Tori Brown outlines East McKinney neighborhood preservation efforts to city officials

The McKinney Historic Preservation Advisory Board convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss the vital role of neighborhood planning in the city, with a focus on preserving the character of East McKinney's legacy neighborhoods. Tori Brown, the newly appointed neighborhood planner, delivered her first presentation, outlining her responsibilities and the significance of her role within the city's planning department.

Brown began by providing her background, highlighting her previous experience in local government and her passion for community development. She emphasized the importance of neighborhood planning, which aims to address the needs and priorities of residents while preserving the historical context of neighborhoods. This approach is particularly crucial in East McKinney, an area historically home to diverse communities, including Black, Hispanic, and Latino residents.

The presentation detailed the challenges faced by East McKinney, particularly the lack of historic documentation and the pressures from large-scale development projects. In response, the city initiated the East McKinney neighborhood preservation study, culminating in the 2023 East McKinney neighborhood preservation plan. This plan led to the establishment of the neighborhood planner position, which Brown now holds, and identified key recommendations to protect and enhance the area.

Brown explained that her role encompasses various responsibilities, including relationship building with residents and community organizations, public education about local history, and advocacy for neighborhood interests. She highlighted several initiatives, such as community clean-up efforts, educational programs on local history, and public outreach events designed to engage residents and celebrate the area's heritage.

One notable event discussed was the East McKinney community conversation, which aimed to provide residents with updates on local developments while ensuring accessibility through bilingual support. Brown also mentioned the importance of internal education for city staff, ensuring they understand the historical significance of East McKinney.

The meeting concluded with a discussion about future projects, including the development of an accessory dwelling unit program to support multi-generational living and prevent displacement. Brown expressed her commitment to honoring the history of East McKinney while addressing the evolving needs of its residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's dedication to preserving its historical neighborhoods and fostering community engagement through proactive planning and outreach efforts.