The proposal called for the existing lot to be separated into four tracts, allowing the applicant to build four duplexes–each containing four bedrooms. The project would have a total of eight units. Currently the area is zoned for single-family residential.
The development would be directly next to the Mt. Pilgrim Freewill Baptist Church, and a number of community members expressed their opposition to the project. Many of the concerns stemmed from the idea of duplexes bringing in temporary residents and the demand instead being for single-family residences.
Commissioners ultimately agreed with the residents.
“I think it would be a disservice to allow duplexes on single-family [zoning],” commissioner Christopher Haeckler said.
Commissioner Bill Cox also voted to deny the development but said he had to “greatly disagree with the way we label renters as second-class.”
The request to rezone will be sent to McKinney City Council on July 21 with a negative recommendation from commissioners.
