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Direction 613 seeks $500,000 CDC project grant for transitional-living campus and public amenities
Summary
Direction 613 presented a public hearing request for a $500,000 project grant to fund infrastructure and public-access amenities at “The Farm,” a transitional-living community for youth aging out of foster care. The nonprofit said the campus will add housing for about 58 additional young people and include a community center, market and outdoor
A nonprofit that provides transitional housing for youth aging out of foster care presented a public hearing to the McKinney Community Development Corporation seeking a $500,000 project grant for infrastructure and public-access amenities at a proposed campus known as “The Farm.”
Myron Wilson, representing Direction 613, said the organization expects the full campus to increase its capacity by 58 youth and to include a 7,600-square-foot community/event center with a coffee shop and market, multipurpose sports courts, an amphitheater-style seating area and a fishing pond with boat dock. “Direction 61 3 is an established nonprofit — it provides extensive programming to youth your aging out of foster care,” Wilson said.
Architect Michael Smith of DBA Architects described the phase 1 work before the board as infrastructure for the public portions of the site; Wilson said the public amenities represent about 42% of the overall plan and that the group already has raised roughly 20% of its phase 1 goal in cash and verbal commitments, including a matching gift and a $275,000 contribution from Hope Fellowship Church.
Board members asked how the public would access the amenities, how staff and security would be handled and whether the organization would consider annexation into the city. Wilson said public spaces would be separate from the residential homes, with fencing and cameras to secure living areas, staffed property management, and online reservations and event staffing to manage public use. On annexation, Wilson said he would need to consult his board before making a commitment.
Questioners also pressed the group on maintenance and long-term upkeep. Wilson said Direction 613 operates eight properties and plans to expand property staff; he added the campus would generate revenue through events and concessions to support upkeep. Board members thanked Direction 613 for the work and several members praised the nonprofit’s mission and the campus concept.
The board closed the public hearing on the project (motion to close moved by David Kelly; second by A.J.; motion passed). The CDC will consider the formal grant award at its May 22 meeting; no award was made Thursday.
