In a recent McKinney City Council work session, discussions centered on the potential for multifamily developments on commercial properties, with a strong emphasis on maintaining architectural standards and controlling property uses. Council members expressed a desire to implement covenants to secure these standards before any properties are sold to new buyers.

One council member raised the idea of leasing these properties in the interim, highlighting that such leases could generate taxable revenue for the city based on the rent collected. This proposal sparked interest in exploring potential leasing options, with the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) suggested as a possible facilitator for gauging interest from potential lessees.

The conversation also touched on the importance of revitalizing downtown McKinney. Council members stressed the need to increase daytime and weekday traffic in the area, suggesting that the right mix of uses could help achieve this goal. They acknowledged previous public input and surveys but noted that the outcomes from past development efforts did not fully align with community desires.

As the council continues to navigate these discussions, the focus remains on balancing development opportunities with the community's vision for the future of McKinney. The next steps will likely involve further exploration of leasing options and a clearer strategy for enhancing downtown activity.