1. Cellular tower development could improve service in southwest McKinney, officials say
As development of telecommunication structures continues in southwest McKinney, city officials are considering ways to improve cellular coverage in the area. Residents in the area, a roughly 4,000-acre section of the city south of Silverado Trail and McKinney Ranch Parkway but north of SH 121, have reported weak cellular service, according to a presentation at a Feb. 4 McKinney City Council work session. City staff presented an update on existing cellular towers as well as cellular towers under construction in the area.
2. McKinney’s Hall Library to see new planetarium, other upgrades in “reimagining” project
McKinney’s downtown library is set to see a renovation project that will add a planetarium, new gathering spaces and other upgrades by 2026. The city-led project, which began in 2023, will also displace services at Roy and Helen Hall Memorial Library for a number of months during the construction period, city officials said. City council members unanimously approved a resolution at a Jan. 21 meeting to allow $30 million in certificates of obligation to be issued to fund both the project at Hall Library, as well as the renovation project at the McKinney Performing Arts Center.
3. McKinney leaders select construction manager for airport expansion project
Swinerton, a construction company, will serve as the construction manager at risk for the pre-construction phase of the expansion project at McKinney National Airport. Council members approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with the company at a Feb. 18 meeting. The project, which received site plan approval in January, will bring a 45,000-square-foot commercial passenger service terminal to the east side of McKinney National Airport by late 2026.
4. McKinney leaders lend support to proposed $31M affordable senior housing project
A new affordable senior housing development is proposed for a 3.7-acre site in south McKinney, and McKinney leaders have expressed support for the project. The project by privately owned global real estate company Palladium would add 110 units, with 74% of units offered at below market rate, city documents state. McKinney City Council members approved a resolution of support for the project in a 5-1 vote at a Feb. 4 meeting.
5. McKinney to implement citywide license plate camera system
McKinney roadways will soon see Flock Safety cameras, an automated license plate recognition system, added to enhance the city's public safety efforts. City Council members unanimously approved a resolution to allow for the execution of a multi-use agreement with the Texas Department of Public Transportation to install the cameras on TxDOT right-of-way within the city as part of the consent agenda at a Jan. 21 meeting.
