By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The Plano City Council spent much of its April 13 meeting focused on transportation, development, and resident concerns—moving forward with a new Via-based transportation pilot program, approving a controversial zoning case, and hearing public comment on issues including visa-related complaints raised during the public comment portion.
Plano Rides Transportation Pilot Targets Mobility Gaps
Earlier in the evening, during a preliminary open meeting, city staff outlined a new partnership with Via, a technology-based transportation provider, aimed at improving mobility options across Plano.
Assistant City Manager Curtis Howard told council the program is designed to “provide transportation needs in areas that DART does not cover” and create a more flexible, app-based dynamic routing system for residents.
The pilot includes two components: a senior rides program (branded as part of Plano Rides) for residents 65 and older, and a circulator service focused on the Legacy West and Shops at Legacy area. The senior program is expected to launch around May 4 and will allow rides within Plano and up to a 1.5-mile buffer beyond city limits.
The service will operate through an app, with options for phone-based scheduling. Initial fares are expected to start around $3, with the first 30 days offered free as the city gathers data on usage patterns.
Council members raised questions about accessibility, particularly for seniors unfamiliar with smartphone apps. Staff said outreach efforts are planned, including in-person sessions and multilingual support.
The pilot is structured as a six-month agreement, with a not-to-exceed cost of $3.95 million, and options to extend based on performance and demand.
Council Approves Senior Independent Living Development
During the regular meeting, council unanimously approved a zoning request allowing a five-story independent senior living facility near Preston Road and Park Boulevard.
The project, which includes up to 250 units, required an amendment to an existing planned development district to permit the use and increase building height from two stories to five stories.
City staff said the broader development area spans more than 100 acres, but the proposal applies only to a 6.3-acre portion of the site.
Planning staff explained that the changes would allow “an independent living facility with modified development standards,” including increased height and adjusted setbacks.
The proposal drew significant community feedback, with 170 responses opposing the project compared to nine in support. Residents raised concerns about building height, traffic, and compatibility with nearby neighborhoods.
One speaker, Mary Nelson, told council the scale of the project was out of step with the area.
“Five stories at the end of our streets… I think is excessive for this location.”
Supporters of the development said it was a better alternative to other potential uses.
Gene Goodwin, who lives nearby, said the proposal was preferable to denser multifamily housing that could be built under state law.
“I do not want to see a full-fledged apartment complex… built 25 feet off the sidewalk.”
Council discussion reflected that tension. Members noted that under recent state legislation, including Senate Bill 840, denying the project could allow a by-right multifamily development with fewer restrictions.
Staff said a by-right multifamily development could be built closer to the street and potentially with more units.
Ultimately, council voted 8–0 to approve the zoning change.
Public Comments Raise Broader Concerns
During public comment, a resident again raised concerns about alleged H-1B visa misuse and related zoning questions—an issue that has surfaced in recent meetings.
DJ Horn told council the topic had drawn attention online and questioned whether local enforcement is addressing what he described as “paper-only companies.”
“This isn’t just my concern… it’s thousands of Plano residents that feel the same way,” he said.
Council did not respond, consistent with rules limiting discussion on non-agenda items.
A Full Night of Discussion at City Hall
The meeting paired a forward-looking transportation rollout with a key development decision that drew both support and opposition from nearby residents. While the council moved ahead with the senior housing project and a new mobility pilot, the discussion also reflected tradeoffs cities face between local control, state law, and ongoing growth.
At the same time, public comment signaled how broader concerns—like visa-related claims tied to zoning and enforcement—are beginning to surface during Plano council meetings, even when they fall outside the night’s agenda.
