Public Meetings - Plano, Texas

The Plano City Council convened on December 8, 2025, briefly recessed into executive session (to discuss legal and economic development matters per Texas Government Code), and then reconvened for an informational presentation on community input regarding three closed PISD campuses: Davis Elementary, Foreman Elementary, and Armstrong Middle School. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the presentation was for information only. Discussion Items - PISD Closed Campuses Community Input (Curtis Howard, Neighborhood Services): - Staff conducted six listening sessions over six weeks to gather input from neighborhoods affected by the city's purchase of the three school properties. Outreach included over 1,250 mailers, yard signs, social media, and news outlets. - Davis Elementary: Three sessions with 282 attendees. The property is zoned single-family. Community sentiment was strongly opposed to housing; 85% of respondents desired a park. Other desired uses included a dog park, community garden, sports facility, senior center, or public facility. Among those open to housing, single-family detached was the preferred type, but overall housing opposition was overwhelming. - Armstrong Middle School: Three sessions with 72 attendees. The property is also zoned single-family. 63% desired a park, 48% wanted other community uses. Concerns were raised about losing existing amenities and the impact of having two closed schools in close proximity. Opposition to housing was strong, especially multifamily, with slightly less opposition to single-family detached. - Foreman Elementary: Community showed strong support for relocating Fire Station 3 to this site. Residents requested that the city engage the neighborhood regarding the remaining portion of the parcel after the fire station is designed and built. - Overall, the community generally wants the properties to remain as parkland, with significant opposition to housing developments. - Mayor and council acknowledged the presentation; no direction was requested or given. Staff will return at a future meeting for further discussion and guidance. Key Outcomes - No votes or decisions were taken. The presentation was informational only, with a future meeting planned for council direction on the three properties.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on December 1, 2025 at 6:07 PM to consider a reinstatement request for a concept plan and to receive a presentation on Module 1 of the zoning and subdivision ordinance rewrite. Both agenda items were approved unanimously (7-0). Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (7-0) with no items pulled for individual consideration. Discussion Items - Agenda Item 1: Reinstatement of Approval for Morgan Village Retail Center Concept Plan – The applicant, Richard E. Farrell (represented by engineer Juan Vasquez), requested reinstatement of a concept plan for lots 3-5 (block A, lots 2-5) at the northeast corner of Ohio Drive and McDermott Road. The plan had expired on October 16, 2025. Staff recommended approval subject to increasing the sidewalk width to 7 feet along both street frontages (from the previously approved 4 feet) due to new street design standards. Lot 2 already has approved plans with a 4-foot sidewalk. The applicant stated that lot 2 has been sold and is under construction, and the remaining lots are being marketed. Commissioner questions addressed the sidewalk transition, marketing efforts, and timeline. The commission found the applicant's efforts serious and voted to approve. - Agenda Item 2: Module 1 of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance Rewrite Project – This item included three sub-items: - 2A: Erica Craycraft (Freese and Nichols) presented proposed changes to zoning districts (consolidation from 31 to 24 districts, new naming conventions, and mixed-use focus) and land uses (reduction from 200 to 110 uses). Commission members expressed appreciation and asked about potential loss of nuance in consolidated uses and the clarity of district names. - 2B: Jordan Rockerby presented a new residential framework separating building form from function, introducing four building types (detached house, duplex, townhouse, apartment) and refined residential use definitions. An executive session was held for legal advice. - 2C: Discussion and action on accepting Module 1 as substantially complete. Staff summarized public outreach and next steps. The commission voted to accept the draft as recommended. Key Outcomes - Agenda Item 1 (Reinstatement): Approved 7-0. The concept plan for Morgan Village Retail Center lots 3-5 is reinstated, subject to a 7-foot sidewalk requirement. The expiration date is extended two years from the original expiration date (October 16, 2025). - Agenda Item 2 (Module 1): Approved 7-0. The draft of Module 1 of the Unified Development Code is accepted as substantially complete, allowing work to proceed on subsequent modules. The item will be presented to City Council on December 16, 2025 or January 12, 2026. - The meeting adjourned at 7:47 PM.

