Plano South - August 2025

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Plano South Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 10 AUG. 20SEPT. 19, 2025

Tracking DART changes

INSIDE

Riders board a Dallas Area Rapid Transit train July 29 at the Downtown Plano Station. Train frequencies could be reduced starting Jan. 1, 2026, depending on action by the DART board of directors. (Michael Crouchley/ Community Impact)

Also in this issue

E. 16TH ST.

Impacts: Check out the latest business updates in Plano, including a new bakery (Page 67)

Development: See the plan to redevelop the former Fry’s Electronics site (Page 14)

E. 15TH ST.

FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 RECOMMENDED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 RECOMMENDED BUDGET FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2025-2026 RECOMMENDED BUDGET

Last year, the city responded proactively to a challenging financial forecast by accelerating its 5-year fiscal road map, implementing smart policy changes, and studying best practices from other high-performing cities. These efforts— ranging from cost reductions to improved fund balance and fee recovery policies—have placed Plano on a strong financial foundation for the year ahead. While economic pressures like labor scarcity, inflation, and aging infrastructure remain, the city is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. With thoughtful planning, Plano can continue delivering the high-quality services Residents and businesses expect while sustaining its reputation as the City of Excellence. While economic pressures like labor scarcity, inflation, and aging infrastructure remain, the city is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. With thoughtful planning, Plano can continue delivering the high-quality services Residents and businesses expect while sustaining its reputation as the City of Excellence. While economic pressures like labor scarcity, inflation, and aging infrastructure remain, the city is well-positioned to meet these challenges head-on. With thoughtful planning, Plano can continue delivering the high-quality services Residents and businesses expect while sustaining its reputation as the City of Excellence. Last year, the city responded proactively to a challenging financial forecast by accelerating its 5-year fiscal road map, implementing smart policy changes, and studying best practices from other high-performing cities. These efforts— ranging from cost reductions to improved fund balance and fee recovery policies—have placed Plano on a strong financial foundation for the year ahead. Last year, the city responded proactively to a challenging financial forecast by accelerating its 5-year fiscal road map, implementing smart policy changes, and studying best practices from other high-performing cities. These efforts— ranging from cost reductions to improved fund balance and fee recovery policies—have placed Plano on a strong financial foundation for the year ahead.

According to the Collin Central Appraisal District, the market value of the average house in Plano is up 2.1% from last year. We offer the maximum homestead exemption and a senior tax freeze. Plano maintains one of the lowest tax rates and average utility bill among neighboring cities. According to the Collin Central Appraisal District, the market value of the average house in Plano is up 2.1% from last year. We offer the maximum homestead exemption and a senior tax freeze. Plano maintains one of the lowest tax rates and average utility bill among neighboring cities. Preserving and improving City infrastructure is a priority. Your tax dollars maintain and enhance Plano roads, parks and public facilities. The Community Investment Program includes $319 million of projects during FY 2025-26. $121.2 million is earmarked for street projects, including replacement and repairs to existing streets, sidewalks and screening walls, adding turn lanes at intersections and improving Plano’s traffic signals. Some major Parks and Recreation projects include construction of the Oak Point Parks Maintenance Facility, development of Bruce Glasscock Park, renovations at both Harrington and Tejas Parks and the completion of the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center renovations. Several large facility projects, which were included in the 2025 bond referendum approved by Plano voters, will move forward over the next year, including the new Police Headquarters facility and Fire Station #14. Some major Parks and Recreation projects include construction of the Oak Point Parks Maintenance Facility, development of Bruce Glasscock Park, renovations at both Harrington and Tejas Parks and the completion of the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center renovations. Several large facility projects, which were included in the 2025 bond referendum Preserving and improving City infrastructure is a priority. Your tax dollars maintain and enhance Plano roads, parks and public facilities. The Community Investment Program includes $319 million of projects during FY 2025-26. $121.2 million is earmarked for street projects, including replacement and repairs to existing streets, sidewalks and screening walls, adding turn lanes at intersections and improving Plano’s traffic signals. Preserving and improving City infrastructure is a priority. Your tax dollars maintain and enhance Plano roads, parks and public facilities. The Community Investment Program includes $319 million of projects during FY 2025-26. $121.2 million is earmarked for street projects, including replacement and repairs to existing streets, sidewalks and screening walls, adding turn lanes at intersections and improving Plano’s traffic signals. Some major Parks and Recreation projects include construction of the Oak Point Parks Maintenance Facility, development of Bruce Glasscock Park, renovations at both Harrington and Tejas Parks and the completion of the Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center renovations. Several large facility projects, which were included in the 2025 bond referendum approved by Plano voters, will move forward over the next year, including the new Police Headquarters facility and Fire Station #14. approved by Plano voters, will move forward over the next year, including the new Police Headquarters facility and Fire Station #14. According to the Collin Central Appraisal District, the market value of the average house in Plano is up 2.1% from last year. We offer the maximum homestead exemption and a senior tax freeze. Plano maintains one of the lowest tax rates and average utility bill among neighboring cities.

QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE

QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE QUALITY INFRASTRUCTURE

People are at the heart of our city. Team Plano members are proud to serve our community. We invest in our personnel through competitive compensation and growth opportunities. This year's budget includes step increases for public safety positions, an across the board pay increase and the net addition of two new positions. We provide high-value programs and services while continually looking for innovation and efficiencies in City services. Plano’s award-winning departments are recognized for best practices. We provide high-value programs and services while continually looking for innovation and efficiencies in City services. Plano’s award-winning departments are recognized for best practices. Financial stability is key to our city's success. Our balanced budget incorporates sound financial policies, maintaining reserves, paying cash for maintenance items and fully funding enterprise funds through fees. These policies help the City consistently achieve a AAA Bond rating, saving interest costs. They also ensure our ability to weather economic cycles without dramatically impacting service levels for our citizens and businesses. Financial stability is key to our city's success. Our balanced budget incorporates sound financial policies, maintaining reserves, paying cash for maintenance items and fully funding enterprise funds through fees. These policies help the City consistently achieve a AAA Bond rating, saving interest costs. They also ensure our ability to weather economic cycles without dramatically impacting service levels for our citizens and businesses. Financial stability is key to our city's success. Our balanced budget incorporates sound financial policies, maintaining reserves, paying cash for maintenance items and fully funding enterprise funds through fees. These policies help the City consistently achieve a AAA Bond rating, saving interest costs. They also ensure our ability to weather economic cycles without dramatically impacting service levels for our citizens and businesses. People are at the heart of our city. Team Plano members are proud to serve our community. We invest in our personnel through competitive compensation and growth opportunities. This year's budget includes step increases for public safety positions, an across the board pay increase and the net addition of two new positions. People are at the heart of our city. Team Plano members are proud to serve our community. We invest in our personnel through competitive compensation and growth opportunities. This year's budget includes step increases for public safety positions, an across the board pay increase and the net addition of two new positions. We provide high-value programs and services while continually looking for innovation and efficiencies in City services. Plano’s award-winning departments are recognized for best practices.

FINANCIAL POLICIES

AFFORDABILITY

AFFORDABILITY AFFORDABILITY

PERSONNEL

For additional information regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program, visit Plano.gov/RecommendedBudget. If you have questions or comments, email AskPlano@Plano.gov. For additional information regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program, visit Plano.gov/RecommendedBudget. If you have questions or comments, email AskPlano@Plano.gov. For additional information regarding the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Recommended Budget and Community Investment Program, visit Plano.gov/RecommendedBudget. If you have questions or comments, email AskPlano@Plano.gov.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SERVICE DEMANDS/ PROGRAMS

SERVICE DEMANDS/ PROGRAMS SERVICE DEMANDS/ PROGRAMS

Listen to the City’s monthly podcast at InsidePlano.com Sign up for weekly news update from the City of Plano at Plano.gov/News Listen to the City’s monthly podcast at InsidePlano.com Sign up for weekly news update from the City of Plano at Plano.gov/News Listen to the City’s monthly podcast at InsidePlano.com Sign up for weekly news update from the City of Plano at Plano.gov/News

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Property Tax Exemptions Property Tax Exemptions

20% Homestead Exemption Anyone who owns a home in Plano can use a homestead exemption on one property. 20% Homestead Exemption Anyone who owns a home in Plano can use a homestead exemption on one property. Anyone who owns a home in Plano can use a homestead exemption on one property.

