Silver Line Station Areas Plan nearing end of first phase in Plano

The first phase of Plano’s planning for the Silver Line project is nearing its end.

The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission discussed a presentation from city staff outlining the findings of the first phase of its Silver Line Station Areas Plan during its Dec. 5 meeting. Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Silver Line project is a $1.8 billion regional commuter train that would have stations at 1101 Shiloh Road and 1180 12th St. in Plano.

The Silver Line Station Areas Plan is looking to best support the installation of two major transit stations as the city will “encourage development within walking distance of existing and planned transit stations,” according to the agenda item. Those pedestrian-focused areas centered around train systems are called transit-oriented developments, or TODs.

The first phase of Plano’s plan consisted of analyzing the existing zoning and conditions of the transit areas.

The report found that TODs are most successful as “dense, diverse, walkable and connected” areas, according to the agenda item. City staff also suggested the 12th Street station would be more supportive of a TOD and that certain zoning changes may be needed in the future.

The second phase of the project will focus on outlining the goals and vision for the project as well as community outreach.

Plano Senior Mobility Planner Jason Aprill said the report for the first phase will serve as a launching pad for the project.

“This report is the bedrock of our analysis,” Aprill said during the Dec. 5 meeting. “As we start working in the community and putting together some concept plans, you’ll have a better feeling about how many units of X, Y or Z we need and whether it matches with the comprehensive plan.”