The Plano City Council held its regular meeting on November 24, 2025. The meeting included public comments on various topics, followed by unanimous votes on the consent agenda, three zoning cases, and a tax abatement policy reauthorization. Public Comments & Testimony (Non-Agenda Items) - Crystal Curry: Discussed a multi-jurisdictional personal safety issue and requested assistance from the council and congressional representatives. Expressed gratitude for the police department's engagement. - Alex Stein: Performed a Native American land acknowledgment. Identified as a proud gay Filipino American man and credited Ben Shapiro for influencing his life. Requested the council declare Plano a "gay Zyn sanctuary city" encouraging the rectal use of Zyn nicotine pouches. - Lestia Nelson (Mother of Saniah Reese): Accused the Plano Police Department of a 10-month delay in forwarding a felony abuse case involving her severely disabled daughter to the Collin County District Attorney. Demanded a public commitment from the council to support prosecution and a full public review of Plano Police Department leadership. - Elvin Nelson (Father of Saniah Reese): Echoed his wife's condemnation of the 306-day delay. Demanded accountability and justice for what they view as institutional failures. - Ember Chaffin: Expressed deep concern regarding the city's transit plan. Alleged the proposal to DART was incomplete and would eliminate all local bus and microtransit services without proper public input. Called for a joint town hall with DART. - Warren Pena: Expressed concern about the city creating a new transit agency on a rushed timeline. Argued the city should work collaboratively with DART to fix the regional funding model rather than picking fights with the agency. - Catherine Walsh: Thanked the council for her nomination to the transit committee. - Daryl Rodenbaugh (CEO, North Texas Performing Arts): Highlighted NTPA's community impact (500k annual visits, 11,000 youth enrollments). Addressed the future of the Shops at Willowbend, supporting a vision combining a sports franchise with the performing arts. Stated NTPA is actively seeking alternative homes in Plano or other cities. - Corey Reineker: Discussed the Levon Farms zoning case. Positioned the project as generally acceptable but argued it could be improved by adding non-residential uses and increasing housing density to better match the Envision Oak Point plan. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (8-0). No items were removed for discussion. Discussion Items Item 1: Zoning Case 2025-006 (Windhaven Parkway & Red Wolf Lane) - Proposal: Rezone 3.2 acres from Agricultural to Single-Family Attached (15 townhomes) with a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for a private street. - Staff Report: The proposal faced significant opposition (89 of 92 total responses opposed). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval (5-1). The SUP includes conditions for landscape screens, gated access, and a fire safety variance requiring sprinklers. - Public Testimony: - Bianca Martinez (Neighbor/HOA President): Initially opposed, but after negotiations with the developer, expressed support for the compromised plan. - Christy Davidson (Red Wolf Estates resident): Opposed the rezoning, citing concerns over traffic, noise, and property values. Requested a decorative retaining wall if the project is approved. - Kimberly Ashman (Red Wolf Estates resident): Opposed the plan change, preferring the land remain zoned Agricultural. - Council Deliberation: Councilmembers discussed fire access, tree preservation, and the developer's concessions (reduced unit count, lowered building height to 25 feet, landscape buffers). - Outcome: Councilmember Horn moved to approve, citing alignment with the comprehensive plan. Motion passed 8-0. Item 2: Zoning Case 2025-12 (SUP for Transit Center) - Staff Report: The case required tabling to the December 8th meeting to perfect notice requirements. - Outcome: Tabled to December 8, 2025 (8-0). Item 3: Zoning Case 2025-14 (Municipal Avenue) - Proposal: Rezone 0.2 acres from Light Industrial to Single Family 6 to return a pre-existing home to residential use, consistent with the Silver Line Station area plan. - Outcome: Approved (8-0). Item 4: Tax Abatement Policy Reauthorization - Staff Report (Doug McDonald, Economic Development Director): State law requires a public hearing and biennial reauthorization of the city's tax abatement policy. The city currently has 6 active agreements, all set to expire by December 31, 2028. - Outcome: Reauthorized (8-0). Key Outcomes - Windhaven Townhomes (Case 2025-006): Approved (8-0). - Transit Center SUP (Case 2025-12): Tabled to December 8, 2025 (8-0). - Municipal Avenue Rezone (Case 2025-14): Approved (8-0). - Tax Abatement Policy: Reauthorized (8-0). - Consent Agenda: Approved (8-0).

