[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6539395,"mediaKeyId","3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc","parentId",3647029,"title","Public commenters urged compassion on homelessness, called for measured growth and praised outgoing leaders","audioSeconds",328,"startMs",4982000,"endMs",5310000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc&start=4982&end=5310","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc/thumbnail_4982000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6539395/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/Public-commenters-urged-compassion-on-homelessness-called-for-measured-growth-and-praised-outgoing-leaders","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539395-9066247387e129d8afda21f8bca2022d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445140&Signature=K87xI-8UXBa0DBupLOl6QLOOH4u5vYUrue93R1Zr7mGs~WVH-25Bod38ihBDS2RahsCPrJJbcKYdAzpzbD6b1QXiwVEzfYxhD6BOu6ax~y6vxcpdM4eXM4ISxK~ctBunNFurcku4WUJ82sij-6zgj05iyWhq8I-6EuurXoD1~8uxie~oTDTNwjqOELyqP6g5QQEaXFsARjhfJNfd~Yje90irwK39RuuOE-Fy0E9JWX792yJEJRdM37OruQ7eIiJPBwlxic5I1aAcam9Gb6Z3WfKdVHm4F1WHiLfZJMdTEx~WOkM8fqfK5fIiiMR8Ez-31mD-tPdDfjF9yWSn8a9N7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","McKinney","date","2025-06-03T00:00:00Z","article","McKINNEY, Texas — Public comment at the June City Council meeting covered three main themes: homelessness and outreach approaches, concerns about large-scale or high-density development, and personal tributes to outgoing Mayor George Fuller and Councilmember Charlie Phillips.

On homelessness, Paul Ballesteros (founder and president of a local nonprofit serving people experiencing homelessness) urged council and residents to treat people with respect and suggested practical techniques to improve interactions (for example, asking \"Are you okay?\" before requesting relocation). Ballesteros warned that the impending closure of a local library branch would likely increase visible homelessness in public spaces and advocated for preparation and compassionate engagement.

Several residents spoke about growth and development. One resident urged \"smart growth\" and warned against rapid, high-density urbanization that could strain infrastructure and erode neighborhood character. Another resident, who identified as a nearby property owner, praised developer Billingsley for project quality and recommended council support for the master plan.

Multiple speakers offered personal thanks and stories for Mayor Fuller and Councilmember Phillips, describing them as accessible, community-minded and committed. One speaker described a personal intervention by Fuller during a family crisis and said Fuller helped arrange housing for her father; others described Fuller’s responsiveness during emergencies such as the COVID pandemic and extreme weather events.

No formal policy action was taken during the public‑comment period; speakers’ remarks were recorded for the public record and will be included in council minutes.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","McKinney - City Council Regular Meeting - Jun 03, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","During public comment, speakers urged compassionate responses to homelessness, urged 'smart growth' to preserve McKinney's character, and offered personal thanks to Mayor Fuller and Councilmember Phillips.","taxTitle","McKinney, Collin County, Texas","taxId",2778,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539400,"Council approves multiple planning items: industrial rezoning, Cotton Mill site plan, Billingsley mixed‑use plan; annexation hearing continued",540,4300000,4840000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc&start=4300&end=4840","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc/thumbnail_4300000.jpg","/articles/6539400/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/Council-approves-multiple-planning-items-industrial-rezoning-Cotton-Mill-site-plan-Billingsley-mixeduse-plan-annexation-hearing-continued","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539400-b910cd3e0ab6563121235c0dcae9ed90/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445140&Signature=TSgkstxEB2YYtS6sfJxYg6XieBtHPPGNjqCqSWSZfcUzCwewSzCzHi~x3WCPZIMyQTSc~vx5AcGjLQ02m7ko4xLgRTZfdmVvNADt0QVlFGMA2ARH6h287wDSktS7e7J3ef00QqIDzimJwQepNQbghkZdxQmpg6vHyPDboQWepJ7OrI1NHxEdgy5mlkV0MT7i2aVKps9N~FtcKYyPEd-P-QPeQfPBDL43a4OkhaLc9AP8we1YAzF4cizTSHBkl-M2Jkk9u6q1g9QgUiSglRlk5JUli6xR7v1b4wXB0IfyiSV0Kt9QLBmVey4yKvakaZnqjqpc-8gT2PmBy42fMa3Ntg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","McKINNEY, Texas — The City Council acted on several land-use items at its June meeting, approving a mix of rezonings and site plans and tabling an annexation request for later consideration.

Rezoning near the airport: Council voted to rezone a 9.26‑acre property along the new Spur 399 and adjacent to the airport from agriculture to light industrial (staff recommended approval). Planning staff said the request aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan and the aviation and business place type.

Cotton Mill site plan and design exceptions: Council considered a site-plan reapproval for the Cotton Mill mixed‑use project at SE corner of State Highway 5 and Elm Street. The site plan originally was approved in July 2023 and had since expired (site plans expire two years after approval if no building permit is pulled). Applicant representatives said they had been working with staff on infrastructure and utility alignment and requested council reapproval to preserve the approved plan while permitting staff to continue infrastructure coordination. Staff noted outstanding concerns about building form, site development standards and height; the applicant confirmed the development team has been working with staff to resolve those matters. Council moved to close the public hearing and approved the site‑plan item.

