Introduction to McKinney City Council’s Decision
The McKinney City Council has abandoned plans for a deck park meant to reconnect the city’s east side to its historic downtown after losing $15 million in federal funding as a result of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Instead of moving forward with a proposed $45 million “Lower 5 Plaza” project to connect East McKinney to the city’s historic center across State Highway 5, the council on Tuesday voted to redirect resources to improve ground-level crossings across the highway.
Background on the Deck Park Project
For years, McKinney has had plans for its own version of Klyde Warren Park — Dallas’ downtown deck park — and leaders hoped the project would make the downtown area more walkable and safe for pedestrians. The city had received $15 million from an $80 million federal package for pedestrian parks in the region, including Halperin and Klyde Warren parks in Dallas. However, the loss of funding due to President Trump’s bill has forced the city to reconsider its plans.
Reasons for the Change in Plans
Other projects in Dallas did not lose funding because, unlike McKinney’s project, they were already environmentally cleared, a representative of the North Central Texas Council of Governments confirmed. The funds were meant to support transportation equity in disadvantaged communities that had been ripped apart by highways. Some business owners and residents expressed concerns that the project would be too expensive, displace small businesses and ultimately fail to serve communities in East McKinney.
The Impact on the Community
The east side of the city, which hosts McKinney’s historic legacy communities, lags behind the rest of the city in economic well-being according to a 2022 draft report for the city, and residents are particularly vulnerable to displacement. Safety along the highway has long been a concern. A city analysis of 13 crashes reported along State Highway 5 from 2020 to 2025 found two crashes were fatal and five pedestrians were seriously injured.
New Plans for the City
The city hopes to use nearly $23 million it still has from the North Central Texas Council of Governments that had been reserved for the deck park to instead fund crossings and improvements at the highway. During Tuesday’s meeting, city staff recommended adding eight flashing crosswalk signs, street lighting, turn lanes and drainage improvements, among other enhancements.
Reaction from the Community
McKinney resident Shawn Wang, who owns a commercial building in the path of the now-scuttled deck park, said the council made the right decision to change course. “This way, we will still keep the old charm around here without making a drastic economic impact on small businesses,” Wang said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the McKinney City Council’s decision to abandon plans for a deck park and instead focus on improving ground-level crossings across State Highway 5 is a significant change in direction for the city. While the loss of federal funding was a major factor in this decision, the city’s new plans aim to address safety concerns and support the local community.
FAQs
Q: What was the original plan for the deck park in McKinney?
A: The original plan was to build a $45 million “Lower 5 Plaza” project to connect East McKinney to the city’s historic center across State Highway 5.
Q: Why was the plan abandoned?
A: The plan was abandoned due to the loss of $15 million in federal funding as a result of President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Q: What are the new plans for the city?
A: The city plans to use nearly $23 million to fund crossings and improvements at the highway, including adding eight flashing crosswalk signs, street lighting, turn lanes and drainage improvements.
Q: How will the new plans affect the community?
A: The new plans aim to address safety concerns and support the local community, particularly in the east side of the city which hosts McKinney’s historic legacy communities.
Q: What is the reaction from the community to the new plans?
A: Some community members, such as McKinney resident Shawn Wang, have expressed support for the new plans, stating that they will help keep the old charm of the area without making a drastic economic impact on small businesses.
