[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6472310,"mediaKeyId","5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc","parentId",5776683,"title","McKinney to pause Lower 5 Plaza after $15M federal grant rescinded; staff recommends redirecting COG funds to crossings","audioSeconds",513,"startMs",1951725,"endMs",2465475,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc&start=1951&end=2465","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc/thumbnail_1951725.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6472310/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/McKinney-to-pause-Lower-5-Plaza-after-15M-federal-grant-rescinded-staff-recommends-redirecting-COG-funds-to-crossings","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472310-9d7771b77f1ccf45f243e3b871cc834d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770990054&Signature=lSE8ULruqgsJ5oC~IzICMNQrTkJEHYEsYAYVQRt0nVShn-Wxwnbuva~4TFdf9MK-al55FeK4hPZRBrROsRw15L7ziBwApCTOFRrkGS9eQb1kZk~AaqK7Bz6AzOIhaxN-kbVQCQ73MXBSnpIS1Bhvlbh1-d5IdnyGtBaSuU4PvyDC85~M2Vl17Dre1MnIURGhxehd5EObfyv6lTIaTBdbfJz2Oaq1m~5NizMVf9gW9Ril4gT0nxHhGNzM4uMfz9PmkroyRrsUDaBOcuIWlHtzV3TAH6fEaC5h4-qX2FWDAT4h3eejLAOIyA-XHMvegVekXqYjy2k1GghXZuYNfwy5jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","McKinney","date","2025-09-16T00:00:00Z","article","Tracy Lund, assistant director of engineering, briefed the council at the Sept. 16 work session that the U.S. Department of Transportation rescinded a $15 million Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods grant for the Lower 5 Plaza project and that staff recommends pausing work on the plaza and redirecting funds to other Highway 5 corridor improvements.

Lund said the project originally had $45 million in total funding. She summarized the funding as $22,650,000 from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (COG), $15,000,000 from the Reconnecting Communities federal grant (rescinded), $4,000,000 described in staff materials as \"tech stock\" funding, and $3.35 million in local city funds. Lund said roughly $13,800,000 of the $45 million was TxDOT's portion (engineering and bridge construction) and about $31,200,000 was the city's portion for the plaza infrastructure, amenities and utilities.

With the $15 million federal grant gone, Lund told the work session that staff's recommendation \"is to stop work on the Lower 5 Plaza project and redirect efforts to redirect the remaining $22,650,000 of COG funding to other improvements on the Highway 5 Corridor.\" Lund listed proposed alternatives that would be pursued with COG funding and coordination with TxDOT: enhanced at‑grade crossing improvements at Virginia and Louisiana streets and rapid rectangular flashing beacon (RRFB) pedestrian crossings at eight locations along the corridor, among other pedestrian and grade‑crossing enhancements.

Lund reviewed public engagement results: a July 30 public meeting at City Hall drew about 125 in‑person attendees and the online survey produced 603 total responses. More than 75% of respondents were McKinney residents, and more than 40% said they would visit Lower 5 Plaza a few times a month or on weekends. Survey respondents prioritized family activities, amphitheater seating and stage, flexible open space, art and educational elements. Of the respondents who provided additional comments, Lund said more than a third offered open responses; roughly 30% of those comments expressed opposition to the project and about 15% raised concerns about homelessness.

Lund said staff would place a resolution on the regular session agenda that formally directs staff to stop work on the plaza and begin coordination with TxDOT and COG to incorporate the proposed grade‑crossing and pedestrian improvements into TxDOT plans and to pursue COG funding for those elements. Lund said the enhanced crossing improvements and additional pedestrian crossings would require agreement with TxDOT to incorporate them into TxDOT's project plans.

A council member asked whether the staff recommendation would require property acquisitions or immediate use of eminent domain between Louisiana and Virginia; Lund replied, \"That is correct,\" when asked whether the current plan does not anticipate acquisitions, and added that the schematics shown were conceptual and staff was \"not looking at doing right away acquisitions.\" Lund said the next step, assuming council approval of the resolution on the regular agenda, would be coordination with TxDOT and COG to secure design and funding for the alternate improvements.

