By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The McKinney City Council unanimously approved a rezoning request Tuesday night for a proposed senior affordable housing development near U.S. Highway 380 and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney despite concerns about traffic along the busy corridor.
The proposed Forest View Senior Housing development would include 222 age-restricted apartments and nearly 8,000 square feet of commercial space on property north of U.S. 380 and east of Lake Forest Drive.
Much of the discussion centered on congestion near the intersection of Lake Forest Drive and U.S. 380.
Development Planned Near Hospital Corridor
Planning Director Lucas Raley said the property was previously zoned for commercial use and noted that state law allows certain multifamily developments on commercially zoned land.
“Under state law, SB 840, multifamily can come in and develop by right on commercial lots,” Raley said.
Raley also noted the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of the request and said city staff supported the project.
The rezoning creates districts for multifamily housing, mixed-use commercial development, and a small single-family section at the rear of the property that would be transferred to adjacent homeowners to expand existing backyards rather than add new homes.
Developer Glenn Lynch said the project is intended to help address growing demand for affordable senior housing in McKinney.
“The fastest growing community is retirement centers, where people are just in need of affordable housing,” Lynch said.
The development would primarily serve residents 55 and older, with income-restricted units averaging 60% of area median income, according to application documents.
City filings also state the project is intended to align with the One McKinney 2040 Comprehensive Plan’s vision for the Medical District surrounding Baylor Scott & White Medical Center.
Developer Emphasizes Design and Location
Lynch said the project was designed to fit alongside nearby neighborhoods while taking advantage of its location near the hospital corridor.
“We just thought it would be a really good place for elderly housing right across from the hospital,” Lynch said.
Plans presented to council showed portions of the buildings nearest existing homes reduced to two stories to address privacy concerns.
“There’s no porches that look over that or anything,” Lynch said. “So it’s not looking into anyone’s backyard.”
Lynch also said the development would include shared community spaces for residents and described the project as a long-term investment.
“I try to build stuff that I would live in myself,” he said.
Plans submitted to the city also call for preserving several acres of floodplain on the western portion of the property as permanent greenspace.
Resident Supports Housing but Raises Traffic Concerns
Traffic concerns dominated the discussion, with nearby resident Elvin Turner telling council he supports affordable senior housing but worries the project could worsen congestion near Lake Forest Drive and U.S. Highway 380.
“I do support this development,” Turner said. “I do believe that we do need the affordable living for our senior members of the community.”
Turner said the additional apartments, parking, and future commercial activity could place more strain on an already busy intersection.
“I believe it would be irresponsible to the existing community” to assume the development would not increase traffic, Turner said.
“That intersection is already extremely busy,” he added, noting there are limited entrance and exit points near the site.
Turner also asked the city to complete or release a traffic study before the project moves forward.
During council discussion, Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Geré Feltus acknowledged ongoing congestion concerns along the corridor.
“380 is not getting any better anytime soon,” Feltus said.
Feltus also asked city staff to maintain communication with nearby residents as the project moves through the site plan process.
Planning Director Lucas Raley said detailed traffic analysis would occur during the site plan phase and could require roadway improvements such as turn lanes or additional access points.