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McKinney’s TIRZ Number Two board focused on airport development, approving funding tied to future expansion at McKinney National Airport. Members corrected past meeting records, reviewed the purpose of the reinvestment zone created in 2010, and voted to support infrastructure needed to open the airport’s east side for future projects.

Board reminded why the TIRZ was created

City staff explained the reinvestment zone was established in 2010 to help grow the airport. The plan focused on business aviation, airport security and access improvements, and preparing the airport for possible passenger service in the future. Officials said the funding request fits those goals because infrastructure is required for airport development regardless of passenger service.

$8M request funds basic airport infrastructure

The city asked the board to approve $8 million from the TIRZ fund balance to build infrastructure on the east side of McKinney National Airport. The project includes water lines, sewer lines, fiber optics, underground utilities, roads, and parking needed to support aviation development. Staff said these upgrades are the first step that allows development to move to the east side of the runway.

Airport land on west side nearly full

Officials told the board the west side of the airport is quickly filling up. Projects like the Cirrus facility, the Encore Wire hangar, and other aviation developments are using much of the available property. Because of that, future airport growth will require shifting development to the east side.

TIRZ finances and revenue discussed

Staff said the TIRZ is expected to have about $12 million in its fund balance this fiscal year and currently generates roughly $3 million per year. While airport infrastructure itself is not taxable, future development tied to the airport could increase tax revenue in the reinvestment zone and surrounding areas.

Airport economic impact expected to grow

Officials said the airport currently generates about $330 million in economic impact annually. With future development, including projects enabled by this infrastructure, that number could rise to nearly $400 million per year across the region.

Board approves funding request

After discussion about long term airport growth and tax impact, the board voted to approve the $8 million infrastructure funding request. The motion passed in a 7 to 1 vote.

What Happens Next

With TIRZ approval secured, the infrastructure funding moves forward as part of the city’s airport expansion plans. City officials will continue advancing contracts and construction planning for the east side development, while additional airport projects and their economic impact are expected to return to the board and city council in future meetings.

McKinney’s Historic Preservation Advisory Board handled several preservation related requests during its March 5 meeting, including a historic marker application, a tax incentive tied to home rehabilitation work, and the demolition of a detached shed. All three agenda items were approved unanimously by the board.

Historic marker approved for Davis-Lucas House

Board members approved a historic marker for the Davis-Lucas House at 210 S. Bradley Street. The home was built around 1888 in a Gothic Revival / Folk Victorian style and sits on a pier-and-beam foundation with wood siding and steep cross-gabled rooflines.

The house was originally constructed by the William Davis family, who helped establish McKinney by donating 120 acres in 1848–1849 for the city’s founding. It was later owned by the Lucas family, who operated Lucas Studio, a photography studio run from the front of the home for many years.

According to the presentation, Mrs. Lucas raised 11 children in the house and continued living there until her death in 1948. While the structure has seen modifications over the years, most changes occurred at the rear of the home while the front façade remained largely intact.

After hearing from the current homeowners, Jeff and Summer Lindsey, the board voted to approve the historic marker request. The motion passed unanimously with one board member recusing himself from the vote.

Historic tax exemption approved for Brook Lane home

The board also approved a Level II Historic Neighborhood Improvement Zone tax exemption for a home at 408 Brook Lane, built around 1960 in a ranch style.

The Level II program requires at least $10,000 in qualifying improvements, and the homeowner documented $11,085 in work, including furnace replacement, electrical repairs, wiring updates, sewer line repairs, and plumbing improvements.

Although the timing of the improvements did not perfectly match the program’s requirements, staff said the work appeared to be completed in good faith after discussions with the city. The incentive provides a 50 percent exemption on city property taxes for 10 years. The board approved the request unanimously.

Detached shed demolition approved

A third request involved a certificate of appropriateness to demolish a detached shed at 1105 W. Lamar Street.

City staff explained the primary home on the property was built around 1945, but the shed itself was constructed much later in 2016. A tree growing into the structure has caused significant damage, and the owner plans to remove the shed and potentially build a garage elsewhere on the property.

Because the shed is not historic and does not contribute to the character of the property, staff recommended approval. The board unanimously approved the demolition request.

Other updates discussed

Staff also highlighted several preservation related updates, including a recording now available online from McKinney’s “Undertold” Black History Month event. The city also installed historical timeline panels in the downtown breezeway as part of ongoing heritage projects.

Officials said demolition of the old Deaf Services building and former City Hall building is expected sometime this spring as part of the city’s downtown redevelopment effort. The structures are outside the historic overlay district.

What Happens Next

With airport expansion plans advancing and preservation projects moving ahead, city officials are balancing future economic development with protecting historic character. More airport projects and downtown redevelopment updates are expected to return to boards and council in the coming months.

