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2012 Fall Remembrances Newsletter 1 Remembrances Newsletter of the Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Fall Edition 2012 Comal Settlement History Book Published and in its Third Printing There has been popular demand for the book titled: Comal, Texas – Community Based On Faith, Family and Sacrifice. This was a collaborative research and publishing effort of the Committee and the families that constitute the Comal Settlement Association (descendants of Comal, Texas founding settlers). The first and second printing of the book has sold out quickly. A third printing has been received. Books can be ordered by contacting Dean Weirtz via e-mail (weirtz1@yahoo.com) or by a phone call to Dean at 210-651-0394. This book and our previous book on the history of Schertz (Titled: Schertz, Texas – The Story of Great Ancestry, Legacy and Development) would make great Christmas gifts for friends and relatives. The Comal book sells for $10 and the Schertz book sells for $15.00. Members of the Comal Commissioner’s Court and the Schertz City Council received complementary copies of the book on Comal Settlement history. New Committee Member Welcomed A new committee member joined us this quarter. David Roman will bring special skills and credentials to the Committee that should be of assistance as we move forward in the task of preserving our community’s historical landmarks and increasing citizen awareness of the community’s historical past. Unresolved Policy Issues (UDC & City Building Code Amendment) Continue to Deter Committee Action(s) on Landmark Property, Historic District and Heritage Neighborhood Designations The Committee continues in discussions with Brian James, City of Schertz Director of Development in the effort to formulate language that can be incorporated into the City Code and its Unified Development Code (UDC) that will provide adequate policy and 2 guidance for the administration of the Committee’s historic designation program. Discussions also continue regarding the need for City Code and Building Code discussion of restoration and preservation construction processes. Until policy is instituted on the designation program, there will continue to be a halt to any additional historical designation awards. Satellite Historical Mini-Gallery Established at Randolph Field Reality Company In September the Committee placed several of its Randolph Air Force Base historical photo artifacts in place at the Randolph Field Reality Company’s (500 Main Street) conference room. The photos depict the historical development of Randolph Field from its early beginnings to present. It is thought that the photos will be much appreciated by the many Randolph military, civilians and retirees who visit the reality office in search of housing in the area. This marks the fourth satellite placement of our historical photo inventory. Other locations where mini-galleries exist include the Schertz Senior Center, the Schertz Visitor’s Center and Java Nook Coffee House. The idea of someday having a central museum still sparks our interest but no resources exist as of now for such a venue. Fall Edition of REMEMBRANCES Special Edition Articles Published This quarter’s articles address the settlement patterns (“German Migration Belt”) of the first German immigrants to settle in south central Texas during the decade from 1843- 1853 as well as unique and historic preservation/conservation initiatives being undertaken by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources with assistance from the Texas A&M Veterinary School. In a third article, the Schertz Mayoral election history is discussed in light of the up coming November 2012 election. Builder, Business Owner and Developer Make Inquiries about Historic Theme Applications to Their Respective Projects Discussions were held in September with a builder (assisted living project), a business owner (restaurant) and a developer (housing) about applying some form of historic theme elements to their respective projects. Continued discussion will be held in the future as their projects progress. Appeal Made to City Council for Consideration of Property Purchase in Downtown Schertz as an Initial Step Toward Creation of a “Civic Space” per Gateway Planner’s Proposals An email to City Council members encouraged them to consider purchase of the old Schertz Post Office building as the initial action toward implementing recommendations of the Gateway Consulting Group for establishment of a “Civic Space” at the location of the old post office building. In the committee’s view such a “Civic Space” would complement a “Historic District” element of the plan and would be consistent with the planning team’s recommendations.