SATX-NSA: Impact 10/9/2025

As part of the ongoing Loop 1604 North Expansion project, the Texas Department of Transportation has opened a new flyover ramp at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange Oct. 5.

This flyover ramp will provide a connection from westbound I-10 to eastbound Loop 1604.

The gist: According to a news release from TxDOT, this is the fifth flyover ramp to open in the last 10 months.

According to the news release, drivers will be able to access the flyover ramp on I-10 past UTSA Boulevard and will be able enter Loop 1604 after Lockhill Selma Road. All eight flyovers are expected to be open by the end of 2026.

The background: Once complete, the five-level interchange will consist of eight flyover ramps, roundabouts, an HOV lane and other interchange improvements.

The fourth and fifth levels will include the eight flyover ramps, which will provide higher speed connections between Loop 1604 and I-10, according to the release.

During its Sept. 16 meeting, the Hollywood Park City Council unanimously voted to adopt the increased tax rate of $0.47805 per $100 valuation.

The gist: The new tax rate represents a 4.55% increase from last year’s budget, which will net approximately $166,083 in property tax revenue.

Multiple City Council members noted that the increased tax rate is lower than the $0.51 per $100 valuation rate adopted in 2016, and that the increase is primarily due to rising labor costs. The increased tax rate will cost the average homeowner roughly $80-$100 more per year.

Place 5 Council member Glenna Pearce expressed concern about a potential tax burden on residents in the long term.

“I've been vocal with not raising taxes. This year is a little different … our city has reached a peak with all the services that we're providing, and that makes it tricky,” Pearce said. “When that happens, there's three ways that we can fix it, and that is raising taxes, giving up amenities, or minimizing our expenses."

A community organization formed in the 1800s in Comal County is recognizing its 150th anniversary this fall.

The context: Anhalt’s Germania Farmer Verein was established in 1875 by early German settlers in the area, the organization's current President, Max Engel, told Community Impact in an email.

Originally created as a community group to discuss the protection and preservation of livestock and agriculture in the Hill Country, Engel said it now focuses on celebrating and preserving German tradition and culture.

“We are thrilled to mark 150 years of our organization’s dedication to preserving German culture and community spirit,” Engel said in a news release.

The group’s headquarters, called Anhalt Halle, is located at 2390 Anhalt Road in Spring Branch, situated in western Comal County.

What’s happening: The organization is hosting Anhalt’s Annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 19 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. to honor the milestone anniversary.

• 2390 Anhalt Road, Spring Branch

Odyssey, a New York-based tech company, has been selected to manage Texas’ $1 billion education savings account program, the state comptroller’s office announced Oct. 6.

The overview: Odyssey will work with the comptroller to launch the program, deemed “Texas Education Freedom Accounts,” ahead of the 2026-27 school year. Families can begin applying for the program early next year, and those accepted will receive thousands of dollars in state funds to send their children to private school or homeschool them.

Zooming in: Odyssey will develop and manage an online platform to administer Texas’ education savings account program. State law also tasks the company with:

• Collecting applications and determining which families are accepted to the program
• Approving vendors for education-related materials and services, such as textbooks, transportation and tutoring
• Reviewing inquiries and complaints about the program
• Advertising the program and communicating with interested families