BY SHELBIE HAMILTON
The context
Sunset Amphitheater. However, Fuller said he hopes to see work con- tinue to progress on the Lower 5 Plaza project, which will bring a public park and pedestrian crossing via an underpass on SH 5. The project received roughly $15 million in federal funding in early 2024. “I worked really hard on getting funding from the state and federal government on the deck park,” he said.
As new faces join the council in May, Fuller said he is looking to see strong leadership from the next council. “As long as … you’re willing to be strong and not be influenced by misinformation, disinfor- mation, that’s all I could hope for,” he said of the future council members. The council will continue work on a number of ongoing public and private projects across the city, including an expansion at McKinney National Airport to add a commercial passenger service terminal and the development of the
US 380 bypass: A roughly 16-mile bypass route of US 380 through north McKinney McKinney National Airport: The addition of a commercial passenger service terminal Sunset Amphitheater: A 20,000-seat entertainment venue incentivized by the city SH 5 reconstruction: A Texas Department of Transportation project to expand the roadway Lower 5 Plaza: A pedestrian walkway and park integrated into the SH 5 reconstruction project Elected McKinney City Council members will join the council amid various ongoing projects, such as:
SOURCE: CITY OF MCKINNEY/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What's next?
McKinney residents will have the opportunity to vote for one of four mayoral candidates in the upcoming May 3 election.
Candidates
Matt “Doc” Rostami Occupation & experience: Eye surgeon, started my own medical practice from
Taylor Willingham Occupation & experience: Estate planning attorney, business owner, WG Law & WG Title www. changeiscoming mckinney.com
Bill Cox Occupation & experience: Carey Cox Company–real estate company,
Scott Sanford Occupation & experience: Executive pastor at Cottonwood
City Council, Mayor Pro Tem, President of Collin College Foundation... www. billcoxformayor. com
Creek Church, small-business owner, former Texas State Representative www.scottsanford. us
scratch, manage the budget and operations, I speak
normal https:// doctorrostami. wixsite.com/ website
If elected, how do you plan to address challenges caused by ongoing population growth?
We will encourage the building of duplexes, triplexes and townhouses over apartments. The city is already growing, it doesn’t need an airport, a surf park or amphitheater to attract residents. To keep everyone safe, as mayor I will encourage neighborhood watch programs and patrol with residents.
McKinney’s future won’t look like its past. Once a top destination, we risk losing our edge. To stay competitive, we must embrace technology, strengthen infrastructure and ensure balanced development. The factors that drew people here aren’t guaranteed—we must act boldly to secure McKinney’s future.
We as a city need to understand McKinney is growing and will continue to grow. We need to prepare now for new roads, infrastructure and attainable housing opportunities for our residents.
McKinney is growing rapidly, with that comes both opportunities and challenges. My experience in public service has prepared me to make smart, strategic decisions that balance development with preserving our community’s character. I will work to ensure responsible infrastructure planning, strong public safety, and economic policies supporting businesses and families.
In your opinion, what is the biggest development or project underway in McKinney right now, and what impact will it have on the city and residents?
It’s the airport expansion. The traffic is going to be terrible especially at 5 p.m. on a Friday when everyone is trying to fly out for the weekend. I don’t care what traffic study the city has done that says it won’t increase traffic, I’m not going to ignore plain logic.
McKinney National Airport is both an opportunity and a risk. While I opposed commercial expansion, the decision is made. Now, we must ensure it benefits residents without burdening taxpayers. As McKinney’s future evolves, we must strategically leverage the airport to maximize its benefits for our community.
Development of city-owned assets, including Historic Downtown and McKinney National Airport. We must continue to support Historic Downtown. McKinney National Airport projections show this will be a major economic engine for McKinney.
McKinney’s airport is a vital asset that should be managed to benefit all residents and to reflect the voters’ will. If elected, I’ll inherit a passenger terminal under construction. Moving forward, I’ll support Civil Air Patrol, MISD aviation programs and ensure initiatives are executed with excellence to instill community pride.
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MCKINNEY EDITION
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