The City of Brenham is moving to safeguard its water supply as water-intensive businesses expand rapidly.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has proposed new regulations for car washes and data centers to address mounting concerns about water use and environmental impact.

Under these recommendations, new car washes would be capped at 55 gallons of water per vehicle and required to run water reclamation and recycling systems around the clock.

Renovated car washes exceeding 60% of their value would also need to comply, while those with private wells would still need recycling systems but be exempt from usage caps.

A two-mile buffer between car washes is also proposed to prevent oversaturation.

For data centers, proposed rules would restrict them to industrial zones, ban water-based cooling systems, and require a thorough approval process.

These measures head to City Council, signaling a major move toward sustainable growth in Brenham.

Brenham’s City Council is fine-tuning regulations for food trucks to create a fair environment for both mobile food vendors and the broader community.

Recent conversations have focused on the possibility of a dedicated food truck park and the effects of statewide permit changes.

Since October 2021, the city has permitted food truck parks in select zones, with detailed guidelines for operation.

Plans like the “St. Charles Station” food truck park in downtown Brenham are moving forward under these new rules.

A new Texas law, effective July 2026, will shift permitting to a single statewide system, making it easier for mobile food vendors to do business across Texas.

Local restaurant owners are voicing concerns over competition, and the council is working to balance their interests with those of food trucks.

Maintaining Brenham’s unique downtown character and smooth traffic flow remains a central priority as these changes unfold.

Starting Monday, drivers traveling through Brenham’s west side at the US 290 and FM 2679 intersection should expect lane closures and possible delays.

Crew members will be closing lanes throughout the week while installing a new traffic signal as part of a $1 million safety and traffic flow upgrade managed by Cornerstone Construction.

The work also features new turn lanes aiming to ease congestion and improve intersection safety.

Motorists are urged to watch for posted signs, consider alternate routes, and stay alert as the project unfolds.

The Texas Department of Transportation advises drivers to prepare for changes in traffic patterns once the signal goes live, with more updates to follow soon.

Questions about the project can be directed to Bob Colwell at the contact details provided by TxDOT.

The Burton Panthers are gearing up for their Class 2A Division II bi-district playoff run, taking on Evadale in a best-of-three series at West Fork High School.

The Panthers, who finished with a stellar 19-3 record and captured the District 26-2A championship, start the series Thursday at 4:30 p.m., with Game 2 set for Friday and a potential Game 3 on Saturday morning.

Eli Jaeger was dominant in Burton’s recent 14-0 rout of Milano High School, throwing three no-hit innings as the offense exploded early.

Evadale enters the series as the second seed from District 25-2A, holding an 11-10 overall record.

Despite falling to Dallardsville Big Sandy in their latest outing, the Rebels have built momentum with four wins out of their last six, highlighted by a sweep over West Hardin.

The series victor advances to meet either Harper or Bartlett in the area round.