Neighbors press commission over traffic, screening and noise as Red Oak HS stadium plan advances with 'sound and visual' barrier condition

A zoning change to allow construction of a track and stadium at Red Oak High School was approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission after neighbors pressed the commission for stronger screening, traffic mitigation and limits on lighting.

Staff presented the plan for a smaller stadium (about 880 seats) intended primarily for track and soccer, with a 251‑space parking lot adjacent to the stadium. Ben said the high‑school stadium is intended to reduce busing to the middle school for track meets and that the materials would match existing campus buildings.

Multiple neighbors, led by Amber Jones and Michelle Blake, spoke in opposition or with questions. Residents raised several concerns: the absence of a traffic impact analysis for peak event traffic, proximity of parking to backyards, long‑term maintenance of existing masonry walls and whether the district would provide effective screening. Amber Jones asked: "Has there been a TIA done?" and said, "Traffic over there is already obnoxious." Other residents submitted letters citing noise, light pollution, trespass, and possible decreases in property values.

Commissioners discussed options including berms, masonry walls and concrete panel walls and asked staff whether they could table the item for a district feasibility review of a solid wall. Staff confirmed the commission has authority to table the item or recommend conditions; commissioners ultimately approved the zoning with an added requirement that a "sound and visual barrier" be installed along the neighborhood edge from Louise Ritter to Lowrance Road. The vote passed with three ayes and one nay recorded.

What happens next: the zoning recommendation with the added barrier suggestion will be part of the record for city council review and the school district will need to respond to feasibility and maintenance questions during design and final plan submissions.