The gist
The study, conducted by independent consultants Economic & Planning Systems, considered strategies to preserve east side neighborhoods and prevent displacement in the face of ongoing redevelopment efforts, according to city documents.
The evaluation focused on McKinney’s five historic east side neighborhoods: La Loma-Lively Hill, Lewisville, Mouzon-Central, Rockwall and Wilcox. The results of the study, which began in early 2022, were first considered by council members in December and again in January.
The consultants evaluated information such as economic and demographic trends, the housing inventory, sources of growth pressure due to redevelopment efforts, and more. The study also included surveys of residents and stakeholders, according to city documents.
By the numbers
The study considered aspects of east McKinney such as ownership data, the condition of residential and commercial properties, wages, commuting patterns, and more.
The study concluded roughly 3,500 residents in the affected neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable to displacement when compared to the rest of McKinney. About 69% of surveyed residents also indicated they intend to remain in their home for 10 or more years, according to the report.
A community survey included in the study also noted financial support programs would be beneficial in overcoming challenges faced by affected residents. Of the 309 survey respondents, 40% said a financial assistance program for major or minor home repair costs would be beneficial, while 35% identified that financial assistance for a down payment would be beneficial.
Going forward
The finalized East McKinney Neighborhood Preservation Plan included five recommended strategies for improving housing quality and affordability as well as residents’ ability to remain in east McKinney.
Recommended strategies outlined in the preservation plan include:
- Implementing a Community Land Trust, an organization that owns land and utilizes long-term ground leases for homes on the land. This strategy can preserve affordability for residents that own homes on the land, according to city documents. Council members voted to designate $1 million for the program at an August 2022 meeting.
- Implementing a rental inspection and rehabilitation program that offers funding for rental property rehabilitation in return for affordability requirements
- Creating a low- or no-cost loan program to fund the construction of accessory dwelling units, or ADUs. These units can provide multigenerational housing or additional earnings through rental income, according to city documents
- Increasing education and outreach on existing city programs, including the homeowner rehabilitation program and a clear title program in development.
- Expanding the boundaries of Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 1 and incentivizing the development of affordable housing and other community benefits in projects that receive TIRZ funding
“If we can find ways to improve quality while maintaining affordability, then I think those are efforts that we should make,” Council Member Justin Beller said at a December meeting.
Learn more
To find out more about the East McKinney Neighborhood Preservation Plan, visit www.mckinneytexas.org/3340/studies.
