Residents rally against proposed hotel near homes

The McKinney City Council convened for its regular meeting on Tuesday evening, addressing community concerns and discussing a proposed hotel rezoning that has sparked significant local opposition.

The meeting commenced with an invocation led by Bill Miller from Christ Fellowship Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The council then opened the floor for public comments, allowing residents to voice their opinions on agenda items.

Shikhar Nayar, a McKinney resident and hotel general manager, expressed strong opposition to the rezoning of a four-story hotel near the Harding Village community. Nayar highlighted potential issues such as increased traffic, delivery disruptions, and safety concerns, including crime associated with hotels. He urged the council to consider alternative locations for the hotel that would not impact residential areas.

Chris Volk, another resident living near the proposed site, echoed Nayar's concerns and supported a motion to table the rezoning discussion. He emphasized the proximity of the hotel to Cockrell Middle School and the need for further community engagement regarding the rezoning process.

The council acknowledged the public's concerns and indicated that the hotel rezoning item would be tabled for further discussion. Residents were informed that they could still register their opposition or choose to speak when the item is revisited in the future.

The meeting underscored the importance of community involvement in local governance, as residents voiced their apprehensions about developments that could affect their neighborhoods. The council's decision to table the hotel proposal reflects a commitment to addressing constituents' concerns before moving forward with significant zoning changes.