This week, McKinney City Council approved another step toward building an affordable apartment community. Meanwhile, Richardson ISD is moving forward with an $86 million Career and Technical Education facility.
Catch up on these six stories from Community Impact’s Dallas-Fort Worth coverage areas.
1. McKinney council approves annexation, zoning for affordable housing development
Plans are underway to develop an affordable apartment community in north McKinney as part of a public-private partnership between The NRP Group and the McKinney Housing Finance Corporation. The NRP Group is planning to develop an apartment complex consisting of 288 units. A site map shows plans for nine residential buildings, a clubhouse, pool, courtyard and a playground.
Read the full story from Senior Reporter Colby Farr.
2. ‘Richardson is at a crossroads’: City likely to see shortfall in coming years due to statewide property tax cap
Richardson could see a budget shortfall in the next few years due to the statewide cap on property tax increases. The Texas Property Tax Reform and Transparency Act of 2019, also known as Senate Bill 2, required voter approval for local governments to increase property tax revenue by more than 3.5% a year, effectively capping their property tax revenue. Under prior law, the cap was set at 8% increase per year. The budget could get even tighter if state legislators lower the property tax increase cap again during the 2027 legislative session.
Gain further insights from Reporter Isabella Zeff.
3. Grapevine council approves $592K to clear former shooting range
Grapevine City Council approved the use of city funds for clearing the grounds of a former shooting range. The Grapevine Shooting Range has not been in operation since 2018, when the city purchased a new indoor training facility and its surrounding land. The new facility is used by Grapevine police and other law enforcement agencies.
Read on from Reporter Hedija Dedic.
4. Lupe Tortilla is bringing Tex-Mex classics to Southlake
Houston-based Tex-Mex chain Lupe Tortilla will be coming to Southlake later this year. Lupe Tortilla’s menu includes a variety of Tex-Mex classics such as puffy tacos, carne asada and specialty margaritas. The new location is set to open in late 2026.
Read here from Reporter Hedija Dedic.
5. Katy Trail Ice House to open Allen location
Dallas-based restaurant Katy Trail Ice House is opening a new location in Allen, Allen EDC President and CEO Dan Bowman confirmed. The menu features burgers, salads, tacos, barbecue, cocktails and 50 beers on tap. Katy Trail Ice House will be located within The Ranch, a 10-acre development coming soon to Allen including office space, hike and bike trails and more.
See more details from Reporter Mary Katherine Shapiro.
6. Richardson ISD to grow CTE offerings with new $86M facility
As Richardson ISD continues to grow its Career and Technical Education, or CTE, offerings, the programming will soon have its own space. Voters approved the district’s bond package in November, including $86 million for a new CTE center, which will be located near the corner of Greenville Avenue and Walnut Street in south Richardson.