Billingsley / Bloomdale mixed‑use PD: Council reopened and approved a planned-development rezoning for a Billingsley/Southern Land mixed‑use master plan on Bloomdale Road after the applicant and staff resolved language clarifying timing and alignment for the 380 bypass road and other commitments. During discussion staff warned of recent state legislation that will change local control over where multifamily housing may be built and maximum lot‑size rules; staff said those bills (noted in the meeting as SB 840 and SB 15) were awaiting the governor’s signature and could limit cities’ ability to restrict multifamily density in certain commercial and large‑tract areas. The applicant presented the master plan and emphasized the project’s scale and expected long‑term private investment.

Annexation hearing continued: A petition to annex a property north of County Road 124 was put on the agenda but staff recommended and council approved tabling the public hearing and related zoning request to the June 17 council meeting.

Several council members and commenters raised concerns about infrastructure capacity, density and timing for road and utility construction; one resident urged careful, “smart growth” to retain McKinney’s character. The approvals were recorded in open session; specific roll-call vote tallies by name were not read into the audio transcript for all items.","Council approved a rezoning to allow light industrial near the airport, reapproved a Cotton Mill mixed‑use site plan after design exception discussion, approved a Billingsley master-planned mixed‑use PD after staff revisions, and continued an annexation item to the next meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539404,"Council moves funds and authorizes contract for Chestnut elevated storage tank rehabilitation",111,4169000,4280000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc&start=4169&end=4280","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc/thumbnail_4169000.jpg","/articles/6539404/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/Council-moves-funds-and-authorizes-contract-for-Chestnut-elevated-storage-tank-rehabilitation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539404-5ca4e89aff13d34138a7a0ab93be8aa8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445140&Signature=RBC1GJq-q5Xti7Yn6GutWPaFyqPBpxyPkTt6rxKgQl86JFaoWbAqWBkgAzSRjbeOuP90IbCHvsdJP1fCKHTK72HxVhxiY8fvqf-iMFVKBIMlOyUap3yMl47z3PROyr1iiZ~68ngM9ugUrm7RiBHtknvDa5Jvsv-kjlFb9d1ZoNWNsXbD9zy83Mw5zb~hSubRk0K62Pk6NgFCSoAsVpuOwfcY7-VfsoaTpL49D7LrAS69K42M1uPiDw~Oz0SsjI3-y5n8FMGEGxOKH~r2puSb5i7f3ttrI0E4~D9BUcUe~5~9rZKTDff79lW55k3XOSbuS9GiK4247ndj5AzMa41G6w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","McKINNEY, Texas — The City Council approved a budget amendment and authorized a construction contract for rehabilitation of the Chestnut 0.5 million-gallon elevated water storage tank.

Engineering Director Gary Graham told council the action would transfer $500,000 from the hotel-motel fund balance to the utility construction fund and move $725,000 from the TIRS 1 fund to the utility construction fund to provide the capital to proceed with the project. At a later agenda item the council authorized the city manager to execute a contract with Blasco Texas Inc. for the Chestnut tank rehabilitation, approving option 1 as recommended in the technical review.

Council discussion referred interested members to the full TIRS meeting presentation earlier the same evening for more detailed engineering information. The motions to amend the budget and to authorize the contract were moved and seconded in open session; the council voted to approve both items. No roll-call tallies specifying yes/no votes by name were recorded in the audio transcript; staff described the contract action as using option 1 from the presented alternatives.

The item will move the stated fund amounts into the utility construction fund and proceed to contract execution and project scheduling with Blasco Texas Inc., with project management in the engineering department.","Council approved a budget amendment moving funds from the hotel-motel and TIRS funds and authorized a contract with Blasco Texas Inc. to rehabilitate the Chestnut 0.5 million-gallon elevated storage tank, selecting option 1 as recommended in prior technical review.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539409,"Visit McKinney certified as Tourism Friendly Texas community; state highlights visitor spending and projects",165,2495000,2660000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc&start=2495&end=2660","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc/thumbnail_2495000.jpg","/articles/6539409/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/Visit-McKinney-certified-as-Tourism-Friendly-Texas-community-state-highlights-visitor-spending-and-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539409-457d5ae9d99be1f4441e0cf2c3c97051/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445140&Signature=SI81IywqjrBqqzI2SzLFPoZKTskAoohWOx4aMe23ubkbzB~0f9Hgj2QmoXn8PgctPbscdVPVMlsYigPFVZ7BJTn2JPCbvrwyJP9CQY5jwEm-dQgafkWyKTi6-EA-hbt8oYt-nvIp6~SNbh4hDLhuKkvD4vi~WyDBNaPezgBvCVq~GwqM23I~wG2SidxXhoDQn2Iodcy0SYLny10XvDapzEW3TI6t5zZtsCQI6-yAf-ZVCh95gBj6PDiuDQcfUBbEflR~br~JbGhzZKg1LHihvx99IQqTQLmDdHPv-c~EjHMpOF-jQbrL4wQ~GYgql3Ti~DhJWrGvO66NjLsHBHWB5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","McKINNEY, Texas — The Office of the Governor’s economic development and tourism office formally certified Visit McKinney as a Tourism Friendly Texas community at the City Council meeting.

