In a nutshell
The commission recommended approval of a proposal for a mixed-use development that would include 501 midrise residential buildings, 33 single-family detached residences, open space, and a hotel and office space across two phases by a 6-2 vote during its Aug. 7 meeting. Commissioners J. Michael Brounoff and Gary Cary voted against the proposal, citing concerns about too much residential development and the prospect of projects that fit better with the Plano Comprehensive Plan.
The first phase of the project would construct 240 midrise units, all the single-family units and the open space with a hotel, remaining 261 mid-rise units and a potential office building coming in the second phase.
However, Bay West Development partner Bryon Wolf said the office building construction would be tied to the development of the second round of multifamily units, meaning they could go unconstructed if the demand for office buildings does not improve down the road. Senior Planner Donna Sepulvado said staff’s recommendation was to deny recommendation for approval based on outstanding noise pollution concerns and too much density in residential development on the land.
Meeting documents indicate the site is the old location of a closed-down Fry’s Electronics that remains vacant.
What they’re saying
Commissioner Michael Bronsky said he appreciated the strides the developer made to make the design accessible for all individuals despite conflicts with future land usage designations.
“I really like what you’ve presented as it relates to universal design,” Commissioner Michael Bronsky said. “I believe that that does provide something of significant value to consider, especially when we consider using the powerful tool of findings to justify things that don’t necessarily fit perfectly within our comprehensive plan.”
Cary said he would have preferred to see a stronger plan for the area, similar to the proposed redevelopment of the EDS campus.
“I personally think for the well-being of Plano that there’s ultimately a better use for this that will be a better engine for our city with maybe more jobs,” Cary said. “As good as all the things these guys have done—and I wish this were somewhere else—the ultimate land use is the issue for me.”
What’s next
The rezoning case will head to council during its Aug. 28 meeting, according to a webpage tracking active zoning cases in the city. Because the Plano Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval, only five votes are needed to approve the project.