If you’re a Homeowner in Plano, you receive a >

If you’re a Homeowner in Plano, you receive a > If you’re a Homeowner in Plano, you receive a >

$575,000

Homestead Exemption Appraised Value

Homestead Exemption Appraised Value Homestead Exemption Appraised Value

Appraised Value

Appraised Value Appraised Value

x20%

Total Deduction - $115,000 Total Deduction - $115,000 Total Deduction - $115,000

Total Deduction = $115,000 New Taxable Property Value $40,000 Senior/Disability Exemption Homeowners who are 65 and over, or disabled, can get an additional property tax exemption. Total Deduction = $115,000 New Taxable Property Value $40,000 Senior/Disability Exemption Homeowners who are 65 and over, or disabled, can get an additional property tax exemption. Total Deduction = $115,000 New Taxable Property Value $40,000 Senior/Disability Homeowners who are 65 and over, or disabled, can get an additional property tax exemption.

= $460,000

If you’re a Senior or have a Disability, you receive an additional >

If you’re a Senior or have a Disability, you receive an additional > If you’re a Senior or have a Disability, you receive an additional >

- $40,000 $460,000

Senior/Disability Exemption Taxable Property Value with Homestead Exemption Senior/Disability Exemption Taxable Property Value with Homestead Exemption Senior/Disability Exemption Taxable Property Value with Homestead Exemption

= $420,000

Taxable Home Value

Taxable Home Value Taxable Home Value

Age 65 and Older or Disabled Tax Freeze Homeowners 65 and over, or disabled, can apply for a tax freeze on their City of Plano taxes. Once frozen, taxes on that home cannot increase as long as you own and live in it. The taxes on your home can go below the tax freeze, but will never go higher as long as you live in that home unless you improve your home. Improvements are things like adding a garage or a bedroom. Your tax freeze will adjust to reflect improvements. Age 65 and Older or Disabled Tax Freeze Homeowners 65 and over, or disabled, can apply for a tax freeze on their City of Plano taxes. Once frozen, taxes on that home cannot increase as long as you own and live in it. The taxes on your home can go below the tax freeze, but will never go higher as long as you live in that home unless you improve your home. Improvements are things like adding a garage or a bedroom. Your tax freeze will adjust to reflect improvements. Homeowners 65 and over, or disabled, can apply for a tax freeze on their City of Plano taxes. Once frozen, taxes on that home cannot increase as long as you own and live in it. The taxes on your home can go below the tax freeze, but will never go higher as long as you live in that home unless you improve your home. Improvements are things like adding a garage or a bedroom. Your tax freeze will adjust to reflect improvements.

If you’re 65 Years & Over, or Disabled, you also receive >

If you’re 65 Years & Over, or Disabled, you also receive > If you’re 65 Years & Over, or Disabled, you also receive >

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About Community Impact Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

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Impacts BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! Scan to get business openings to your inbox.

3 IMAGE Studios Plano The business offers beauty and wellness services, Jessica Hutson, owner at IMAGE Studios Plano said. • Opened July 10 • 6505 W. Park Blvd., Ste. 160, Plano • www.imagestudios360.com 4 Kauboi Japanese BBQ & Izakaya The new Japanese barbeque restaurant opened July 5 near the intersection of Park Boulevard and Preston Road. The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat sushi and meat, including wagyu brisket and steak options. • Opened July 5 5 Rose Gold Pilates The Pilates studio will offer variety of pilates reformer classes as well as hot mat classes which are full body workouts held in a dimly lit, 90-degrees studio. Reid said all reformer classes are beginner-friendly and modifications will be offered throughout the 50-minute classes. • Opening Aug. 4 • 8305 Preston Road, Ste. 200, Plano • www.rosegoldpilates.com 6 Ululani’s Hawaiian Shave Ice The shop offers homemade syrups and toppings for fresh shaved ice treats. Ululani’s has locations across Hawaii, California and Florida, with a single Texas location in Round Rock. • Opened Aug. 2 • 1517 N. Central Expressway, Ste. B, Plano • www.ululanishawaiianshaveice.com • 1900 Preston Road, Ste. 343, Plano • www.instagram.com/kauboibbq 7 Zaza Thai The restaurant recently opened a second Plano location near the Richardson border, a company representative said. The eatery’s menu features pho, dumplings, fried rice, wings and more. • Opened July 16 • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 106, Plano • www.zazathai.com

RIDGEVIEW DR.

