Plano panel approves abandonment of drainage easement to allow Meadows Elementary playground canopy

The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 May 19 to approve Plano Independent School District’s request to abandon a 15-foot drainage easement at Meadows Elementary School, clearing the way for a playground expansion and the installation of a canopy.

Caroline Stewart, planner with the planning department, told commissioners the applicant is requesting abandonment of the existing 15-foot drainage easement to expand the playground. “Staff recommends approval, and I'm available for any questions that you may have,” Stewart said.

The easement covers a single lot of about 8.9 acres at the southeast corner of Eighteenth Street and Rigsby Drive in a single-family residential zone. Stewart said the existing storm line will remain after the easement is abandoned. When Commissioner Tong asked whether the drainage would be rerouted, Stewart replied, “So there is an existing storm line that will remain after the easement is abandoned.” An additional staff commenter noted that because the drainage serves only the one property it does not need to remain in a public easement and “it can be a private drainage,” which would allow construction over the line.

Commissioner Bronski asked whether the proposed canopy would redirect water or create drainage issues for the property as a whole; staff said they were not aware of such problems. No members of the public registered to speak on the item.

Commissioner Brunoff moved to approve item No. 1 as recommended by staff; Commissioner Bender seconded. The commission voted 7-0 to approve the administrative application to abandon the drainage easement and permit the playground expansion and canopy.

Because the item was an administrative consideration, commissioners and staff framed the approval as contingent on compliance with applicable city development regulations.