A Travel Texas representative, Madeline Phillips, presented the certificate, noting that McKinney was among the state's first 40 communities to receive the designation. Phillips said that last year McKinney generated more than $31 million in direct travel spending and highlighted that visitor tax revenues reduce pressure on local property taxes.

Officials and Visit McKinney staff cited local attractions and ongoing projects they expect to draw visitors, including downtown historic sites, Heard Natural Science Museum, public art installations, annual events (Arts in Bloom, Oktoberfest, Red White & Boom, Home for the Holidays), and larger capital projects under development: a 20,000-seat amphitheater, Cannon Beach Surf and Adventure Park (expected to draw up to 750,000 visitors annually when complete), and new sports and meeting facilities. The Visit McKinney team thanked city leadership and staff for collaboration on tourism strategy.

Council members and the governor’s office representative said tourism contributes to the local economy by supporting small businesses and generating sales tax revenue. The designation is intended to help McKinney promote the city to outside markets and to support a data-driven tourism strategy.

No formal council action was required; the presentation was ceremonial and informational.","The Office of the Governor presented Visit McKinney with a Tourism Friendly Texas designation; state staff cited over $31 million in direct travel spending and noted upcoming projects including a 20,000-seat amphitheater and Cannon Beach Surf and Adventure Park.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6539414,"McKinney honors outgoing mayor George Fuller and Councilmember Charlie Phillips with plaques, portraits and proclamations",840,160000,1000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc&start=160&end=1000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3647029-6545ed6f4455163ea38442d8e4984fcc/thumbnail_160000.jpg","/articles/6539414/McKinney/Collin-County/Texas/McKinney-honors-outgoing-mayor-George-Fuller-and-Councilmember-Charlie-Phillips-with-plaques-portraits-and-proclamations","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6539414-9bd24bf5b3c9d529f8f7fcb3b313e621/orig.mp4?Expires=1770445140&Signature=LCghvGpnBSTT0z15Cmh4wHF-y8gjNA2UBXNlgX0j6z~dmiUHk1rvOz7J-pOtoRWf46im~bUylf1PaTLBYMg5MlweIfrC79KwCjQMYWERNpyJKBgXbX0AKFSo90qhK3C52bojMVZcp6m~tc9C5myVW9Zb8AP8M2-A1GRMpilagS4ND~n8ac0RXbeULHJDs5gdbGGDz3hliTEoHHhKUCvrE9rO~Otr~9q~KzJqoG-P~a9FrBPqW89z4~Mu-WDP1YMbr6H67wqbkPcb-wzjMV7BtPJ~pFmYy3KMoyLFPLQ-42p7Dit12sy1xb61cRwLO3kvfwsv56GIuGohwwx6u97eGg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","McKINNEY, Texas — The McKinney City Council honored Mayor George Fuller and Councilmember Charlie Phillips at its June council meeting, presenting plaques, painted portraits and letters of appreciation from Texas and federal legislators and recognizing a local high school baseball team.

The council presented a proclamation recognizing the McKinney Christian Academy Mustangs as the TAPPS Division 3 state baseball champions and read a series of accomplishments for the team, including tournament wins and a 28–5 season record in 2025.

City Manager Paul Grimes introduced the presentations and described the ceremonial gifts for Fuller and Phillips: an official plaque and a portrait produced for each outgoing official. A letter and a resolution from state lawmakers were also read aloud and presented on behalf of U.S. Rep. Keith Self and Texas House members, thanking both Fuller and Phillips for eight years of public service.

Fuller and Phillips each spoke after receiving their recognitions. Fuller reflected on council accomplishments during his tenure — citing growth in commercial tax base, reduced tax rates, infrastructure projects such as the new municipal complex, and efforts to attract events and businesses — and thanked staff, department heads, and community volunteers. Phillips thanked the community and referenced his involvement with local organizations including Cornerstone Ranch and the Special Olympics.

Other council members offered tributes and personal remarks about Fuller’s leadership and about Phillips’s community outreach and work with youth and organizations serving people with special needs. Several speakers emphasized the outgoing officials’ accessibility, engagement with staff and first responders, and local philanthropic work.

The presentations were followed by the council’s usual business and public comment period.","At a June council meeting, Mayor George Fuller and Councilmember Charlie Phillips were recognized for eight years of service with awards, plaques, portraits and letters from state and federal officials; the council also issued a proclamation for a local high school baseball state champion.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Public commenters urged compassion on homelessness, called for measured growth and praised outgoing leaders

Council approves multiple planning items: industrial rezoning, Cotton Mill site plan, Billingsley mixed‑use plan; annexation hearing continued

Council moves funds and authorizes contract for Chestnut elevated storage tank rehabilitation

Visit McKinney certified as Tourism Friendly Texas community; state highlights visitor spending and projects

McKinney honors outgoing mayor George Fuller and Councilmember Charlie Phillips with plaques, portraits and proclamations