By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
After months of revisions and back-and-forth with nearby residents, the Plano City Council on Monday unanimously approved a rezoning request that will bring new single-family housing to East Plano.
The 8–0 vote clears the way for about 50 homes on 14.1 acres owned by Meadows Baptist Church near Los Rios Boulevard and Merriman Drive.
The approval shifts the property from large-lot estate zoning—requiring two-acre lots—to smaller single-family homes ranging from 7,000 to 9,000 square feet.
Planned development used to lock in commitments
The project was approved as a planned development (PD), allowing the city to enforce specific design and layout commitments made during the review process.
“This is really about setting expectations,” Planning Director Christina Day told council members.
Without the PD, she said, the city could only enforce standard zoning rules—not the additional conditions negotiated with neighbors.
“Otherwise, we can only enforce the single-family standards,” Day said, noting features like the 20-foot buffer would not be guaranteed.
Those conditions include a 20-foot landscaped buffer along the western edge, an ornamental fence, larger lots at the edges of the development, and design requirements such as three-car garages for some homes.
“It’s really about honoring the agreements with the neighborhood,” Day said.
Developer revised plans after neighborhood feedback
The proposal went through several versions after first coming forward in late 2025.
Developer Jim Douglas of Douglas Properties said the plan changed significantly based on input from nearby residents, including reducing the number of homes from 58 to 50 and adding more separation between neighborhoods.
“We’ve worked very hard with the homeowners,” Douglas said. “We’ve gone through two major revisions, several minor revisions, reduced the count from 58 lots to 50.”
Douglas said the revisions were intended to address concerns while maintaining the quality of the development.
“I stand behind what I say I’ll do,” he added. “My reputation’s all I’ve got.”
Residents point to need for growth in East Plano
Public input leaned strongly in favor of the rezoning, with city staff reporting 66 responses in support and three in opposition.
Several residents tied the proposal to broader concerns about East Plano’s future, including school closures and declining activity.
“The reality is, in my opinion, we need more families, more homes, more children, more neighborhoods to keep our East Plano schools and businesses vibrant and strong,” said Dr. Scott Fenton, a longtime resident.
Others echoed that theme, describing the development as a way to reinforce the area’s long-term stability.
“East Plano is more than just where we live. It is where families take root,” said Charles Watts, a lifelong resident.
Tim Richards, who has lived in Plano for more than 30 years, said the project would support both the local economy and community.
“I truly believe that this rezoning application is in the best interest of the entirety of East Plano,” Richards said, adding it would bring “much needed growth and support, both economic and otherwise.”
Concerns raised about long-term costs
Opposition to the project was limited, but one speaker questioned the use of a planned development to enforce certain features.
Cory Reiner said future homeowners—not current neighbors—would be responsible for maintaining the buffer and fencing through a homeowners association.
“The cost and responsibility… will be borne by the future homeowners who have no voice in this conversation,” Reiner said.
“We should be wary when the government is used to force one group of neighbors to pay for and maintain their neighbor’s fence,” he added.
Council highlights community support
Council members pointed to the level of community input and support as a key reason for approval.
Mayor Pro Tem Maria Tu said the discussion underscored the importance of investment in East Plano.
“I was so moved by all the speakers that came up and talked about the East Side,” Tu said.
Mayor John Muns also noted the level of alignment between the developer and nearby residents.
“We quite frankly don’t see that a lot,” Muns said.
“It warms this council’s heart to see the work that you put into this,” he added, addressing the developer.
Development moves forward
With the vote, the project can move forward under the conditions outlined in the planned development, including the required buffer, design standards, and lot configuration.
City staff said the request is consistent with Plano’s comprehensive plan, which designates the area for neighborhood residential use.
No construction timeline was discussed during the meeting.
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