SATX-NBF: Impact 10/14/2025

Comal ISD officials broke ground on a new campus for the district’s Life Bridges Transition Program on Sept. 2.

Some details: Life Bridges is a specialized educational initiative that provides young adults ages 18-22 with opportunities to learn daily living skills and gain more independence, said Chief Operations Officer Mark Stahl. Participants are referred to as “team members” to emphasize empowerment and community integration.

“Life Bridges ... is more than a program; it’s a pathway to independence, confidence and a meaningful engagement in the community,” Stahl said.

About the program: The Life Bridges program, which began in 2003, serves as a post-secondary transition program that aligns with federal and state requirements for individuals ages 18 and above under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Michele Martella, CISD executive director of special programs and services said.

There is an average of 60-80 team members who attend the program full-time, but team member enrollment is growing. Martella said the program’s enrollment has increased by 14% over the past five years.
 

Following its October closure, New Braunfels bar and live music venue Billy's Ice is making a comeback at a new location, under a new name later this fall.

What we know: Billy’s Ice closed its doors at 1193 Loop 337 in early October after Owner Bob Wilson sold the location, as previously reported by Community Impact. Now, the business is reopening at 6390 FM 1102 under the name Bobby's Ice. 
Bobby's Ice has plans on opening within a few weeks, according to a Facebook post. 

• 6390 FM 1102, New Braunfels

A new affordable housing development named Aviator 1518 celebrated its grand opening Oct. 7.

Project details: The 300-unit complex, located at 9120 E. FM 1518 N., broke ground in November 2023 and was developed by The NRP Group, a multifamily real estate developer, general contractor and property management firm.

The complex offers units for those making between 30% and 70% of the area’s median income. Aviator 1518 offers one- to three-bedroom units ranging from 703 to 1,378 square feet.

Named for its FM 1518 location and proximity to Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Aviator 1518 has an array of amenities, including:

• A 24-hour fitness center
• An outdoor playground, picnic areas
• On-site laundry machines
• An activity room
• A business center, conference room and lounge space

A popular chain of Japanese department stores has made its way into San Antonio, opening its first location in the region.

In case you missed it: Teso Life officially launched to the public on Oct. 3 at 12720 I-10 in Northwest San Antonio, the store’s management team told Community Impact during the grand opening.

Headquartered in New York, the supermarket chain has locations across the country, with over 30 locations from the East to the West Coast.

In Texas, their store locator tool shows additional locations in Houston and Dallas, marking the chain’s third city in the state.

What’s special about it? From health and hygiene products, housewares, car supplies and more, Teso Life has the standard offerings of a supermarket, although sourced internationally, according to their website.

There’s also an eclectic supply of Asian foods and beverages on sale, like Japanese desserts, chips, sodas and more.

Additionally, the store has a section of claw machines where customers can win prizes, alongside a dedicated toys section including Labubu dolls and more.

• 12720 I-10, San Antonio

Guadalupe County residents now have another voting location option in time for Election Day.

On Oct. 13, the Guadalupe County Schertz Annex Building at 1101 Elbel Road in Schertz opened its newly renovated offices.

Some details: The location will house the offices of the County Clerk, District Clerk and Elections immediately. The Precinct 3 Constable and Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace will transition into the facility in the coming weeks, according to a county news release.

Additions to the facility include a secure new main entrance area, as well as changes to streamline operations, the release states.

Quote of note: Precinct 3 Commissioner Michael Carpenter said they were excited to welcome the public into the newly renovated facility.

“This renovation project reflects our commitment to improving access, efficiency and comfort for the community we serve daily. We are just in time and ready to accommodate voters in the upcoming election,” Carpenter said in the release.