The Plano City Council convened on November 24, 2025, to discuss and act on two primary agenda items: the establishment and appointments to the Collin County Connects Committee, and an update on the remaining Heritage Preservation Fund allocations. The Council approved a 13-member committee (12 members plus a chair) to review alternative transit options and voted to allocate remaining hotel/motel tax funds for downtown activation and public art projects. Collin County Connects Committee Establishment and Appointments Staff presented a proposal for a new Collin County Connects Committee to review vendors and alternative transit options in light of ongoing negotiations with DART. The committee was initially suggested as an 8-member appointed board, but following council discussion, the size was expanded to 12 members plus a chair (13 total), with two representatives from each of six categories: disability, senior, transit rider, underrepresented, downtown, and business owner. Key points: - Nearly 100 applicants were received for the committee. - A condensed timeline was set: meetings in the first two weeks of December, with a report to the council on December 16, 2025. - The council appointed Phil Dyer as chair. - Appointments by category: - Disability: Todd Marvin, Ian Smith - Senior: Joy Hinkleman, June Jenkins - Transit Rider: Brett Cooper, Nathaniel Adam (with Adam Clodney as alternate) - Underrepresented: John Yang, David Evans - Downtown: Corey Reineker, Catherine Walsh - Business Owner: Christina Rannenberger, Michelle Brubaker (with Pierce Cravens as alternate) - The council voted unanimously (8-0) to approve the committee appointments. - Council members encouraged appointees to reach out to other applicants for broader input. Heritage Preservation Fund Update Drew Bronner, Comprehensive Planning Manager, presented the update on the remaining Heritage Preservation Fund balance from the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Key details: - $1.5 million in hotel and motel tax revenue was allocated for heritage grants. - The Heritage Commission recommended $1.1 million for seven nonprofit organizations at the August 14, 2025 grant workshop; the council supported that allocation in the budget. - Remaining funds were designated for city-initiated heritage projects and an emergency grant fund. - Staff, in coordination with the Heritage Commission, recommended four city-initiated projects: 1. Two downtown activation projects: recurring historic walking tours with storytellers, and an event celebrating the completion of the J Place Pedestrian Alleyway Improvements and Streetscape Activation at K Avenue and 15th Street. 2. A rotating mural project at the northeast corner of K Avenue and 15th Street. 3. A welcome art project to replace the monument sign at G Avenue and 15th Street. - The Heritage Commission approved these recommendations by a 5-0 vote on October 22, 2025. - Council members asked no questions; the item was received as information (no vote required). Key Outcomes - Collin County Connects Committee approved (8-0) with 13 members and alternates, with a mandate to deliver recommendations by December 16, 2025. - Heritage Preservation Fund city-initiated projects were presented and supported by the council; staff will proceed with planning and implementation.

