The City of Schertz held a strategic planning retreat on February 7, 2025, focusing on the rapid development in the southern region and the necessary infrastructure improvements to support this growth. The meeting highlighted several key developments, including Saddle Brook, Carmel, and Crossvine, which are currently underway and contributing to a significant increase in housing construction.
City officials noted that the ongoing $7.37 billion project along major highways is expected to accelerate development in the area, particularly along Highway 1518. This growth will have substantial implications for city services, especially in wastewater management. The city is currently relying on existing lift stations to manage sewer flow, but with the anticipated increase in housing, there is an urgent need to expand the wastewater treatment plant.
The meeting addressed two major challenges: the expansion of the wastewater treatment facility and the construction of the Cibolo West sewer line. The latter is crucial for servicing new developments and will allow for the decommissioning of older lift stations. City officials emphasized the importance of planning for these infrastructure projects now, as they require extensive time for alignment studies, easement acquisitions, and construction.
Additionally, the Schertz Seguin Local Government Corporation (SSLGC), which supplies over 95% of the city's water, is conducting a capacity study to assess future water needs. The city is also evaluating its partnership with the Cibolo Valley Local Government Corporation (CVLGC), which currently lacks infrastructure.
The discussions underscored the necessity for proactive measures to accommodate the expected influx of new residents and developments, ensuring that the city can maintain essential services without interruption. The city council is expected to continue addressing these infrastructure needs in upcoming meetings, with a focus on timely action to prevent potential moratoriums on new housing developments.