Votes at a glance: the work session concluded with a motion to adjourn the work session. Councilman Felter moved to adjourn; Councilman Jones seconded. Council conducted a voice/hand vote; the motion carried and the council adjourned the work session to executive session (regular meeting to begin at 6 p.m.).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","McKinney - City Council Work Session","oneSentenceSummary","City staff told the council the U.S. DOT rescinded a $15 million Reconnecting Communities grant for the Lower 5 Plaza, and recommended stopping work on the plaza and redirecting $22.65 million in North Central Texas COG funds toward Highway 5 corridor grade‑crossing and pedestrian improvements.","taxTitle","McKinney, Collin County, Texas","taxId",2778,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472315,"McKinney municipal court outlines youth diversion, expunctions, security and demand metrics",952,481880,1434540,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc&start=481&end=1434","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc/thumbnail_481880.jpg","/articles/6472315/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/McKinney-municipal-court-outlines-youth-diversion-expunctions-security-and-demand-metrics","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472315-1fccc8a8b8b8f7ae3008b425d59f084f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770990054&Signature=SGOdo~H0RqJCoq3TCBDkM1zZoIoEMcjSTF0dGR77TY-ZthfNlWjp5KiBAC~5Fc2a7AAvMLTboiAVPyTNlU2EOs86Si9yToIUS2eCNKcNInp3CzAhTGYVklEVV0Wn44OPzWl5gIM7ZDmVLcLDlxTbF7ptE6kSrsE5Sb7gOGA1ZVvbMMdh8BpHzW9aCVe9Ya0ArJ~ZJkrVXEXjTvyFbyU46v~tv3gQx-KcXYJjjuDi7o6O2EwgM717DNn-nNSF0al18TUICV9Z0xUmvQktxxS8tevHxcg3Bn8LzhO4uKyqd66ZfvLl275qLGlgwuu~CpKQYYSUWUg8KFyAgmvis7IW9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Judge Carlson and court administrator April Mormon updated the council at the Sept. 16 work session on the McKinney Municipal Court's operations, recent legal changes affecting municipal courts and several initiatives intended to speed case resolution and support juveniles.

Carlson said municipal courts handle Class C misdemeanors — primarily traffic offenses but also theft, assault, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, criminal mischief, underage alcohol and tobacco violations and certain juvenile matters. \"If you remember nothing else about what I update you on, please remember that you have a fantastic court team working in the municipal court,\" Carlson said, praising clerks, supervisors, associate judges, a juvenile case manager and marshals.

The judge explained the difference between a judge's role and a prosecutor's role in Texas criminal courts: judges preside over trials and rule on legal issues while prosecutors file and can dismiss charges. She said that since 2017 notice and hearing requirements have increased and that the legislature recently expanded youth diversion options available in municipal courts. The court has a juvenile case manager, Adrianna Petrillo, who assesses youths' needs and designs individualized diversion programs that can include evidence‑based courses, community service and tutoring.

April Mormon described administrative and operational changes to handle growth in McKinney's population and caseload. She said the court has 26 staff (23 full time, 3 part time) and reported a clearance rate of 110% for the fiscal year — a measure comparing cases resolved to cases filed — with 73% of cases resolving within the first 90 days and 50% resolving within the first 30 days. Mormon said about 94% of cases were traffic offenses.

Court initiatives include a youth diversion program expanded to municipal courts, dedicated community service tracking for juveniles, a website redesign to increase online services, dedicated dockets for common case types, enhanced case‑flow management and expanded staff training on trial procedure, confidentiality and emergency response. Carlson said the court is also advancing a court security initiative that expands beyond physical security \"to disaster preparedness\" and digital information security; the court recently hosted an Office of Court Administration representative who will provide a 90‑day assessment.

Mormon said the court is preparing design requests for a possible future court facility to include jury deliberation rooms, juvenile meeting areas and security‑oriented features.

