McKinney City Council members voted to approve the zoning request during an Aug. 19 meeting. The action came almost a month after the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval in July.
The gist
After council action, about 3.6 acres near the northwest corner of Bridgeport Road and North Lake Forest Drive will be zoned as a planned development that allows for townhomes. The land was previously zoned for office development.
The zoning case was brought forward by the McKinney Housing Finance Corporation, a nonprofit arm of the city that aims to create affordable housing opportunities.
The proposed townhomes would meet all of the city’s typical design standards except for the front and rear yard setbacks which would be reduced, according to a city document. The zoning also requires about one acre be dedicated as common areas for open space within the development.
A 15-foot-wide common area will run along the west side of the site adjacent to the existing single-family development located to the west. City staff recommended approval of the zoning request, city Planning Manager Caitlyn Strickland said.
What they’re saying
Resident Paul Lyman, who lives near the proposed development, returned to speak during public comment. Lyman voiced concerns about water drainage capacity and design of the townhomes.
The stormwater inlet currently available to the existing neighborhood is already at capacity, Lyman said. More modifications will be needed in the future to address stormwater runoff, he said.
“My biggest concern in our development is that stormwater runoff and how that'll be addressed,” he said. “Right now, it’s at capacity and it’s going to have to be increased to take the runoff off of here,”
Lyman also said he would like to see brick veneer on at least the first story of the townhomes and architectural shingles for the roofs.
Council member Patrick Cloutier said the council has “every appetite” to make the project successful and that means accommodating the needs of nearby residents.
“I’ll certainly be advocating for that as we move forward,” Cloutier said.
Council member Michael Jones said he lives nearby as well and drives past the site every day.
“I know exactly what you’re talking about with the drainage and the potential issues there,” he said. “I think we will be able to address that."
