding

Council members on Sept. 14 debated a staff request to recommend that New Braunfels Utilities (MBU) consider up to $500,000 in impact‑fee waivers for a 76‑unit affordable housing project called the Park at Dogwood.

Jeff Jewell, the city’s economic and community development director, described the financing gap: "The project has a total MBU impact fee bill of about 1.275," and said the waiver would help close a roughly $1.9 million equity shortfall after reductions in tax‑credit equity. Jewell said the project would offer 76 deeply affordable units with rent set‑asides at 50–60% area median income.

Public comment was sharply divided. Several residents and ratepayer advocates warned that waiving MBU fees shifts costs to current utility customers and undermines independent NBU decision‑making. Bob King summarized the governance worry, saying the council’s action would amount to "making them an offer they cannot refuse" if the city uses the council process to pressure the utilities board. Other speakers, including former councilmember Asia Edwards and local housing advocates, urged the council to support the project and pursue funding options to make it feasible.

After discussion, Councilmember Shaw moved to disapprove the item as presented and direct staff to pursue alternatives through the Economic Development Corporation and other budgetary avenues; the motion passed. Staff will return with options that could include EDC funding or revised fee strategies before any final MBU action.