SATX-NSA: Impact 10/23/2025

As Bexar County voters head to the polls Nov. 4, they will decide whether to raise the hotel occupancy tax, or HOT, from 1.75% to 2%.

Funds raised from this increased tax, as well as the existing 5% tax on rental cars, will go toward the renovation of the Frost Bank Center, the transformation of the Freeman Coliseum into a permanent home for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and up to 25%, or $311 million, of the cost for a San Antonio Spurs arena downtown.

The details: Voters will decide on two propositions, with Proposition A funding the existing county venues and rodeo, while Proposition B funds a portion of the Spurs arena. Jim Lefko, director of communications for Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai, said the tax is estimated to generate $503 million over a 30-year period. Lefko said the most important aspect of the vote is that funds raised through this tax can only be used on venues.

This downtown bar has officially opened its new hybrid location on San Antonio’s North Side.

In case you missed it: Elsewhere Too officially opened its doors to the public for a grand opening on Oct. 4, according to their Facebook.

It’s located at 4513 N. Loop 1604 W., next to the Mission Ridge Range & Academy.

Owned by Terrin Fuhrmann, the new bar and event venue is the business’s second in the Alamo City, with The Elsewhere Garden & Bar being an anchor near the River Walk.

What’s special about it? The new mixed outdoor venue has outdoor seating, “Instagrammable” decor and a 53-foot-tall Ferris wheel, Fuhrmann said.

Elsewhere is known for its cocktails, craft beer and bar food such as burgers, sandwiches and Philly cheesesteak fries, according to their website.

There’s also a focus on eclectic design, with lush decor and seating areas, Fuhrmann said.

• 4513 N. Loop 1604 W., San Antonio

The I-35 NEX Central project is expected to alleviate travel times throughout the region, and it hit the halfway point this year.

Some details: Totaling $1.5 billion in design and build costs, construction began in June 2022 from contractor Alamo NEX Construction. The project creates three elevated lanes, comprising two main lanes and one high-occupancy vehicle, or HOV, lane, for both northbound and southbound directions. The elevated lanes will provide direct connections to Loop 410 North and Loop 1604 West, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

“[The project] will improve mobility and operational efficiency along the I-35 corridor in a manner that will manage vehicle congestion for the 25-year planning horizon,” said Marco Galindo, an alternative project delivery supervisor for TxDOT. “Opening of the elevated lanes will also promote efficient use of the existing transportation facilities as well as reduce travel times.”

The project is also building ramps to connect the I-35 main lanes to elevated lanes and reconfiguring entrance and exit ramps throughout northeast San Antonio.

A new, locally owned salon has opened in northeast San Antonio, offering a variety of specialty beauty services.

The details: Bella Donna & Co. opened on Oct. 15 at 8328 Pat Booker Road in Live Oak. The salon is locally owned by Christina Lichtenberg and was previously located in Garden Ridge. Lichtenberg said her new space is a larger and will be better for customers.

What they offer: Lichtenberg said Bella Donna & Co. is a full service salon, which offers manicures, pedicures and facials. Bella Donna Co. also offers hair styling, coloring, lash extensions and lash enhancements.

Quote of note: Lichtenberg said she is excited to be serving more new clients and longtime customers in Live Oak.

"This is our pride and joy," she said.

• 8328 Pat Booker Road, Live Oak