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SPRING CREEK PKWY.

WINDHAVEN PKWY.

15 17

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15THST.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE

• www.chipotle.com

Now open

2 Cup & Cup Owner Sarah Han said the shop officially opened July 3. Cup & Cup offers a variety of boba and coffee drinks, smoothies and macarons. • Opened July 3 • 8000 Coit Road, Ste. 300, Plano • www.hellocupandcup.wixsite.com/home

1 Chipotle The fast-casual chain offers customizable burritos, bowls and salads made with fresh ingredients. The new location also features a drive-thru pickup window for digital orders. • Opened July 8 • 9625 Coit Road, Plano

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• 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 102, Plano • www.fujiyaramenredoak.com

Coming soon

Now open

8 Alpha School The tuition based education center is set to open in August in Plano. Life skills taught at Alpha School include public speaking, coding, entrepreneurship and outdoor education, according to the website. Tuition at Alpha Plano is $50,000, the website states. • Opening Aug. 13 • 7220 Independence Parkway, Plano • www.alpha.school 9 Angie’s Lobster The business offers fresh-sourced seafood options, including lobster rolls, cod sandwiches and crab rolls.

13 Ichika The restaurant will be Texas’ first kaiseki-dedicated restaurant and one of the few kappo-style dining experiences in the country, Kekoa said in an email. Kekoa said kappo-style kaiseki is traditionally served in formal dining rooms but that will not be the case at Ichika. • Opening in October • 8240 Preston Road, Ste. 175, Plano • Instagram: Ichika 14 Kouchan Ramen A representative for the restaurant confirmed construction is set to finish in February 2026. Kouchan Ramen will be located at the Preston Parker Crossing, and the business does not have a website or social media set up yet. • Opening spring 2026 • 4709 W. Parker Road, Ste. 440, Plano • Website TBD 15 OHM Fitness The gym offers 25-minute, low-impact workouts using wearable fitness technology designed to enhance muscle engagement, according to its website. • Opening TBD • 3645 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 523, Plano • www.ohmfitness.com/pages/plano-texas 16 Planet Fitness The new fitness center will move into vacant retail space formerly occupied by Bed Bath & Beyond, near the intersection of Plano Parkway and Park Boulevard. • Opening in December • 6400 W. Plano Parkway, Ste. 125, Plano • www.planetfitness.com 17 Teapioca Lounge The shop offers a variety of boba teas, coffee and teas. Construction is estimated to complete in October, according to the shop’s filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration. • Opening TBD

18 Paris Baguette The eatery’s menu includes cakes, tarts, donuts and other sweet options. Savory items like buffalo chicken and ranch pizzetta, four cheese quiche and crab meat croquette are also available. Non-baked goods include salads, sandwiches and wraps. The drink menu features hot, iced and frozen beverages. Other nearby Paris Baguette franchises are located in Allen, Frisco and Carrollton. • Opened Aug. 6 • 3420 K Ave., Ste. 100, Plano • www.parisbaguette.com • 3645 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 523B, Plano • www.teapiocalounge.com/teapioca-windhaven- plano-boba-tea 19 Whataburger The new restaurant is under construction at Coit Marketplace in Plano. A company representative with Scott + Reid General Contractors said the project is slated for completion in October. The fast food restaurant chain was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi and is headquartered in San Antonio, the company website states.

• Opening in November • 701 W. 15th St., Plano • www.angieslobster.com

10 Celebree School The school will be housed in a new building featuring a state-of-the-art playground, a company news release states. Celebree School offers early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare and summer camp programs. • Opening in September • 4033 East Plano Parkway, Plano • www.celebree.com 11 EOS Fitness The gym chain offers group fitness classes, personal training, strength and cardio equipment and sports amenities, according to its website. Another new EOS Fitness location at 600 W. 15th St., Ste. B, is also coming to Plano and is expected to open in 2025. • Opening 2027 • 6101 K Ave., Plano • www.eosfitness.com 12 Fujiya The new restaurant will be located across from Methodist Richardson Medical Center, and its menu features Asian and Japanese cuisine including sushi, noodles and ramen, the company website states. • Opening in July

