Northside proposes closing Robin Lane to extend John Marshall Drive to ease high-school drop-off traffic
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Summary
Northside Independent School District presented plans to close Robin Lane and extend John Marshall Drive as part of a multi-phase remodel and parking expansion at John Marshall High School; the city gave tentative approval and will review tree mitigation and other permits in later steps.
Northside Independent School District representatives told the Leon Valley City Council on June 3 that they plan to close Robin Lane and build an extension of John Marshall Drive to improve traffic flow at John Marshall High School, 8000 Lobo Lane.
City Public Works Director Melinda Moritz said the district will remodel the school, expand parking and propose the new road and a traffic signal to reduce drop-off and pick-up backups that also impede emergency vehicle access. "Northside is gonna be remodeling the school and increasing the size of the parking areas and are proposing to construct an extension to John Marshall Drive and close Robin Lane," Moritz told the council.
Northside engineers presented a three-phase construction plan covering interior building work and public roadway changes. Sean Smith, senior vice president at MTR Engineering, showed diagrams that place the roadway extension and reconstructed Bluebird Lane in the project’s final phase and said the district hopes to construct and accept the extension as a public street.
The city faces no immediate cost: Moritz said Northside will pay for construction and that the city would assume maintenance of the new John Marshall Drive once built. Staff recommended “tentative approval” so Northside can proceed with project planning and required city reviews, including planning and zoning and city engineering.
Council members raised items the city will review before final approvals. Councilwoman Mersch asked about tree loss and whether trees will be removed for the parking expansion; Moritz said a tree mitigation survey and tree tagging are required and will be returned to council before final action. Council members also noted the district is seeking a variance from the city’s sidewalk requirement because the neighborhood lacks sidewalks.
Councilor Campos moved tentative approval; Councilor Roscoe seconded. The council voted to carry the motion. Mayor Chris Riley said the city will see Northside back for variance and planting plans.
Next steps listed by staff include submission of the tree survey and mitigation plan, formal variance requests to the planning and zoning commission, building and fire inspections of renovation work, and final council acceptance of the new roadway once it meets city standards.
