The Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission approved 500 apartment homes at Preston Road and Brookhollow Boulevard on March 14.[/caption]

During Tuesday’s regular meeting, the Frisco Planning and Zoning Commission approved 500 apartment homes on five lots on 45 acres on the north and south sides of Brookhollow Boulevard at Preston Road.

According to preliminary site plans the development will include open space, and the developer, Rudman Partnership, is expected to remove 57 trees.

Former Commissioner Will Russell was present during the meeting and gave public input about the project. Russell said he has known about the project since 2008.

He also said he understands that density and apartments have been buzz words during City Council elections with some candidates promising to stop apartment developments in Frisco.

The item was listed under the consent agenda, meaning it is routine and noncontroversial according to the city.

“While this item may be considered by some to be controversial, it is indeed routine,” Russell said. “In the state of Texas property owners have rights. And those rights include that if their land is zoned for specific use, and someone wants to buy that land and put it to that specific use, then the steps for that to come about are administrative and considered routine.”

Commissioner Jon Kendall said it is important for people to understand how the process works.

Commissioner Rob Cox said the only reason to deny a project is for public safety concerns.

Frisco Development Services Director John Lettelleir said the next step for the developer is to submit construction plans, and as of now there is no timeline for the project.