Citizens' Alliance for Smart Expansion
CASE – Citizens’ Alliance for Smart Expansion
Who We Are, Where We Have Been, Our Direction and Focus
CASE has evolved from a group of citizens who came together after the January 31, 2008 TxDOT meeting which unveiled the (at that time), final route proposal for the New Braunfels Outer Loop.  During that meeting it was reported that TxDOT would be presenting the Outer Loop to the City of New Braunfels and other platting authorities in February, 2008.  One of our members, Joyce Evans, facilitated the gathering.  We began meeting regularly twice per month hosting several informative speakers and we attended and spoke at many City Council meetings and Comal County Commissioners’ Court meetings.  We continue to have members attending these meetings.

  • In mid-March, 2008, CASE was registered as a non-profit organization with the Secretary of State.
  • Due to the amount of public outcry regarding the Outer Loop, a town hall meeting was held at the New Braunfels Civic center on April 2nd, 2008.  CASE posted a full-page ad in the Herald-Zeitung to publicize the meeting. Hundreds of people attended and speakers continued until 11pm.
  • In April, 2008, CASE sponsored a booth at Earth Day in New Braunfels and had the opportunity to educate the public regarding the impacts of uncontrolled development in our area.
  • As of May, 2008, CASE became an official member group of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA).
  • On July 15, 2008, several CASE members sat through an all-day meeting for the Texas Sunset Commission and testified regarding the lack of public process and wrong-doings of TxDOT with the New Braunfels Outer Loop.
  • On September 15, 2008, CASE and Hill Country Alliance hosted a Sustainable growth symposium at the Seekatz Opera House.  New Braunfels City Councilmember Kathleen Krueger and Comal Commissioner Jay Millikin were facilitators.
  • In August, 2008, TxDOT contacted CASE to discuss the Sunset Commission testimony and informed us that their consultants would review their maps and data.
  • In August, 2008, the League of Women Voters sponsored a Community Forum regarding the Outer Loop.  Dr. Levett presented the weaknesses of the New Braunfels Outer Loop Study.
  • In January, 2008, TxDOT met with CASE and reported that they would be holding a series of public meetings to evaluate the study.
  • Meetings are now scheduled for March 31st and April 2nd with 6 more monthly task force meetings to follow.
  • During all of the dealings with the Outer Loop, CASE has also been involved in other local issues such as the Academy/Fredericksburg/California Master Thoroughfare Plan changes, development surrounding Camp Bullis, and development project changes over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, as well as the threat of an additional quarry over the recharge zone.  We are also involved at the state level and are supported by our umbrella organization, Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance (GEAA).
  • In January, CASE filed a Federal Lawsuit as a co-plaintiff in a suit against the US Fish & Wildlife Department for failing to provide adequate protection for endangered species in the Comal Springs.
  • On March 31, 2009, Dr. Martin Levett testified before the Texas House Transportation Committee to present information about TxDOT’s handling of the Outer Loop study and to support the need for an elected official to oversee Transportation instead of an appointed Commissioner.
Other interests include future bicycle and pedestrian mobility and mass transit implementation
We are currently working on a formal resolution of our position regarding the TxDOT Outer Loop and encourage other groups to do the same.

Our Mission:
To preserve what is unique to our area
To protect our quality of life
       To encourage responsible growth

Our purpose:
As a grassroots organization, our dedicated purpose is to educate the public and address New Braunfels area planning and growth issues by working with Government leaders for the betterment of the Community.

Some of Our Recent Meetings:
CASE Hosts Presentation by NB Mayor Pro-Tem Kathleen Krueger -
As the City of New Braunfels grows, the City Council is making critical decisions which have great impacts reaching far beyond the city limits. Kathleen Krueger gave us the “ABC’s” of how the city government works and how those residents, living in the ETJ (extra territorial jurisdiction) and the county can work with and influence City Council decisions, even without the power of the vote.