The City of Plano Planning and Zoning Commission met on November 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The commission addressed three major items, resulting in one approval, one tabling, and one deadlock that sent a case to council without a recommendation. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0) via a motion by Commissioner Bronsky and seconded by Commissioner Lingenfelter. Public Comments & Testimony - John Stephen Scott (Oak Creek Estates) spoke during the public interest period about a deteriorated seven-foot brick screening wall separating his neighborhood from a car wash. He urged the city to require the owner to restore the wall in its exact configuration, citing noise, safety, and property value concerns. Staff responded that no current case was pending but would reach out for further discussion. - Public hearing testimony for specific agenda items is summarized under the relevant Discussion Items below. Discussion Items Zoning Case 2023-028 (Lavan Farms Rezone) - Proposal: A request to rezone 215.7 acres of undeveloped land (Lavan Farms) from Agricultural to Residential Community Design (RCD). The project is a key implementation of the Envision Oak Point Small Area Plan, proposing 1,648 housing units (single-family, townhomes, and multifamily), 37 acres of open space, and new thoroughfares. - Staff Analysis: Mike Bell (Planning) presented the plan, noting that the RCD zoning provides a community benefit over the by-right development allowed under SB 15. The plan aligns with the community-driven Envision Oak Point vision map. Staff recommended approval. Staff reported receiving a high volume of public feedback, with a numerical discrepancy noted in the tally (8 in support, 2 neutral, 66 in opposition, and 25 other letters). - Applicant Position: Todd Moore (landowner, 90-year family ownership) and Kevin Hickman (High Street Residential) presented the project as a legacy endeavor, emphasizing 25 years of planning, collaboration with city staff, and three community meetings. They argued the plan prevents unplanned by-right development and will significantly increase the tax base. - Public Hearing: Jennifer Groisman opposed the plan, requesting an age-restricted, single-story owner-occupied community instead. Corey Rennegar supported the concept but opposed the current proposal, arguing for higher density, more mixed-use commercial, and better walkability to meet Envision Oak Point’s full potential. - Commission Deliberation: Commissioners strongly supported the project, highlighting the deliberate planning process, strict alignment with the small area plan, and the critical benefit of having a planned development over unplanned SB 15 development. Commissioner Brunoff gave an extensive defense of the project as a direct product of community vision. - Key Outcome: The commission voted 8-0 to approve the rezoning, sending it to City Council with a favorable recommendation contingent on a concurrent development agreement. Zoning Case 2025-010 (Meadows Baptist Church) - Proposal: A request to rezone a 14.6-acre church-owned property from Plan Development 173 (Estate Development) to Single Family Residence 6 (SF6) to create 58 single-family residential lots. - Staff Analysis: Planner Destiny Woods presented the request. The change was deemed compatible with surrounding residential uses. Staff initially reported 67 responses (5 support, 62 oppose), supplemented later by a petition of 123 in support and 26 new opposition letters. Staff recommended approval. - Applicant Position: Jim Douglas (Douglas Properties) stated the church wanted a quality development. He argued the SF6 zoning was appropriate for the 13-acre tract, which serves as a buffer between Los Rios Boulevard and the estate neighborhoods to the west. - Public Hearing: Multiple residents from the adjacent Ranch Estates neighborhood spoke in unanimous opposition. Jacqueline Pearl, John Jacobson, Kyle DeShane, and Shep Stall raised strong concerns about traffic safety (proximity to Plano East High School), drainage impacts, wildlife corridors, and the jarring density increase from 2-acre estate lots to 6,000 sq ft lots. - Commission Deliberation: Commissioners widely expressed dissatisfaction with the applicant’s lack of community outreach. Concerns were raised about the transition in lot sizes on the perimeter, shared fencing, and drainage. Several commissioners indicated a preference for a planned development (PD) approach or requiring larger perimeter lots. Commissioner Bronsky and others recommended tabling to allow the applicant to redesign the plan with meaningful neighbor input. - Key Outcome: The commission voted 8-0 to table both items 2A and 2B to the January 5, 2026, meeting. Agenda Item 3: Amendment to Specific Use Permit 56 (Cell Tower) - Proposal: An amendment to reduce the height of a previously