Hi Everyone!  Please see below for an update from Brian Fowler.

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Please join us at the Bear Moon Cafe at 6:30 pm this Thursday, September 27 for an update meeting and Q&A session.

Our response as a town to the possibility of a CVS on Main Street and River Road did not fall onto deaf ears.  Your voices were heard and echoed from CVS’ corporate headquarters in Woonsocket, RI to the hallways of Boerne’s city hall.  I think a pat on the back for each of you is warranted with respect to this worthy effort.  Thanks.

Now what do we do to keep it from potentially happening again?

We have been working actively these past few months to determine what would be required to create and ultimately enact ordinances that would have enough “teeth” in them so that they provide protections from future compromise of our historic district.  How do we change such ordinances to make them better?  How do we educate and encourage current city leaders to see a similar need.  And lastly, how do we get every neighbor (residents, business owners, and property owners) to catch our vision of a Boerne 10-20 years from now that looks more beautiful and feels quainter than it does today?

Tasks ahead of us:

• We want to develop zoning ordinances that limit the types of businesses from entering the historic and surrounding area.  Primarily the emphasis is on limiting “Big Box” or “Chain” stores in addition to current restrictions.  A review of other cities with a similar approach has yielded insight related to their success in maintaining a historic downtown culture while increasing property values.
• We desire creation of “overlay zoning districts” that will not compromise the architectural integrity of our town.  Creation of mandatory standards for the external appearance of any building (new or old), surrounding landscaping, signage, walkways, etc… has to be well defined to provide any new property owner, developer, or remodeler a clear understanding of what must be followed to build in Historic downtown Boerne.  Also this will provide a well-defined standard that will guide the City Manager and staff related to requests to build in the historic district.  The allowance for exceptions, while necessary, will be more limited.
• A survey related to important historical structures in Boerne will be evaluated and a report presented to the city council.  Recommendations to approach property owners, neighborhoods, and business owners will be developed related to these important structures/areas.  Encouragement of the city council to consider new designated historical areas will be pursued.
• Lastly, engage and recruit citizens to be involved with developing, communicating, and activating the items listed above in order to create a better Boerne.  This will require recruitment of all members of our community (residents, business owners, and property owners).

Please join us at the Bear Moon Cafe at 6:30 pm this Thursday, September 27 for an update meeting.

Thanks for your support.

Brian Fowler