Council approves 109-unit senior affordable housing project amid neighbor concerns over height, setbacks

The McKinney City Council on Aug. 19 approved a rezoning that allows a 109-unit senior multifamily project on McKinney Ranch Parkway, submitted by developer Palladium USA.

Project and financing: Bob Rotor, representing Palladium, told council members the project is restricted to residents age 62 and older and was awarded 4% low-income housing tax credits by the Texas Department of Housing. Rotor said 74% of units will be offered at income-restricted rents across tiers from 30% to 80% of area median income; 26% of units will be market-rate. The developer described the project as a mix of three- and four‑story buildings with elevator access.

Variances and staff concerns: Planning staff told the council the proposed use aligns with the comprehensive plan’s urban-living place type but recommended denial because the developer requested deviations from multifamily development standards. The deviations include reducing required landscape setbacks from 20 feet to 10 feet along side and rear yards, relocating parking-lot trees to side and rear yards rather than within parking islands, a parking ratio reduction (from 1.75 to about 1.27 spaces per unit), and provision of covered spaces for only about 29% of units. The applicant also requested using ornamental rather than canopy trees along a southern boundary because the site is adjacent to an alley.

Neighbor concerns: Nearby residents said they were not notified about the project earlier, raised questions about the buildings’ height and proximity to existing townhomes, and asked for an impact study addressing traffic, noise, emergency access and property values. Richard Stoneich, an HOA board member, said residents did not expect four‑story buildings and asked the council to deny the request. Harry Nornsworthy, a nearby homeowner, said higher buildings could create privacy and safety concerns and complicate evacuation for some seniors.

Developer response: The applicant explained site constraints, including a 50‑foot gas-line easement along McKinney Ranch Parkway that reduces developable area. Rotor and Tom Huth, Palladium’s president, said the project must balance density and site limitations and that the alley and an existing 20‑foot alley setback provide practical separation. The developer noted proximity to retail and medical offices and argued the project fills a shortage of affordable senior housing in the area.

Council action and vote: Councilman Franklin moved to approve the item; another council member seconded. The motion carried; the transcript records the final tally as six in favor and zero against. The council asked staff and the applicant to clarify engineering and emergency-access details before permitting.

What happens next: With council approval the developer may refine site and architectural plans and proceed with site-plan review and permitting. The council and staff indicated they will continue working with the applicant on details such as drainage, parking layout and landscaping.