approved cell tower from 120 feet to 95 feet and change the design from a stealth flagpole to a faux eucalyptus tree. - Staff Position: Staff recommended denial. The primary argument was that the tree design would attract attention (non-native species, out of context) rather than being stealth, and staff referenced past enforcement issues with similar tree designs. - Applicant Position: Mason Griffin and Verizon RF Engineer Steve Neese argued the tree design would provide superior cell coverage because larger antennas could be mounted externally. They stated it would co-locate three major carriers (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T), reducing the need for up to three additional tower sites. They noted support from the property owner and the Legacy Association. - Commission Deliberation: The commission was sharply divided over aesthetics versus coverage. Commissioners Bender and Tong leaned toward approval due to the co-location and coverage benefits. Commissioners Bronsky and Alley cited aesthetic concerns, staff objections, and the lack of a native tree design. The key tension was between the aesthetic compromise of the tree versus the functional compromise of the flagpole and the potential for more towers. - Key Outcome: A motion to deny the amendment failed 4-4. A subsequent motion to approve the amendment also failed 4-4. The case will proceed to the City Council without a recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. Key Outcomes - Zoning 2023-028 (Lavan Farms): Approved 8-0. Moves to City Council with a positive recommendation. - Zoning 2025-010 (Meadows Baptist Church): Tabled 8-0 to January 5, 2026. Applicant directed to work with neighbors and staff. - SUP 56 (Cell Tower): No recommendation (votes tied 4-4). Proceeds to City Council without commission recommendation. - Meeting Adjourned: 9:10 PM.

The Plano City Council convened on Monday, November 10, 2025, with all eight members present. The meeting opened with an invocation and pledges of allegiance, followed by proclamations for Veterans Day (November 11) and Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week (November 16–22), and recognition of the fall 2025 Citizens Government Academy graduates. Two members of the public spoke during the Comments of Public Interest period. The council approved the consent agenda unanimously, tabled a zoning case, and cast ballots for appraisal district board elections. Proclamations and Recognitions - Mayor John Muns proclaimed November 11, 2025, as Veterans Day in Plano. - The council proclaimed November 16–22, 2025, as Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week. The annual homeless census is scheduled for January 22, 2026. - The fall 2025 graduates of the Plano Citizens Government Academy were honored. Public Comments & Testimony - Ember Chaffin, a Plano resident, criticized the council’s decision to place a DART withdrawal measure on the ballot, arguing it was made without a plan, without transparency, and would disproportionately affect low-income residents, unhoused individuals, people with disabilities, and disenfranchised individuals. She noted that over 70% of speakers at the previous meeting were residents who opposed the measure, and that the council rejected a 2023 DART proposal to invest over $20 million in Plano. She pledged to continue attending meetings to share stories of those impacted. - Crystal Curry spoke about AI legislation affecting her personally, providing an update on her communications with local and federal representatives (including Ted Cruz, John Cornyn, Pat Fallon, Julie Johnson, Jasmine Crockett, Brandon Gill, and Keith Self). She requested the council’s assistance and mentioned working with Neighborhood Services on rapid rehousing eligibility and with the Texas Workforce Commission. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved unanimously (8-0). No items were removed for individual discussion. Discussion Items - Zoning Case 25-006 (Item 1): A request to rezone 3.2 acres at Windhaven Parkway and Red Wolf Lane from agricultural to single-family attached with a specific use permit for a private street subdivision. The applicant requested to table the item to the November 24, 2025 meeting due to a scheduling conflict. The council voted unanimously (8-0) to table. - Collin Central Appraisal District Board (Item 2): A resolution to cast the city’s 125 votes for Doug Bender for the board of directors. Approved unanimously (8-0). - Denton Central Appraisal District Board (Item 3): A resolution to cast the city’s 5 votes for two nominees: Ann Pomacall (3 votes) and Mike Hennefer (2 votes). Approved unanimously (8-0). Key Outcomes - All votes were unanimous (8-0). - The zoning case (25-006) was tabled to November 24, 2025. - The council cast its appraisal district board votes as specified. - The meeting adjourned.

