Background
The overall vision for East McKinney Redevelopment and Preservation (EMRP) began with public input during the Town Center Study in 2006-2007 which was part of the 2004 Comprehensive Plan and was incorporated into our current One McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan.
Throughout the long planning process for this area, we have actively engaged the public in providing the vision and development direction for the area using our Public Engagement Principals.
Studies
The Town Center Study involved extensive public outreach and collaboration. The study took place in two phases and set the standard for future engagement and cooperation with the public.
- Phase 1: Creating the vision
- Phase 2: Making the vision a reality
- How this relates to East McKinney Redevelopment
The study area was roughly bounded by U.S. 75, U.S. 380, Eldorado Parkway and Airport Drive.
The EMRP area fits into the area of the study that was called the Transit Village.
Phase 1: Creating the Vision
During a city-hosted open house, more than 200 people learned the purpose and existing conditions in the study area, the planned series of public workshops and provided input on different design elements.
Additionally, a series workshops were held reviewing each identified study; Downtown, Transit Village and Corridors. Resident completed activities and provided input that lead to preliminary illustration of what those ideas might look like when developed.
The results were presented to a joint work session of City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission. On March 18, 2008, City Council unanimously approved the Town Center Study Phase 1 Report.
Phase 2: Making the vision a reality
Components of Phase 1 were evaluated and ranked by city officials to prioritize for implementation.
Below is a list of the activities that have occurred since the plan was adopted in 2008, in each activity the Town Center vision remain the same, but the strategies have been adjusted to fit the needs of our growing city.
- City staff incorporated the Town Center Study area into the One McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the successor to the 2004 comprehensive plan, making adjustments as different study components were completed, funding changed or component priorities shifted.
- The same successful public engagement techniques utilized in the Town Center Study were replicated and improved upon with each successive comprehensive plan and on individual projects.
- Development regulations were adjusted to fall into line with the vision expressed in the Town Center Study.
- Strong relationship with the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) and the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) were built around a common vision.
- The city initiated several studies to facilitate development including a Market Feasibility Analysis and a Comprehensive Parking Study.
- The city created the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 1 (TIRZ 1) and the McKinney Town Center (MTC) Zoning District.
Transit Village: EMRP
In 2004, the City of McKinney was eagerly looking forward to the extension of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) line into the city. Looking at the existing DART line, it made logical sense that the path would most likely be near the S.H. 5 corridor.
As a result of this, the city planned for the station in the area roughly bounded by S.H. 5, U.S. 380, Airport Drive and Fitzhugh Street.
Discussions related to the Transit Village encompassed the entire area and planned for a possible extension campus for Collin County Community College.
Read the full report of information related to the Transit Village in the Town Center Study Phase 1 Report. Specifically in:
Note: File contains both vertically and horizontally orientated pages.
ONE McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan
Transit Village: EMRP
In 2004, the City of McKinney was eagerly looking forward to the extension of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) line into the city. Looking at the existing DART line, it made logical sense that the path would most likely be near the S.H. 5 corridor.
As a result of this, the city planned for the station in the area roughly bounded by S.H. 5, U.S. 380, Airport Drive and Fitzhugh Street.
Discussions related to the Transit Village encompassed the entire area and planned for a possible extension campus for Collin County Community College.
2040 Comprehensive Plan: East McKinney Redevelopment
When discussing the Mill District, the ONE McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan reasserts the goals of the Town Center Study and its commitment to the overall redevelopment of this area.
- As a city, we believe that the existing neighborhoods are vital to a thriving future for the area.
- We also believe that Old Settlers Park is a valuable amenity for the area and should be developed to make it more attractive to residents.
- Public infrastructure in this area is among the oldest in McKinney and needs repair or rehabilitation to continue to support residents and businesses.
- Any redevelopment or new construction should be balanced with the preservation of existing neighborhoods in the area, both in terms of use and scale.
Key Focus Areas
- Features include two potential transit stations and two historic cemeteries.
- Infrastructure should be repaired with the end appearance in mind.
- Multi-purpose trails and enhanced pedestrian amenities
Anticipated Investment & Initiatives
- Investment in needed repair and rehabilitation of infrastructure
- Record and celebrate the history of the neighborhoods and buildings.
- Active participation in regional dialogue about funding and location of transit service in Collin County.
- Focused planning, design and economic development incentives for Transit Ready Development in the area surrounding the future transit station.
- Continued refinement of the TIRZ program to encourage rehabilitation of aging structures, adaptive reuse, and other private improvements.
- Consider the creation of a specific development code or other mechanism to ensure that the desired development patterns along the S.H. 5 Corridor are achieved.
- Redesign S.H. 5 through the Mill District according to the S.H. 5 Corridor Master Plan and Town Center Master Plan.
Read the full text of the ONE McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan related to the Mill District