• Opening fall 2025 • 3860 SH 121, Plano • www.whataburger.com

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Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

New state law expected to bring Plano development changes

Plano residents could see substantial develop- ment changes as the city prepares for new state laws aimed at spurring housing development. The big picture Senate Bill 840, authored by Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola, allows multifamily and mixed-use residential developments to be developed by right in all nonresidential zoning districts in Plano. “1,300 people are moving to Texas everyday,” Hughes said. “We’re all going to have to stretch a little bit to meet the needs for housing.” The bill applies to cities with a population over 150,000 located in a county with a population over 300,000, including Plano. While only 4% of land in Plano is currently undeveloped, SB 840 impacts approximately 30% of Plano’s land, Planning Director Christina Day said. Breaking down the bill SB 840 also limits cities’ ability to regulate resi- dential density, building height, setbacks, parking, open green space and building height. It also waives the requirement for a traffic analysis and extra parking for new office or retail buildings. What’s being done Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners unanimously approved the following changes to Plano’s zoning ordinances: • Regulating residential density through height limits and minimum unit sizes • Introducing updated building, site and land- scape design standards

Areas impacted by SB 840

Commercial zoning subject to new residential units Commercial zoning with 45-foot height limit Key:

SRT TOLL

CUSTER RD.

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PARKER RD.

PRESTON RD.

PARK BLVD.

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MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

said. “It would open up many vacant and unusable properties to viable commercial developments.” Looking ahead Day said that Plano residents should be prepared to see changes in Plano’s development, particu- larly at retail corners and adjacent neighborhoods, after the bill takes effect on Sept. 1. “It’s those retail corners that could be redevel- oped with a 45-foot apartment building,” Day said. “That was not allowed to happen by right in the past. It would have required a zoning change and public hearings, [and] now, none of those public hearings or a zoning change are required. It’s just allowed.”

• Allowing single-family tier 2, such as townho- mes, in select nonresidential zones • Removing multifamily housing as an allowed use in the residential community design district • Prohibiting residential balconies facing express- ways and requiring landscape buffers near expressways The other side Local developer William Pierce Cravens said Aug. 6 the changes “feel very reactive,” and city officials should separate amendments made to be in compliance from discretionary changes. “SB 840 will offer a lot of development oppor- tunities, within specifically east Plano,” Cravens

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Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Plano ocials consider property tax rate, water costs Plano city ocials are moving towards approv- ing the city’s upcoming budget, with a focus on maintaining the current property tax rate while responding to increasing service demands. What you need to know 2020-21 $0.3372 $0.1110 2021-22 $0.3372 $0.1110 Interest and sinking rate Maintenance and operations rate

Plano delays Oncor rate increase Plano residents may see an increase in their electricity delivery bills after Oncor Electric applied to raise rates by about 13% above current revenues. Plano City Council members voted on July 28 to suspend the eective date of the rate increase, delaying its implementation to give city ocials more time to review the changes and discuss rates. What you need to know Oncor led an application with the Public Utility Commission of Texas on June 26 to raise electricity delivery rates by $834 million system-wide, according to city documents. If approved, the change would result in an increase of $7.90 on an average monthly bill for Plano residents.

2022-23

$0.1150 $0.3026 $0.1150 $0.3026 $0.1150 $0.3026 $0.1150 $0.3026

Plano ocials are currently planning to keep the property tax rate at for the upcoming scal year, citing progress made by reducing Plano’s budget shortfall through last year’s recovery plan. However, City Manager Mark Israelson said council should still consider increasing the rate to meet growing demands. “I believe the city should consider a tax rate, which provides an increase in revenue to keep up with service demands, the new bond authority and to remain competitive for sta in the Metro- plex,” Israelson said. If council does choose to increase the tax rate, it must remain under the voter approval rate or it would require a November election,

2024-25 2025-26 2023-24

$0.1

$0.2

$0.3

$0.4

Tax rate (per $100 valuation)

Rhodes-Whitney said. What’s next?

Plano ocials have several meetings ahead of approving the budget in September, including a public hearing on tax rate on Aug. 25.

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Government

BY JACQUELYN BURRER & ADAM DOE

Commission approves new data center in west Plano Plano residents could expect to see the con- struction of a new data center in west Plano following a recommendation of approval from the Planning and Zoning commission. What happened At their July 21 meeting, commissioners approved a preliminary site plan for the data center. S P R I N G C R E E P K W Y .