The Plano City Council convened on November 10, 2025, to first recess into executive session to discuss legal, economic development, and real estate matters. Upon reconvening, the main discussion item was an update on the Plano Arabat (Arapahoe) Gymnastics program, which the city plans to sunset by May 31, 2026, due to sustained financial losses and the availability of many private gymnastics clubs in the area. Executive Session The council recessed into a closed executive session in Training Room A to consult with the attorney, discuss litigation, economic development, and real estate matters, as authorized by the Texas Open Meetings Act (Sections 551.071, 551.087, and 551.072). No action was reported following the session. Discussion Items - Plano Arabat Gymnastics Program Update: Dr. Susie Hergenreiter, Assistant Director over Recreation, presented the history and current status of the program. The program began in 1976 at Weatherford Elementary School, moved to Carpenter Park in 1990, and expanded to Oak Point in later years. Previously averaging 600-700 gymnasts with a year-long waitlist, the program now faces competition from 17 other private clubs in the Plano area. To reduce losses, the city eliminated a full-time coaching position in 2020 and consolidated to one gym in 2023. Despite exploring sustainable options, the decision was made on October 3, 2025, to discontinue the program effective October 31, 2025, but after feedback from participants, the timeline was extended to May 31, 2026, to allow families to find placement at other gyms before the competitive season starts in January. - Alternative Uses for the Gym Space: Dr. Hergenreiter outlined potential uses including leasing the space to a private gymnastics club (generating revenue), converting it to a multi-use court for pickleball, table tennis, badminton, or volleyball, or continuing non-competitive gymnastics classes (six- to eight-week sessions) that are profitable, as competitive programs are a cost center. Councilmember Levine asked about revenue implications and noted the city owns the gymnastics apparatus. - Councilmember Feedback: Deputy Mayor Pro Tem expressed appreciation for accommodating families and urged exploring options to keep gymnastics accessible to the community, particularly for affordable birthday parties and non-competitive participants. Councilmember Kentania asked about the timeline and communication process, noting she learned about the decision from emails and residents. Dr. Hergenreiter explained that the decision was made by city staff after observing a long-term downward trend, and that they informed city leadership. She acknowledged that better advance communication to council members would be helpful in the future. Key Outcomes - Program Sunset Extended: The Plano Arabat Gymnastics program will continue operating at Oak Point Recreation Center through May 31, 2026, instead of ending October 31, 2025, to give participants more time to transition. - Future Space Decisions: The council directed staff to consider alternative uses for the gym space, with emphasis on revenue generation and community benefit. Staff will explore leasing, multi-use court conversion, or offering non-competitive classes. - Lessons Learned: Councilmember Kentania emphasized the need for earlier communication to council members about program changes. The council will take this into account for future decisions. Note: The meeting adjourned to recess at 7:00 PM after addressing consent agenda items (no details provided).

At a special called session on November 5, 2025, the Plano City Council unanimously voted 8‑0 to place a referendum on the May 2026 ballot asking Plano voters whether the city should withdraw from the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system. The decision followed a presentation from city staff, extensive public testimony, and council deliberation. The council also directed staff to begin planning for a potential alternative transit system and to form a citizen advisory committee to guide the process. Public Comments & Testimony - DART CEO Nadine Lee stated that DART has worked in good faith, authorizing a $28 million general mobility program, expanding GoLink zones to cover all of Plano, and approving a legacy circulator. She noted DART has invested over $110 million in safety and reliability improvements, with