Plano planning and zoning officials backed a plan Monday for a large mixed-use development along SH 121 despite objections from a vocal group of residents intent on slowing an influx of new apartments and townhomes to the area.
The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission at its Monday meeting approved a zoning change and concept plan for the proposed Mustang Square development. The proposed mix of office space, retail, restaurants, hotels, single-family residences, apartments and townhomes requires Plano City Council approval before developers can move forward with a residential component.
If approved, the 38.7-acre Mustang Square development would be located at one of Plano’s more prominent undeveloped tracts of land southwest of SH 121 and Rasor Boulevard.
Plano residents who made it to Monday’s public hearing were mostly critical of the proposed development, arguing the additional multi-family communities could worsen traffic on the already crowded roadways and depress home values in nearby neighborhoods.
But developers insist the proposed Mustang Square would be better for nearby neighborhoods than the existing zoning, which allows for offices and retail but not residential construction. Developers said the project must incorporate a residential component for its anticipated economic benefit to the businesses they would like to attract.