Princeton Approves Taller Commercial Buildings Along U.S. 380 After Debate Over Future Development Concerns

By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews

Princeton City Council approved a zoning amendment Monday night allowing taller commercial buildings along portions of U.S. 380 following a debate over residential protections, future C-2 zoning uses and commercial growth along the rapidly developing corridor.

The ordinance raises the maximum building height from 35 feet to 60 feet for certain C-2 commercial properties located within 1,000 feet of U.S. 380 and passed in a 6-1 vote following a public hearing.

During the discussion, Development Services Director Shy Roos said Princeton is “now getting interest from hotels and hospitals” and warned the city risks losing projects if regulations remain too restrictive. Councilwoman Cristina Todd argued the ordinance included “zero protections for the residential homes that will be impacted by this.”

Princeton Staff Says Height Limits Hurt Commercial Recruitment

During the presentation, Roos told council members Princeton’s current 35-foot limit has become a barrier for attracting larger commercial projects.

“One of the reasons for that is we are now getting interest from hotels and hospitals,” Roos said. “None of those decent ones can be built in 35 feet.”

Roos also argued developers and site selectors often bypass cities with restrictive regulations before ever reaching out to local officials.

“They will never even approach you if you don’t have the right regulations,” Roos said.

City officials said the amendment applies only to C-2 properties within 1,000 feet of U.S. 380 and does not approve any specific project. Buildings beyond that limit would remain capped at 35 feet. Officials also noted several surrounding cities already allow taller commercial buildings along the corridor.

Todd Raises Concerns Over C-2 Uses and Neighborhood Protections

Councilwoman Cristina Todd questioned whether the city should approve taller buildings before adding additional residential protections and revisiting broader C-2 zoning regulations.

“There are zero protections for the residential homes that will be impacted by this included in here,” Todd said during the discussion.

Todd also referenced data centers while discussing uses currently permitted under C-2 zoning.

“As I mentioned at the LongNeck hearing, C-2 includes having data centers,” Todd said.

She later argued the ordinance could allow more intensive development near residential areas without additional safeguards in place.

Throughout the discussion, Todd pressed city staff and attorneys about vesting rights, development agreements and whether future developers could use the ordinance to pursue taller projects near neighborhoods.

Development Services Director Shai Roos acknowledged concerns about prior development issues in Princeton but said the city is already reviewing broader C-2 regulations and planned development standards.

“We are committed to making sure that quality of life for our residents does not get affected by this,” Roos said.

Mayor Responds to Data Center Discussion

Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. addressed the growing debate surrounding data centers and future development discussions in a Facebook post published following the meeting.

“There are no data centers currently planned or under consideration within the City of Princeton at this time,” Escobar wrote.

Escobar criticized Councilwoman Cristina Todd over the issue, writing that “this narrative is being pushed by Councilwoman Cristina Todd and her team to create fear and confusion within the community.”

The mayor also acknowledged that conversations involving data center companies could be occurring between private landowners and developers, while emphasizing that no formal proposal has been submitted to the city.

“If there are conversations happening between private landowners and representatives from data center companies, then that is all they are — private conversations,” Escobar wrote. “Private property owners can have discussions with anyone they choose, but that does not mean a project is approved, planned, or moving forward through the city process.”

Escobar also said the city is discussing future development standards and “put more controls in place regarding where certain types of developments can go in the future.” He added that residents would have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input before any project of that scale could move forward.

Todd Says Concerns Extend Beyond Data Centers

In an interview with TX3DNews following the meeting, Councilwoman Cristina Todd said her concerns were not limited to data centers and included broader questions about hotels, commercial intensity and future development near residential neighborhoods.

Todd said her primary concern was that existing C-2 zoning still allows more intensive commercial uses without additional safeguards for nearby residential areas.

“If you have C-2, you can just apply for a permit to build and there’s nothing we can do to stop it,” Todd said.

Todd also said she is aware of a nearby property owner that had been approached by a data center company with potential interest in the property, though she acknowledged no official proposal has been submitted to the city.

Addressing Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr.’s comments that discussions surrounding data centers were creating “fear and confusion,” Todd questioned why broader development discussions should not occur publicly.

“Doesn’t seem like it would be that big a deal, to bring it to the public and to let them know,” Todd said, “this is their city, they should have a voice in the direction and vision for its future, and should be made aware when current policies don’t align with that vision.”

What Happens Next

City officials said Monday’s ordinance only changes height limits for certain C-2 properties along U.S. 380 and does not approve any specific project. Still, the debate highlighted ongoing disagreements over future development, residential protections and C-2 zoning as Princeton continues growing along the corridor.