crime down double digits and net promoter scores up 40 points. - DART Board Chair Randall Bryant (Dallas) urged continued negotiation, warning that the withdrawal vote would undermine compromise and harm regional collaboration. - Former DART Board Chair Gary Slagle (Richardson) highlighted ongoing regional transit planning efforts through the North Texas Council of Governments. - State Representative Venton Jones (Dallas) said the legislative session earlier in 2025 showed bipartisan support for local resolution and asked the council to seek a “win‑win” rather than pursue withdrawal. - Majority of 100+ public speakers (many from Plano, some from other cities) opposed the withdrawal election. Key concerns included: - Disabled, elderly, and low‑income residents rely on DART for medical appointments, work, and independence. - Microtransit alternatives (e.g., Via, Uber) were described as unreliable, especially for fixed schedules and during peak hours. - The Silver Line just opened (two stations in Plano) and withdrawal would jeopardize investment and regional connectivity. - DART’s Ernst & Young study showing a $65 million gap in 2023 was criticized as incomplete, ignoring the Silver Line and economic development benefits. - Speakers urged continued negotiation and forming a task force rather than an abrupt election. - A minority of speakers supported calling the election, citing financial inequity (Plano pays $120+ million/year but receives only ∼$45 million in direct services), empty buses, and governance concerns (Dallas holds a majority board). Some argued the one‑cent sales tax model is outdated and Plano could create a more responsive system. Discussion Items - Presentation by Andrew Fortune, Director of Policy and Government Relations: - Plano has contributed over $2.2 billion to DART since 1983; annual contribution exceeds $120 million (more than police and economic development combined). - 2023 Ernst & Young independent study found Plano contributed $109.6 million but only $44.6 million was spent in Plano—a $65 million gap. - Past reform efforts include requests for a 25% general mobility program, legislative bills (SB 1370 in 2023), and a recent 50% rail‑only proposal. DART offered a 5% program with added restrictions. - Staff recommends continuity of service: an alternative microtransit/paratransit system could be implemented months before a potential May 2026 vote, funded partly by a budgeted $4 million and matching funds. - A citywide zone could reduce transfers and serve unserved areas (e.g., George Bush Tollway corridors). The city could also contract with DART for rail access if voters approve withdrawal. - Council Questions and Deliberation: - Several council members expressed frustration with years of negotiations yielding little change in DART’s governance, service equity, and safety concerns. - Concerns were raised about protecting vulnerable populations (disabled, seniors, low‑income) during any transition, and ensuring a plan is in place before the vote. - Councilmember LaBon noted Plano pays $65.50 per boarding (based on $131 million ÷ 2 million boardings) and argued the system needs reform. - Councilmember Cantanilla asked whether the Silver Line could be preserved; staff replied that after withdrawal, service stops per state law but contracting with DART for rail may be possible. - Councilmember Horn emphasized that the one‑cent model has led to a growing contribution without proportional service improvements (from $86 million in 2020 to $131 million projected for 2025). Key Outcomes - Vote (8‑0): The council approved an ordinance ordering a referendum on May 2, 2026, asking Plano voters: "Shall the City of Plano continue participating in the Dallas Area Rapid Transit system?" - Directive to City Manager: Staff was instructed to immediately begin developing a community engagement process, form a citizen transit advisory committee, research and price alternative transit models (microtransit, contracted rail, paratransit), and work toward a potential implementation plan before the election. - Council’s stated intent: The vote does not constitute a withdrawal; it simply gives Plano residents the final decision. The council emphasized that ongoing negotiations with DART will continue, and the ordinance can be rescinded up to 45 days before the election if a satisfactory agreement is reached.