Mustang Square to feature more homes The Mustang Square development near the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Rasor Boulevard will restructure all of the attached housing lots following a revised site plan approval from Plano City Council at a July 21 meeting. The details Thirty-five townhome lots will be modi- fied into unattached single-family lots, and a common area lot will be modified to add two additional homes, according to city documents. After the lot modifica-

As part of the request, commissioners approved a 20% parking reduction, as the data center will require fewer on-site employees compared to other facilities of similar size. The details The proposed facility is owned by Stack Infra- structure, a digital infrastructure company, and would be its third data center at the site, according to the company’s website. The center will be 363,000 square feet and is expected to have approximately 48 full-time

employees, according to city documents. Additionally, the facility will have a 48-mega- watt capacity, according to the website. The new data center planned on Spring Creek Parkway is one of several set for Plano, including one on North Star Road that is set to start con- struction in October.

tions, the development will have a total of 100 freestanding single-family homes.

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Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Plano ISD adopts cell phone ban for 2025-26 Plano ISD has banned the use of cell phones and other “personal communication devices” for this school year. What you need to know The new policy requires all cell phones be off and out of sight during school hours. Other devices including wireless headphones, smart watches, tablets, non-issued school laptops and smart glasses are also banned, according to a presentation from district staff. The background The new policy was adopted by PISD’s board of trustees Aug. 5 in response to Texas House Bill 1481, which was passed in June. Superintendent Theresa Williams said the district anticipates “around 140 policies to be updated as a result of the 89th legislative session.”

PISD updates library guidelines

First offense

• Student receives a warning. • Staff member reteaches expectations and instructs the student to turn off all devices and store them in their backpack or bag.

Plano ISD has adopted multiple new guidelines for school libraries as a result of legislation passed during the Texas legisla- tive session. The gist PISD’s board of trustees approved new policies to establish a school library advisory council, among other library guidelines, In response to Senate Bills 13 and 1621. Parents will now receive an email when- ever their child checks out a library book. New library materials must also obtain approval from the school board. The last change is that students will not be able to access library materials that are actively undergoing a challenge from an employee, parent or guardian or district resident.

Second offense

• The device is confiscated and secured in the front office and must be retrieved by a parent or guardian. • One day of In-School Suspension (ISS) will be assigned to the student.

Third offense

• The device is confiscated and secured in the front office and must be retrieved by a parent or guardian. • Three days of ISS will be assigned to the student. • Student will be required to check in their devices each morning and retrieve them after school for the remainder of the school year.

Fourth or subsequent offense

• The student may be placed at the District Alternative Education Program (DAEP).

SOURCE: PLANO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Asphalt overlay project updates

markings to follow shortly after. • Timeline: May 2025-August 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 3 Alma Drive

Completed projects

North Plano

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Upcoming projects

Plano has been working to make the city’s roads last longer by adding new layers over repaired concrete through arterial overlay projects. Plano Senior Engineer Samson Bekele said the arterial overlays are meant to protect the asphalt from deterioration, and last about 15-20 years before needing maintenance. The city has completed several sections of the arterial overlay projects, with some scheduled to finish later this summer or by early fall, while construction begins on new segments.

6 Spring Creek Parkway Update: construction wrapped up in June 2025 on Spring Creek Boulevard from Parker Road to Park Boulevard. • Timeline: May 2023-June 2025 • Cost: $8.268 million • Funding source: city of Plano 7 Hedgcoxe Road Update: construction from Custer Road to Preston Road, which previously paused due to weather conditions, completed construction in July. • Timeline: fall 2024-July 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 8 Parker Road Update: overlay from Parkwood Boulevard to Preston Road is complete, and contractor is wrapping up pavement markings currently. • Timeline: October 2024-July 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano

INDEPENDENCE PKWY.

Update: overlays from Parker Road to Hedgcoxe Road are expected to wrap up by late August and may extend into September depending on weather conditions. • Timeline: May 2025-August 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 4 Midway Road Update: overlays from Spring Creek Parkway to Park Boulevard started in late July and are expected to wrap up at the end of August. • Timeline: fall 2024-August 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 5 Coit Road Update: Plano City Council approved June 23 a $1.61 million contract with J&L Construction LLC to repair concrete pavement along Coit Road from SH 190 to Parker Road. • Timeline: July 2025-June 2026 • Cost: $1.611 million • Funding source: city of Plano

HEDGCOXE RD.

