New Braunfels City Council has officially approved exemptions to its paid-parking program, allowing drivers with disabled license plates or placards to park for free downtown, following a second and final reading at its regular meeting Nov. 24.

The update: Under Texas Transportation Code Section 681, vehicles displaying a valid disabled license plate or placard will not be charged parking fees at parking meters, as previously reported by Community Impact. The exemption, recommended by city staff, aligns with state law and community feedback.

New Braunfels does not use parking meters, but staff determined the legislative intent of the statute is clear—individuals with disabilities should not be required to pay for public parking. Disabled veteran plates are not automatically eligible unless paired with an appropriate placard, agenda documents state.

The exemption went into effect immediately after being approved by the City Council. Drivers with disabled plates and placards will not be required to register their parking session, according to the city.

From Nov. 7-16, around 220,000 people celebrated German culture while supporting local nonprofit organizations at Wurstfest.

Wurstfest—which originated in 1961—began as a one-day festival created by the New Braunfels meat inspector, Ed Grist, as a festival to honor sausage. The festival has since grown to 10 days of celebrating the city’s German heritage.

Read all about it: Marc Allen, 2025 festival general chair and president-elect, said crowds were evenly dispersed across the 10-day event, and attendance was up about 4%-5%.

“I think it was a huge success,” Allen told Community Impact.

One of the significant changes implemented at the event this year was eliminating drink tickets, which sped up the lines. By eliminating drink tickets more space was created on the grounds.

“We had seven new vendors that we were able to put in spots where drink ticket booths were,” Allen said.

Apartment complex Landhaus at Gruene, located at 2080 FM 1102 in New Braunfel, is now leasing.

Two-minute impact: Once construction is complete, the community will have 356 units across six buildings. Landhaus at Gruene offers up to two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartments. The complex will also have a pool, which is currently still under construction.

The community has a clubhouse equipped with coworking spaces, meeting rooms and a kitchen for residents. Landhaus at Gruene also has a two-story gym with treadmills, free weights and cycling machines.

Learn more: The complex was developed by Bridgeview Real Estate and is managed by Welcome Home Property Management. Construction began in February 2024, and all buildings are anticipated to be completed by January or February of 2026, Community Director Misty Posey told Community Impact.

After closing earlier this year for a renovation project, this restaurant has reopened its doors on San Antonio’s Northwest side.

Current situation: Another dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP recently opened at 9911 I-10, San Antonio, near Wurzbach Road.

Restaurant staff told Community Impact the eatery officially opened on Oct. 27.

Originally a single IHOP, the restaurant is one of several throughout the area to close and reopen as the dual-branded concept.

Recently, a new location opened in northeast San Antonio featuring both restaurants, according to previous reporting from Community Impact.

Both Applebee’s and IHOP are owned by the parent company Dine Brands Global.

The dual-branded concept “leverages both brands to provide guests two unique dining experiences under one roof,” according to the company’s website.

Explained: The eatery is split in half, one side containing the Applebee’s menu and the other serving IHOP breakfast items.

• 9911 I-10, San Antonio