The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission met on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The commission approved the consent agenda and all three public hearing items unanimously (6-0), elected its first and second vice chairs, and adjourned at 6:37 PM. Two commissioners were absent. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was approved 6-0 on a motion by Commissioner Lingenfelder, seconded by Commissioner Bronsky; no items were pulled for individual consideration. Public Comments & Testimony - No registered speakers appeared for comments of public interest or for any of the public hearings. - For the Municipal Avenue rezoning (item 2), staff reported one letter of support from within the subject property, one letter of opposition from within 200 feet (with no reasoning stated), and one additional online response in opposition; the online response expressed opposition to additional residential development. Total: three responses citywide, one in support and two in opposition. - For the transit center specific use permit (item 3), staff reported no official responses within the subject property or 200 feet and one online response in support. Von Lane CEO Alex Danza presented in support of the request, describing the company's record: 11 years in business, a two-time Inc. 500 honoree, more than 31 million safe miles driven on Texas highways, more than two million passengers transported, an average one-way fare of $130, and a 45-foot, 22-seat first-class motor coach. He stated the service connects cities roughly 200 to 250 miles apart and brings travelers and hotel business to partner hotels. Discussion Items - Item 1 - Bob Woodruff Park Addition Block B, Lots 1R and 2 (administrative consideration): A replat to subdivide the existing Bob Woodruff Park into two lots and establish easements for improvements to the existing dog park on the northwest corner, on 112.8 acres at the southeast corner of Park Boulevard and Shiloh Road, zoned Single Family Residence 6, Single Family Residence 9, and agricultural, within the parkway overlay district. The applicant is the City of Plano. Staff (Molly Corriel, NRM Lead Planner) recommended approval as submitted. Commissioner Brunoff asked about plans for Lot 1R; staff responded that no other improvements are planned, though the restroom there was recently replaced. The commission approved the item 6-0. - Item 2 - Rezoning from Light Industrial 1 (LI-1) to Single Family Residence 6 (SF-6) (legislative consideration): A request by the City of Plano to rezone a 0.2-acre property on the east side of Municipal Avenue, 80 feet north of 12th Street, within the expressway corridor overlay district, to return the property to its original single-family residential use. Staff (Destiny Woods, planner) stated the property was originally built as a single-family home but was zoned industrial on the city's original zoning map and later used commercially; adjacent properties were rezoned from LI-1 to SF-6 in 2015, and the request is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Commissioner Lingenfelder asked how the change would affect the existing commercial certificate of occupancy; staff explained the current business owner may continue operating, but the certificate of occupancy could not be transferred to a new business after rezoning. The commission approved the item 6-0. - Item 3 - Specific Use Permit for a transit center/station (legislative consideration): A request by Von Lane for a specific use permit to operate a bus transit service at the existing hotel on 0.1 acres located 60 feet east of Communications Parkway and 24 feet north of Legacy Drive, zoned Plan Development 65 Central Business One, within the Dallas North Tollway Overlay District. Staff (John Kim, senior planner) recommended approval of zoning case 2025-012 with stipulations, including no more than one transit bus on site at any time, no long-term bus storage, and bus access limited to entry off Legacy Drive and exit via Communications Parkway. Because no parking rate is defined for a transit center/station, the use defaults to vehicle and related uses (one space per employee and one per stored vehicle); the applicant proposed two required spaces since no employees or stored vehicles are on site. The hotel site provides 488 spaces against 481 required. Staff requested a parking analysis, and the applicant agreed to file a letter with the county committing to mitigate any nuisances; the city council could later require additional parking or revoke the permit. Commissioners raised concerns about traffic and valet congestion at the hotel entrance, enforcement of the one-bus limit, and whether two parking spaces adequately cover passenger demand. Staff responded that the traffic department reviewed the site and found no issues and that the hotel controls the property and parking. Danza stated that most passengers use rideshare, are dropped off, or walk, and that passengers are notified by email or text when hotel parking is unavailable. The commission approved the item 6-0. - Item 4 - Election of First and Second Vice Chairs: Commissioner Tong nominated Commissioner Bronsky for first vice chair, and Commissioner Bronsky nominated Commissioner Alley for second vice chair. With no other nominations, both were elected by acclamation. Key Outcomes - Consent agenda approved 6-0. - Item 1 (Bob Woodruff Park replat) approved 6-0 as recommended by staff. - Item 2 (LI-1 to SF-6 rezoning on Municipal Avenue) approved 6-0 as recommended by staff. - Item 3 (Von Lane transit center/station specific use permit, zoning case 2025-012) approved 6-0 as recommended by staff; the case will proceed to the City Council. - Commissioner Bronsky was elected first vice chair and Commissioner Alley second vice chair by acclamation. - The meeting adjourned at 6:37 PM.