Lucy Billingsley proposes extensive rezoning plan for 784 acres in McKinney

The McKinney Planning & Zoning Commission convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning request affecting approximately 784 acres of land. The applicant seeks to transition the current zoning, which includes single-family and commercial uses, to a mixed-use development that incorporates single-family residential, multi-family residential, and commercial components.

The meeting began with a detailed presentation of the proposed land use and zoning plan. The applicant outlined the various residential districts, including single-family attached and detached homes, with specific areas designated for different densities. Notably, the HP 60 district will encompass around 24 acres, aligning with the city's residential standards, while the HP 40 district will cover approximately 44 acres.

The multi-family residential component, identified as brownstones, will occupy about 22 acres and is designed to resemble townhome developments. This section will allow for a maximum of 200 units, with requirements for units to front onto designated neighborhood streets. Additionally, the Huntington Park Urban (HPU) area will span approximately 70 acres, with a potential for up to 3,711 units, emphasizing a core urban feel similar to the McKinney Town Center.

The commercial zoning aspects were also discussed, with two primary districts proposed: HPC 2, covering about 51 acres, and HPC 3, which will encompass approximately 124 acres. These areas are intended to support local and regional commercial activities, respectively.

A critical aspect of the proposal is the timing of the multi-family developments. The applicant must secure at least 12 acres of commercial space with an approved certificate of occupancy before submitting site plans for the multi-family units. Additionally, either the construction of the bypass or the development of 100 acres of single-family homes is required to proceed with the multi-family site plans.

The commission expressed support for the rezoning request, highlighting its potential to create a cohesive mixed-use master plan that aligns with the city's development goals. The applicant, Lucy Billingsley, emphasized the extensive collaboration with city staff over the past two years to refine the proposal, which aims to facilitate a smooth transition from commercial to residential areas.

As the meeting concluded, the commission prepared to deliberate on the proposal, with a focus on ensuring that the development meets the community's needs while adhering to the city's planning regulations. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential approvals in upcoming meetings.