TEMPLE-BEAUDRY : School, Neighbors Hail Street Closure

School officials and area residents are praising a once-controversial decision to close a busy street adjacent to Belmont High School on weekdays.

Last month, the City Council approved a measure to close a section of Loma Drive on the west side of the school, which is at 1575 W. 2nd St.

Marta Bin, principal of Belmont High, said the closure was part of an effort to improve safety for the school’s 4,500 students. The street, which Bin said had been plagued by drive-by shootings and drug sales, is now closed from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays.

Tony Perez, a spokesman for Councilman Mike Hernandez, said the council action was a first step toward a plan to permanently close Loma Drive and expand the school to an adjacent lot. Bin said the expansion will include construction of 20 classrooms and the roadway may eventually be converted into a grassy area for students.

Though some area residents said they initially opposed the street closure, many now praise the move as an effective method of decreasing crime and loitering.

“It is a lot better, a lot safer now,” said Michelle Munoz, who lives a block from the school. “At first, people complained, but now they say it’s safer for the kids and will help to avoid accidents.”