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Residents raise noise, traffic and drainage concerns as commission approves Plano East High addition pending variances
Summary
The commission approved a preliminary site plan for Plano East Senior High’s addition, subject to Board of Adjustment variances; nearby residents objected to relocating tennis courts behind homes, citing lighting, late‑night play, traffic and $48 million project cost.
The Planning and Zoning Commission on Oct. 7 approved a preliminary site plan for Plano East Senior High School’s addition, contingent on variances to be granted by the Board of Adjustment, while nearby residents urged changes to the design that would move tennis courts away from adjacent homes.
Planner Destiny Woods explained the site plan shows a new school building, relocation of tennis courts, and a new parking lot; the applicant will request two variances from the Board of Adjustment for tennis-court bleachers and required parking. Staff recommended approval subject to those variances.
Resident Joshua Dulac, who gave his address as 4525 Springhurst Drive, asked the commission to oppose the relocation of the tennis courts, saying moving the courts and lights directly behind neighborhood fences would bring late‑night noise and light into homes. Dulac also questioned the project’s $48,000,000 budget and suggested reusing the existing layout to save taxpayer money and preserve parking.
Sifan, an HOA member for Merriman Estates, cited an active traffic-calming petition, concerns about student speeds on Merriman Drive, and ongoing grading/drainage issues that have caused flooding into nearby yards; she said the development could exacerbate traffic and drainage impacts.
Commissioners acknowledged the concerns but explained the Planning and Zoning Commission’s role is administrative; appeals or design requests may be more effective before the Plano Independent School District or the Board of Adjustment. Staff confirmed there are no special zoning exceptions for lighting beyond the city’s Code of Ordinances and that building inspections will review lighting; a photometric study has been submitted and will be reviewed for compliance with lighting standards.
Commissioner Ratliff moved to approve the preliminary site plan subject to the Board of Adjustment granting the requested variances; the motion passed 6–0.