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McKinney Planning and Zoning tackled a long list Tuesday, from a warehouse tree-removal request to a new drive-thru, the Cannon Beach surf park rezoning, and several annexation-related zoning cases. Most items passed 7-0 and several now head to City Council for final action on April 7.

Warehouse Plan Wins After Tree Debate

Commissioners approved a design exception for the McKinney Airport Crossroads warehouse near future Spur 399 and County Road 317. The applicant said 26 floodplain trees would be removed, but promised extra landscaping, 40 added trees, and a $35,857 payment to the city tree fund. Staff still recommended denial, but the commission approved it 7-0.

Drive Thru Permit Moves To Council

A drive-thru restaurant at 8360 West University Drive won unanimous approval. Staff said the drive-thru sits within 200 feet of a residential property line, so a special permit was required. The plan includes office buildings, fencing, and shrubs to buffer the nearby home. The case now goes to City Council on April 7.

Cannon Beach Surf Park Gets First Green Light

Commissioners approved the Cannon Beach rezoning request at Stacy Road and Highway 121. The proposal includes a surf lagoon, hotel, restaurants, entertainment, and open space. Residents raised concerns about noise, lighting, security, taxes, and traffic. The board still voted 7-0 to recommend approval, sending it to City Council for final action April 7.

37 Acres Near FM 1461 Approved For Homes

The commission approved zoning about 37 acres south of FM 1461 for R5 residential, which allows small-lot single-family homes. Staff said the request fits the city’s long-term plan for the area. That case also moves to City Council on April 7, along with a related annexation request.

Annexation Cases Push More Land Toward City Control

Commissioners also approved seven zoning cases tied to old pre-annexation agreements that expired after 10 years. Most were zoned agriculture or light industrial so current uses can continue for now. Some County Road 317 residents complained about traffic, road conditions, and lack of utilities, but every case still passed 7-0.

McKinney’s commission moved quickly, but the bigger decisions are not final yet. Cannon Beach, the drive-thru, the housing tract, and the annexation zoning cases all head to City Council on April 7, where residents will get another chance to see what moves ahead and what conditions may still be added.

📚 Passport to Spring Break (All Ages)
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Library
A fun kickoff to spring break with activities for kids and families. Expect crafts, games, and a lively library atmosphere to start the week off right.

📖 Family Storytime (All Ages)
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Library
Bring the kids for stories, songs, and a little imagination time. A relaxed way for families to spend a morning together at the library.

♟ Saturday Chess Meetup (All Ages)
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Library
Whether you are a seasoned strategist or just learning the basics, the Saturday chess group welcomes all skill levels for a friendly game.

🏃 McKinney Mile Masters Runner's Club – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
Local runners gather to train, meet neighbors, and log some miles together. Great motivation if you have been meaning to lace up those running shoes.

🏓 Pickleball – SRCC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
SRCC
One of the fastest growing sports around for a reason. Grab a paddle and join other locals for casual matches and good competition.

⚽ Soccer Sparks: Kickin' with the Parents – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
A playful soccer session designed for young players and their parents. Expect laughs, teamwork, and plenty of running around.

⚽ Youth Soccer | Apex Centre
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Apex Centre
Young athletes take the field to build skills, confidence, and teamwork in a supportive setting.

⚽ Soccer Sparks: Kick the Ball! – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
A beginner friendly soccer program focused on the basics. Perfect for kids learning to control the ball and enjoy the game.

💃 Jasmine's Beat: Adaptive Fusion Dance – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
A welcoming dance program blending movement and music for participants of all abilities. High energy, inclusive, and fun.

🎨 Watercolor Doodle: “Bird in Flight” – SRCC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
SRCC
A relaxed art session where participants explore watercolor techniques while creating a simple bird in flight painting.

🏀 Basketball Elevate Your Game – RCTL
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
RCTL
Players focus on skill development and game awareness in a structured basketball training session.

⚽ Soccer Sparks: Youth Soccer! Ages 6–9 – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
A youth soccer session tailored for kids ready to build confidence with passing, shooting, and teamwork.

🕺 Another Level Dance – Hip-Hop – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
High energy hip hop routines designed for dancers ready to learn new moves and perform with confidence.

⚽ Soccer Sparks: Youth Soccer! Ages 9–12 – OSRC
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
OSRC
Older youth players sharpen soccer skills while enjoying fast paced drills and friendly play.

💃 Round Dancing Classes | Apex Centre
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Apex Centre
Classic round dancing lessons where partners move together through choreographed patterns. A little exercise, a little elegance.

🏀 Youth Basketball Ages 8–13 | Apex Centre
📅 March 14 | Start Time to End Time
Apex Centre
Young players practice the fundamentals of basketball while getting plenty of game time and team experience.