TENNYSON PKWY.

PARKER RD.

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Ongoing projects

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

1 Park Boulevard Update: construction work along Park Boulevard between Plano’s west city limits and Preston Road has

9 Custer Road • Update: at their July 28 meeting, Plano City Council members approved a $1.63 million contract for arterial concrete repairs on Custer Road with construction anticipated to start in August. • Timeline: August 2025-September 2026 • Cost: $1.63 million • Funding source: city of Plano

South Plano

been delayed to finish in late August. • Timeline: April 2024-August 2025 • Cost: $2.085 million • Funding source: city of Plano 2 Independence Parkway

PARKER RD.

PARKER R

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E. SPRING CREEK PKWY.

A R K B L V D .

PARK BLVD.

Update: overlays from Spring Creek Parkway to SH 121 expected to wrap up Aug. 15, with permanent pavement

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PLANO PKWY.

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500 PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488 EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821

Development

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Council approves office warehouse at former Fry’s Electronics building Plano residents can expect to see a new office warehouse at the former Fry’s Electronics site, located at the northeast corner of US 75 and President George Bush Turnpike. What happened Plano City Council members approved Aug. 11 a proposed zoning request tied to a new rede- velopment plan for the former Fry’s Electronics building. WareSpace, a company offering shared work- space solutions for small- and medium-sized businesses, would manage the office warehouse. The zoning change created a “Commercial Flex Warehouse” designation, removing the previous mixed-use designation, to fit WareSpace’s plan as it did not align with any of Plano’s other zoning designations, according to city documents. The site has remained vacant after Fry’s Electronics closed nationwide in 2021, according to city documents. Zooming in Jason Thorburg, WareSpace vice president of construction, said the Plano facility anticipates to house approximately 120 to 160 small businesses. The facility will include small workspace units, shared common amenities, a loading zone and eight truck docks, according to city documents. Thorburg said the majority of tenants at other locations use their facilities for small business storage and distribution needs. “Our goal is to repurpose [the site] and

Plano raises park fees for developers Plano City Council members adopted an ordinance to raise park fees for new housing developments, citing escalating land costs and Senate Bill 840, which will expand where multifamily and mixed-use develop-

Proposed development

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reactivate this portion of the city and ... bring that activity in there to help small businesses,” Thorburg said. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Julie Holmer said staff should look at introducing the new zoning desig- nation in other areas around the city with similar vacant properties that could be repurposed. “That space has been empty for way too long, and I think [this] could actually revitalize the area and activate the area,” Holmer said. Some context Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners pre- viously approved July 21 a preliminary site plan, with conditions that the applicant revised details on the east and west sides of the facility. Previous plans for a mixed-use redevelopment were approved by Plano City Council in August 2023 but did not move forward, which led to the new proposed redevelopment plan by WareSpace, according to city documents. One more thing WareSpace will be required to create a monthly report detailing what tenants they are housing and their businesses’ uses to ensure they are staying compliant with building codes and usages.

ment can be built. Breaking it down

Park fees are one-time payments charged for each new residential unit to help fund public parkland. Plano’s park fee program was established in 1993, and the fees only go towards funding the purchase, development and improvement of public parkland, according to city documents. Ron Smith, director of Parks and Recre- ation, said Plano is divided into 14 zones for park fees and that all fees collected in a zone must be used in the same zone.

Plano's park fees for new development

Single-family unit

Multifamily unit

+175.55%

Since the program was established in 1993, fees have only been updated twice — in 2019 and now 2025.

$6K

$5K

+202%

$4K

+345.62%

$3K

+341.83%

$2K

$1K

1993

2019

2025

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Bruce Glasscock Community Park coming soon to Legacy West development Plano residents can expect to see a new commu- nity park coming soon to the Legacy West area. The details At their Aug. 4 meeting, Plano Planning and E COMMUNICATIONS PKWY.

to include walking trails, shaded seating areas, a pavilion and terraced lawn spaces, according to city documents. Staff also plans to remove dead trees, or trees of compromised health, while planting new trees for the park. Looking ahead Construction is scheduled to begin early 2026, according to the city’s website.

