Richardson commission backs Apollo Junior High expansion after traffic-related concessions

The Richardson City Plan Commission voted unanimously Dec. 16 to recommend approval of a Planned Development zoning application (Zoning File 25-18) that would allow the Richardson Independent School District to expand Apollo Junior High School and convert it to a 6–8 middle school.

The commission’s approval came with modifications to the staff-recommended traffic controls: commissioners directed that both left- and right-turn maneuvers be allowed onto Amherst Avenue and removed the staff proposal that would have prohibited on-street parking along a short section of Amherst during morning peak hours. The motion, made by Commissioner Roberts, passed unanimously with five commissioners voting in favor.

The school district and its architects said the project would modernize a compact, 18-acre campus at 1600 Apollo Road. Brian Nelson of HKS Architects told the commission, "The school will be expanding from 126,900 square feet to 206,000 square feet," and described new program elements including a competition gym, a new cafeteria with stage, an enlarged library, and a storm shelter. James Watson, Senior Executive Director of Operations for RISD, said the district’s planning and the 2021 bond…