The Faust Street Bridge area in New Braunfels, Texas, a popular spot known for its scenic views and river access, is currently grappling with a surge in problems. These issues range from escalating litter and increased emergency service calls to significant enforcement difficulties, largely due to the area’s open accessibility and complex mix of property ownership.
Growing Concerns at Faust Street Bridge
The escalating issues at the Faust Street Bridge and the adjacent River Mill area were brought to the forefront during a New Braunfels City Council meeting on July 15th. Jordan Matney, the Deputy City Manager, highlighted a concerning trend: a dramatic year-over-year increase in calls for service and citations within this locale. Specifically, service calls have doubled annually, painting a clear picture of the growing strain on city resources. The data presented starkly illustrates this rise:
- 2021: 22 calls
- 2022: 56 calls
- 2023: 106 calls
- 2024: 98 calls (year-to-date)
Coupled with the surge in service calls, citations have also seen a significant uptick, further indicating the intensifying challenges in maintaining order at the Faust Street Bridge. The citation numbers are as follows:
- 2022: 145 citations
- 2023: 197 citations
- 2024: 237 citations (year-to-date)
Litter and Waste Management Challenges
Managing litter and trash has become an increasingly difficult task at the Faust Street Bridge. Pristine Texas Rivers, the service provider responsible for litter removal and trash can maintenance, funded through the river activities fund, has been significantly impacted by the escalating waste issue. The sheer volume of litter necessitates increased service frequency and resources. In response to this growing problem, the city has had to take the following measures:
- Increased service days to Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, incurring a cost of $300 per service day.
- Approved a $13,000 contract amendment to cover the additional service expenses from July through October.
- In 2024 alone, Pristine Texas Rivers has removed 80 55-gallon trash bags from the Faust Street Bridge area, underscoring the magnitude of the litter problem.
Factors Contributing to the Issues
Several factors contribute to the difficulties in regulating and enforcing rules at the Faust Street Bridge area. Minimal visibility and a lack of clear regulations create an environment where problematic behaviors can flourish. Emergency response is also complicated by the area’s layout and accessibility, posing potential safety risks. The area has unfortunately become a magnet for various undesirable activities, including:
- People jumping from the mill property, creating safety hazards.
- Individuals starting ground fires, posing risks to the environment and public safety.
- Trespassing on private commercial and residential properties, infringing on property rights.
- Bringing pits to the area, potentially for unauthorized activities.
- Leaving behind substantial amounts of trash, contributing to the litter problem.
Multi-Ownership Complexity
A significant challenge in addressing the issues at the Faust Street Bridge stems from the complex property ownership in the area. The land surrounding the bridge is not under a single entity’s control, but rather is divided among multiple owners, including:
- Private residential property owners.
- River Mill redevelopment property, which is under private development.
- The State of Texas, which owns the river and riverbed/exposed rock within the river.
- The City of New Braunfels, which owns the public right-of-way beneath the bridge and park property at bridge level.
This fragmented ownership complicates efforts to implement unified management and enforcement strategies.
City’s Response and Future Plans
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, city staff have engaged in discussions with the City Council to evaluate and potentially implement solutions to mitigate these issues. Proposed measures include installing improved fencing and increasing enforcement presence to deter unauthorized access and enhance safety.
Deputy City Manager Matney stated that her team will actively collaborate with both commercial and residential property owners to address trespassing and other issues occurring on their respective properties. Furthermore, the city plans to proactively inform residents and visitors about any new regulations or changes in access to the Faust Street Bridge area. Public feedback on proposed solutions will also be actively sought to ensure community involvement in the process.
The city is committed to monitoring the effectiveness of any new measures implemented and will provide regular updates to both the City Council and the public regarding progress and outcomes. This ongoing evaluation will be crucial in adapting strategies and ensuring the long-term viability and enjoyment of the Faust Street Bridge area for all.
