On Tuesday, McKinney City Council approved the expansion and renovation of the John and Judy Gay Library, rezoning of the Merritt Homes complex, and other agenda items. Here is a recap of the meeting:

1. Accessibility improvements in downtown area

[caption id="attachment_258871" align="alignright" width="355"] Accessibility improvements in the downtown area will take place along the highlighted roads.[/caption] The council approved a $173,738.20 contract with Civil Consulting Group for engineering design services for accessibility improvements in the downtown area. The project will add a sidewalk on one side of the road along the following streets:

• Lamar Street from Sherman Street to McDonald Drive
• Hunt Street from Board to Chestnut streets
• Virginia Parkway from Benge to Church streets
• Louisiana Street from Benge to Church streets
• Davis Street from Church Street to McDonald Drive
• Benge Street from Virginia Parkway to Louisiana Street
• Church Street from Lamar to Davis streets
• Kentucky Street from Lamar to Hunt streets
• Tennessee Street from Walker to Herndon streets

2. Citizens petition US 380 bypass

Nearly a dozen residents spoke during Tuesday's public comment period to oppose the proposed US 380 bypass. McKinney resident Tracy Thomas presented council with a petition she said had more than 1,000 signatures in opposition to the bypass. The bypass, which would run through the Walnut Grove subdivision located off Custer Road and US 380, is one of several road projects proposed to alleviate congestion in the county.

3. John and Judy Gay Library renovation, expansion

The council also approved a $15,000 contract with Pogue Construction Co. to expand and renovate John and Judy Gay Library, located at 6861 Eldorado Parkway, McKinney. Progue constructed the John and Judy Gay Library when it was first built in 2009.

4. Merritt Homes to be rezoned

[caption id="attachment_189176" align="alignright" width="355"] Merritt Homes complex, located on North Tennessee Street north of downtown McKinney, was built in the 1960s and has infrastructure issues.[/caption] Council members also approved a request to rezone the Merritt Homes complex at 1200 N. Tennessee St., McKinney, from general residence district to planned development district for multifamily residential uses. The new complex will have 80-136 units, applicant J. Martin Sanchez said. The complex will also incorporate village greens, open space, a business center, a playground, barbecue grill and fitness center into the development, according to a letter of intent written to the city. Sanchez said current Merritt Homes residents will be relocated during the redevelopment, although site and design plans are still in the works.