McKinney council authorizes eminent domain for Colin McKinney Parkway extension

The McKinney City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire right‑of‑way and easements needed for the Colin McKinney Parkway extension.

Gary Graham, the city’s director of engineering, told the council the city has an agreement with a multifamily developer to build a segment of the roadway but still must acquire about 300 feet of right‑of‑way from property owned by Encore Electric (identified in the motion as On Court Electric Delivery Company LLC). "Eminent domain is not a taking of the property. It's a process to establish fair market value and to compensate the property owner for the land needed for the public improvement," Graham said, describing the appraisal and special‑commissioner process required under state law.

Councilman Franklin moved to adopt the resolution and authorize the city to pursue all necessary property interests; Councilman Cloutier seconded. City staff said they had made an offer and attempted to negotiate easements (drainage, slope and right‑of‑way) but had not received a responsive reply from the owner. On a roll call, the council recorded the vote in favor (6–0).

Under the action, staff may proceed with acquisition steps under the state's eminent domain procedures, including use of appraisals and a special‑commissioner process through Collin County if settlement cannot be reached. City staff said the acquisition is intended to allow construction of the roadway segment between McKinney Ranch Parkway and Hardin Boulevard as part of the Colin McKinney Parkway Extension Project.

The council did not discuss a timetable for construction or a specific settlement amount; staff said fair‑market value will be established through the appraisal process and any required special‑commissioner proceeding. The item passed and the meeting moved on to subsequent agenda business.