Planning commission approves replat for John Marshall High School to create 120-space parking lot and new drive

The Leon Valley Planning & Zoning Commission approved a vacate-and-replat Nov. 19 that creates a new Lot 19 in Block A and Lot 23 in Block C for Marshall High School Subdivision, a 35.66-acre tract identified as 8000 Lobo Lane. The action clears the way for a new parking area and the extension of John Marshall Drive onto school property.

Staff summarized that the replat does not itself authorize street closures (that was decided earlier by City Council) but it does formalize property boundaries so the district can expand a parking lot and move Robin Road. City staff said the council previously reviewed and gave direction to Northside Independent School District (NISD) about the traffic plan. The replat was presented as the land-use step needed for the construction work the district plans.

Sean Smith of MTR Engineers, who testified during the public hearing, said a traffic-impact analysis (TIA) was prepared and reviewed by both the City of San Antonio and Leon Valley engineers. "The TIA has been reviewed by both the city of San Antonio as well as city of Leon Valley's engineer. They have approved it," he said, adding the proposed configuration includes about 120 parking stalls intended for parent pickup and drop-off to reduce stacking on public roadways.

Residents who spoke at the public hearing expressed two main concerns in the record: the potential for increased traffic in the Monte Robles neighborhood and a worry that construction could affect a waterline. Staff said the waterline concern appears to be a misunderstanding and explained the scope of the replat is the parking-lot footprint; engineers said the project did not show new turning-movement impacts on Huebner (transcribed variously as Hebner/Huebner). A nearby resident warned enforcement of parking restrictions near school events has been inconsistent: "Enforcement is pretty lax when they have games ... probably 50 cars a day will park illegally," one resident said.

Project technical details discussed in the meeting included proposed on-site stormwater detention to manage increased runoff from impervious surfaces, contractor staging areas, and a planned signalized intersection at John Marshall and Eckert Road. Staff also noted the replat packet was mailed to 42 addresses and two written oppositions were received on the revised notice.

After public comment the commission closed the hearing at 7:31 p.m., the commission moved to approve item 4.1 as presented, and the motion passed by voice vote ('Ayes have it'). No roll-call vote totals were read into the record.

Next steps: the replat approval allows applicants to proceed with construction-related permitting and engineering consistent with the approved plans; any additional permits (stormwater, construction staging, utility work) remain subject to review by the city and relevant agencies.