Government
BY JACQUELYN BURRER
Plano to evaluate alternative transit
Austin Ranch townhomes approved A new housing development off Wind- haven Parkway is moving forward following council approval. What it means At their Nov. 24 meeting, Plano City Council members approved a zoning change for the development, with several recom- mended conditions to require setbacks, add screening and remove access to Red Wolf Lane. The developer asked for a zoning change that would rezone 3.2 acres from agricul- tural to single-family residential. The property, located at the southwest corner of Windhaven Parkway and Midway Road, will include 15 single-family attached townhome units with detached garages, according to city documents.
Negotiating a stay
A rail-focused city proposal would keep Plano with DART, with the agency returning sales tax to the city.
2026: 25% return 2027: 35% return 2028: 45% return 2029-2031: 50% annual return
Plano officials have moved forward with the Collin County Connects Committee, a citizen-led group to identify the city’s alternative local transit system. At their Nov. 24 meeting, Plano City Council members appointed 12 members to the committee, which will be chaired by former Plano Mayor Phil Dyer. Some context Plano residents will vote on whether the city should stay with Dallas Area Rapid Transit on May 2, 2026, unless an agreement between the city and agency is met prior to March 18. After calling the election at a special meeting Nov. 5, Plano officials formally asked DART to consider a six-year, rail-focused transit agreement as an alternative to the expected election. January election to fill council seat Plano residents will head to the polls early next year to fill Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer’s seat on the Plano City Council. What you need to know Holmer announced her resignation as she launched a campaign for Precinct 4 of the Collin County Commissioners Court, which represents most of Plano and Allen. The county seat will be up for election in 2026. Plano City Council members formally accepted Holmer’s resignation at their Oct. 27 meeting.
SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Zooming in The proposal details a six-year agreement under which DART would continue providing rail service and express buses in Plano but discontinue “all standard bus, demand-response and other non-rail transit services within the city” by Jan. 1, 2029. The committee members will consider transit options and “evaluate factors like accessibility, safety, cost, wait times, connectivity and cleanli- ness,” according to the city’s website. The com- mittee will share its recommendation with City Council Dec. 16, according to city documents. 215-acre Lavon Farms moves forward The Lavon Farms development in east Plano is moving forward following final approval from city officials. The gist At their Dec. 8 meeting, Plano City Council members approved rezoning the property from agricultural to residential community design—a designation created by Plano’s Envision Oak Point Plan, which aims to strategically develop and connect northeast Plano. Planning Director Christina Day said the zoning designation was created in 2021 and requires a “governance association,” such as a homeowners association, to manage amenities and open space. The 215-acre Lavon Farms development is planned to include: • 626 single-family residential units • 1,052 multifamily units • 37 acres of open space, including 10 acres of parks, a micro farm and ranch “We’re executing the vision that was really provided to us by the community stakeholders,”
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Trammel Crow Company Principal Kevin Hickman said. High Street Residential, a residential subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company, is the developer overseeing the Lavon Farms project. Some context The Envision Oak Point Plan was adopted in 2018 and includes Lavon Farms, Assembly Park, Collin College Spring Creek Campus, Oak Point Recreation Center and the Plano Event Center. Assistant Planning Director Michael Bell said Lavon Farms is a “key catalyst site” for Envision Oak Point. Hickman said Nov. 17 they would expect to break ground on the first phase of the project before the end of 2026.
Special election timeline
Nov. 11-Dec. 1 : filing period for candidates Dec. 31 : last day to register to vote Jan. 14-27 : early voting Jan. 31 : election day April 4 : runoff election, if needed
SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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