Approved motel next to Fort Worth elementary school sparks community outrage

At a heated public meeting in Keller ISD on Wednesday night, parents and teachers expressed fury following the City of Fort Worth’s approval of plans to construct a Studio 6 Motel just a few feet away from an elementary school.

Concerned parents at Basswood Elementary School voiced apprehensions about the safety of their children, prompting the school district to announce its intention to pursue legal action to halt construction.

The meeting, overseen by Fort Worth District 4 City Councilman Charlie Lauersdorf, commenced with an explanation of the zoning change that permitted the construction of the Studio 6 motel adjacent to the school. Lauersdorf’s explanation was abruptly interrupted by Keller ISD Superintendent Dr. Tracy Johnson, who asserted that the city failed to adequately inform the district about the zoning alteration.

Dr. Johnson criticized the city’s notification process, highlighting that the district received notification through outdated channels and an incorrectly addressed postcard.

As tensions rose, parents in attendance began shouting questions, demanding to know if the councilman intended to halt the project. Lauersdorf responded that they could not stop the project, sparking further outcry from the crowd.

Numerous parents and teachers expressed concerns about the potential risks to students posed by the motel’s proximity, including worries about trespassing and human trafficking. They called for more comprehensive safety measures and expressed disappointment in the decision-making process.

The project’s owner, Dev Surati, defended the motel plan, arguing that the school was situated in a commercial district, citing the presence of neighboring commercial establishments like Home Depot.

Amidst the chaos, Councilman Lauersdorf reversed course, pledging immediate action to halt the project and convene a meeting with city officials and district representatives to address the issue.

Superintendent Johnson echoed Lauersdorf’s sentiment, announcing the district’s intention to intervene legally to prevent further construction.

Prior to the meeting, NBC 5 sought a statement from the ownership group responsible for the planned Studio 6 motel. The company expressed its anticipation for opening the motel, emphasizing its affordability and convenience for visitors to nearby medical facilities and universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.