The court emphasized community outreach programs such as participation in Love McKinney events and McKinney ISD internships. No formal council action was requested at the work session; the presentation was informational.","Judge Carlson and court staff briefed the council on municipal‑court jurisdiction, an expanded youth diversion program, ongoing expunction work, security planning and process metrics including a 110% clearance rate for the year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6472320,"McKinney police honor investigators and first responders after elder-fraud probe, child rescue",286,25730,312319,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc&start=25&end=312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5776683-666a45ae48516f64a1b17e8a6826b5bc/thumbnail_25730.jpg","/articles/6472320/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/McKinney-police-honor-investigators-and-first-responders-after-elder-fraud-probe-child-rescue","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6472320-d3c98b58d6000f3316fdaca389f52411/orig.mp4?Expires=1770990054&Signature=FvXu4X2V5yg22ktCgrVJnlGyDhR2quyJVtS-xbupfkzyst9FVYpaazyXRlC9urAXNDJylbIvuz1a2HUZxna22ajduP3Rx0FFoOAkYjJAL0dSHop8~m2U2oRpxXoGrQL9Som36znG6v2aVEq8IMzuBYOBTgWBNBlETd328visL-YLgkjGg8f-AVuTnrOBwAkpNG5E8J3utIws~624L-AFnZfrZtYnZ-WMOcRXxn8xV4JM2SGxoIg4GTmG~44wUZOwWQB2hOPJ9ulkMZwktnqEuuvYeKO1RzHN6J-beOGaDfb5s6UtaZ7VNx3Gaqn5ft1lSOXqqb-lNnWtml8p2emO~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Chief Ellenberg told the City Council during the Sept. 16 work session that the McKinney Police Department will present awards to officers and staff for two recent incidents: a nearly year-long investigation into a financial-abuse scheme targeting older residents and the August response to a young child found alone at Winterford Park.

The chief opened by invoking the department motto — \"do the right thing, do the best you can do, and treat others the way you'd wanna be treated\" — and described Sergeant Tina Mallinckfant's work on the financial-abuse investigation. Ellenberg said Mallinckfant \"spearheaded this investigation with professionalism and persistence and dedicated hundreds of man hours to uncover a sophisticated trail of fraudulent activity targeting older McKinney residents.\" The probe traced shell companies and banking and online accounts and resulted in the arrest of three suspects, Ellenberg said.

Ellenberg described the scheme as one that approached elderly residents to install a low-value video security system (described as worth about $1,000) then charged customers as much as $10,000. While obtaining electronic signatures, the suspects allegedly used victims' IP addresses to take out home‑improvement loans in the victims' names; Ellenberg said some victims ended up with loans of about $32,000. The chief said the investigation showed the scam affected residents across multiple Texas jurisdictions and that Mallinckfant's work had helped other jurisdictions who had been told their cases were \"simply a civil matter.\" Ellenberg said she would present Mallinckfant with the chief's challenge coin.

Ellenberg also recognized Officer Demond Barnett, his field-training officer Jackson Watts, and dispatch communications supervisor Caitlin Geismond for their August 7 response after a 4‑year‑old child was found alone at Winterford Park. Ellenberg said the officers were unable initially to find a guardian and transported the child to the McKinney Police Department. Barnett, who is a parent of a child with autism, \"quickly recognized that the child was nonverbal and autistic\" and used his experience to establish a calming connection, Ellenberg said. Ellenberg credited Geismond with bringing a spare diaper, changing the child and staying with him while staff coordinated with Child Protective Services; CPS arrived about four and a half hours later, Ellenberg said.

The chief called both episodes examples of \"exemplary dedication, tenacity, and investigative excellence\" and said the department would formally recognize the employees with challenge coins and a photo opportunity at the work session.

The council did not take action on either matter during the work session; the presentations were informational and ceremonial.","Police Chief Ellenberg recognized a year-long financial-abuse investigation that led to arrests in an elder-fraud scheme and praised officers who cared for an autistic child found alone at Winterford Park.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

McKinney to pause Lower 5 Plaza after $15M federal grant rescinded; staff recommends redirecting COG funds to crossings

McKinney municipal court outlines youth diversion, expunctions, security and demand metrics

McKinney police honor investigators and first responders after elder-fraud probe, child rescue