City council member joins parents to stop motel build planned next to Fort Worth elementary school

A Fort Worth City Council member has pledged to assist a group of parents from a local elementary school in their efforts to prevent the construction of a motel adjacent to their children’s campus.

Despite ongoing construction, parents from Basswood Elementary in Keller ISD remain resolute in their opposition to the Studio 6 Motel being built just a few feet away from the school premises.

Amanda Marin, a parent with a child at Basswood Elementary, expressed her determination, stating, “I’ll do what I have to do.”

Concerns raised by parents primarily focus on potential safety risks such as trespassing and sex trafficking.

Council member Charlie Lauersdorf of District 4 hosted a town hall meeting to address the parents’ apprehensions. The hotel developer outlined safety measures, including the installation of a fence, ample lighting, and security cameras between the properties.

However, some parents, like Moraima Marrero, remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures in deterring criminal activities.

Acknowledging the concerns of residents, Lauersdorf emphasized the importance of listening to their voices and taking appropriate action.

“I heard the residents loud and clear. It’s my job to listen to them,” Lauersdorf affirmed.

He announced plans to organize meetings involving the city’s staff, Keller ISD, their legal teams, and the hotel developer to explore alternative solutions.

Keller ISD’s superintendent has expressed readiness to pursue legal action if necessary to halt the motel’s construction. Lauersdorf assured cooperation from the city in response to any legal orders from the school district.

Parents like Marin expressed their willingness to support efforts to prevent the construction, even if it means bearing additional costs.

The blame, according to Marin and Marrero, lies with the City of Fort Worth and its council members for not opposing the construction or zoning change.

Lauersdorf acknowledged the need for better communication and pledged to implement changes, including clearer signage about proposed zoning changes.

He also disclosed plans to propose policy changes prohibiting hotels from being built near schools and to review similarly zoned properties in his district.

A joint statement released by Lauersdorf and Keller ISD announced a meeting scheduled for Feb. 26 to discuss potential alternatives and solutions regarding the new development.