By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The McKinney City Council approved federal public safety grants Tuesday that include language tied to cooperation with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, while also unanimously approving a rezoning for a proposed 58-acre surf park development along State Highway 121.
The actions came during the April 21 meeting, where council members addressed both routine federal funding and a zoning request tied to a large-scale entertainment project.
Federal Grants Approved With DHS Cooperation Language
The council approved three items under the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), funding ballistic plates for officers, a tactical camera system for SWAT, and hazardous materials detection equipment for the fire department. All equipment is fully federally funded.
The ballistic plates are designed to integrate with officers’ load-bearing vests. McKinney Police Chief Joe Ellenburg said the department has moved away from older standalone plates that could interfere with body cameras and equipment access.
“This is a grant that we have participated in every year.”
Ellenburg said the equipment improves comfort and efficiency while providing rifle-rated protection. He also noted the plates carry manufacturer expiration dates.
Council members asked whether any conditions were attached to the grants. Ellenburg said the funding comes at no cost to the city.
“There is no requirement.”
When asked about language in the agreement, he pointed to provisions tied to federal cooperation.
“It’s basically saying that you’ll continue to fully cooperate in the future with the Department of Homeland Security.”
He outlined two parts of that cooperation:
“To notify DHS of all information requested by DHS related to somebody we have in custody,” and to “detain such illegal aliens in accordance with request by DHS.”
Ellenburg said those provisions reflect current practice and would not change operations.
“We’re fully on board with those two requests now… I don’t think it’s going to change our practice in the future.”
He added that the city’s role is limited.
“Most of that is covered by the fact that we do not operate a jail.”
The grants were approved on a 5–1 vote, with one council member voting against the items after questions were raised about language tied to cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security. No explanation for the dissenting vote was given during the meeting.
The agenda lists the items as authorization to apply for, accept, and implement the grants if awarded .
Council Advances “Cannon Beach” Surf Park Rezoning
The council also approved zoning case 25-0131Z3, rezoning property at the northeast corner of Stacy Road and SH-121 for a new planned development.
The project, referred to during the meeting as “Cannon Beach,” spans approximately 58 acres and is designed as a mixed-use development centered around a surf lagoon, with retail, restaurant, and hotel components.
The approval required a planned development zoning framework to allow a surf lagoon and related commercial uses not currently defined in McKinney’s zoning code.
Lucas Raley, McKinney Director of Planning, introduced the request.
“The request is to rezone this property… primarily to include a new and unlisted use, which is the surf park.”
Cross Architects representative, Sam Lawrence addressed compatibility with nearby homes.
“We are operating at a decibel that is almost at or below a normal conversation… around 60 dB.”
The rezoning includes modified parking ratios and a reduced setback along a residential boundary.
A council member said existing regulations would still apply.
“I don’t think we’re creating anything that they should be concerned about… all of the lighting, the noise… will still apply.”
The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval, and the council voted unanimously.
Residents Raise Concerns Over Nearby Impact
Public comments submitted ahead of the zoning case show nearby residents raised concerns about noise, lighting, and traffic.
One resident warned that nearby homes could face “noise, traffic, and privacy impacts if adequate standards are not enforced.”
Another raised concerns about ongoing mechanical operations.
“Pumps, filtration systems, and ventilation equipment can operate continuously and generate significant noise,” the resident wrote, requesting an acoustic study and mitigation measures.
Additional comments referenced light spillover, traffic, and the need for buffering between the development and surrounding neighborhoods.
Two Decisions, Different Implications
The two actions highlight different aspects of city governance.
The UASI grants represent a continuation of federal-local partnerships on public safety, with officials emphasizing that attached language tied to cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security aligns with existing practices.
The Cannon Beach rezoning reflects the city’s ongoing growth strategy, introducing a large-scale entertainment development that required adjustments to current zoning frameworks, including the creation of a new planned development district.
Both were approved the same night, with the grants passing on a 5–1 vote and the rezoning approved unanimously.
Editor’s Note:
TX3DNews has requested the full UASI grant agreement referenced during the meeting to review the exact language discussed. This article will be updated if additional details become available.
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