McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission members recommended approval of a rezoning request for the site that would allow higher building heights in a 5-1 vote at a July 9 meeting. Commission Chair Bill Cox voted against recommending the rezoning request and commission member Bry Taylor was absent from the meeting.
The details
The applicant requested to change the zoning for the site from a local commercial district zoning to a regional commercial district zoning.
Jake Bennett, a planner with the city of McKinney, said the only notable difference between the zoning districts are the building heights allowed. The local commercial district zoning allows for building heights up to 45 feet, while the requested zoning would allow for up to 55 feet, according to city documents.
Andrew Yoeh, a principal with Triangle Engineering and representative of the applicant, said the rezoning request would allow for the construction of a four-story hotel, while the current zoning would restrict it to three floors.
Yoeh said the four-floor design is “better looking” and would compliment the neighboring commercial area. He also said the business would be a Hilton brand hotel.
What they’re saying
Tiffany Tesch, a resident of the neighboring Hardin Village neighborhood, said she opposed the zoning change due to the height of the building compared to neighboring structures. She also noted concerns related to traffic, noise and potential impacts to property values.
“I really want to strongly oppose this change because it’s not in keeping with the character of our neighborhood at all,” Tesch said at the meeting.
Two other community members spoke in opposition of the rezoning request, and one letter of opposition was submitted to city staff. Other concerns mentioned include safety and the proximity of the planned hotel to neighboring Cockrill Middle School.
City planning staff recommended approval of the rezoning request due to the minimal changes between the zoning types and the adjacency to neighboring commercial developments, Bennett said. He also noted the development would be setback over 100 feet from the nearest residence due to a roadway, Bois D Arc Road, between the site and adjacent neighborhood.
Commission member Russell Buettner noted that the property would currently allow for a three-story hotel to be built without rezoning.
“Is that going to make a difference to the community?” Buettner said of the height change. “I understand the hold back on having a hotel but the property owner can build a hotel [now], so for that reason, I would support this change.”
Looking ahead
The item, including the planning and zoning commission’s recommendation, will be considered for final action by McKinney City Council members at an Aug. 6 meeting, Cox said.