Zoning commissioners unanimously approved the site plans for the Bruce Glasscock Park site, named after former Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock, who retired from the city in 2019. The 7.1-acre park will be located near Legacy Drive and Communications Parkway and is set

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Bruce Glasscock park site

LEGACY DR.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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PLANO SOUTH EDITION

Tracking DART changes From the cover

What’s happening?

Service changes in Plano

Route 254 New GoLink Zone

DART red and orange lines Existing GoLink Zones

Proposed xed- route shuttle service

Dallas Area Rapid Transit ocials are considering a series of service cuts in 2026, including reduced train and bus route frequencies. The transit agency, which operates in 13 cities including Plano and Richardson, is facing cost increases across the board, said Jeamy Molina, chief communications ocer at DART. Ocials have cited factors like ination, requests for new services and a new general mobility program that’s expected to launch in scal year 2025-26. “What we’ve been trying to do is gure out how we have the least impact on our riders with these potential service cuts because we know that what this region needs is more service and not less,” Molina said. In total, the agency has about a $35.1 million funding gap between its projected operating costs and target costs for the scal year. Sta have identied areas for potential reductions and reallocations to make up the dierence. In Plano, DART is considering elimination of a bus route, adding a xed-route shuttle service and adding full GoLink zone coverage across the city. GoLink oers on-demand transportation services within designated zones.

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LEGACY WEST GOLINK ZONE

NORTH CENTRAL PLANO CHASE OAKS GOLINK ZONE

FAR NORTH PLANO GOLINK ZONE

W. PARKER RD.

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EAST PLANO GOLINK ZONE

SOUTH CENTRAL PLANO GOLINK ZONE

NEW GOLINK ZONE PROPOSED

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EAST TELECOM GOLINK ZONE

Proposals include the elimination of bus route 254, and a frequency reduction for the red and orange lines from every 20 minutes to every 15 minutes during peak hours.

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SOURCE: DALLAS AREA RAPID TRANSITCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Long story short

The context

The service changes are driven by several factors including the general mobility program and early opening of the Silver Line, Ricciardelli said. Ricciardelli had voted against the general mobility program when it was rst presented as a resolution to the board. The program “didn’t go far enough” in addressing Plano’s problems with DART, he said. Under the proposed framework, Plano would be eligible for about $28 million from the pro- gram, according to an agency document. “While my position is still that the 5% general mobility program does not go far enough, it’s a welcome rst step and an improvement on the status quo,” he said. Texas House Bill 3187, which died in the House, would have created a permanent general mobility program that redirected 25% of DART’s sales tax revenues back to its member cities. Andrew Fortune, Plano’s policy and govern- ment relations director, said while HB 3187 died in committee, “it brought DART to the table.”

The seven cities were selected based on a report completed by Ernst and Young Infrastructure Advisors that found these cities paid more in sales tax than what was needed for DART operations, capital and interest expenses. About $42.59 million will be made available to these cities in the next scal year, Molina said. Each city will receive a dierent amount based on the dierence between their sales tax con- tribution and value of services received in 2023, according to the board-approved resolution. The program is expected to run for an initial term of two years. Plano Mayor John Muns said the program was going to be a “short-term x.” “We’re going to be right back where we were if no changes have been made,” he said. Anthony Ricciardelli, who represents Plano on the DART board of directors, said the proposed service changes don’t go far enough to trim spend- ing on bus routes. He said he was disappointed to see that several Plano requests such as a citywide GoLink zone are not included.

The agency is currently proposing a new GoLink zone that would oer full coverage to the city but it’s not the same as one zone, Ricciardelli said. “There’s a signicant dierence between having multiple GoLink zones that cover the whole city of Plano and having the entire city of Plano in one single GoLink zone,” he said. “There is some zone- to-zone travel in Plano, but ... only the citywide GoLink would enable you to go from anywhere in Plano.”

Contribution by member city

Sales tax contributions

Expenses

$120M $100M $80M $60M $40M $20M $0

Richardson Carrollton Farmers Branch

Plano

SOURCE: ERNST AND YOUNG INFRASTRUCTURE ADVISORSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

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