The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission held a workshop June 29 in which residents offered input for the city’s third comprehensive plan. The Plano Tomorrow plan outlines the city’s development strategy for the next 20 to 30 years.

Board members and staff discussed ways in which Plano’s land use and the expansion of its transportation infrastructure would be vital in supporting the city’s growing needs. The commission will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. Sept. 21, during which it is expected to adopt the new plan.

Senior Planner Steve Sims outlined several ways in which the city should incorporate more public transit options while maintaining existing roadways and strengthening its housing stock in order to reduce traffic congestion and commute times.

“No matter what happens in our city, much is going to happen in our neighboring cities and [commuters] will be traveling through our city,” Sims said. “If nothing is done, traffic conditions will get worse from downtown Dallas through Collin County all the way to Grayson County.”

Historically, Plano’s comprehensive plan has been in a printed format and could only be accessed in person or downloaded through an online PDF file. Plano became the first Texas community this year to launch its interactive, web-based plan.

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The plan, which can be viewed at www.planotomorrow.org, will guide decision makers on issues, such as infrastructure, housing and transportation, includes community feedback that has been collected during the drafting process since 2013.

Residents have expressed concern over the incorporation of multifamily housing for infill development as vacant land in Plano becomes more scarce. City Council has approved several townhome and mid-rise residential projects throughout the city in the past several months, leading some residents to question if growth could lead to increased urbanization.

“The challenge is balancing what we like about Plano today and how we want it to be 30 years from now,” Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kayci Prince said. “If we’re not progressing we’re moving backward, and I don’t believe in being stagnant.”

Commissioner Forrest Hicks said he believed the Plano Tomorrow plan would allow for the right mix of multifamily housing needed to accommodate the growing population.

“I don’t think there is any desire to get rid of the suburban form,” Hicks said. “There will have to be some redevelopment, but all in all the suburban form is going to stay. I don’t think that means there should be no growth in Plano. I think the way staff has put together this plan is very advantageous.”

Step 1

July 2013-January 2014: The city of Plano sends surveys to the public to identify issues.

Step 2

February 2014-October 2014: Planners work with an advisory committee to identify policies and actions based on public comments.

Step 3

November 2014-February 2015: The Planning Department confirms policies and actions with the public.

Step 4

September 21, 2015: The  Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing to adopt the plan. October 2015: Plano City Council holds a public hearing to adopt the plan.

How to get involved:

Visit www.planotomorrow.org, email [email protected] or call 972-941-7151

Sherelle Black contributed to this report.