Chris Wilkes of the McKinney Community Development Corporation reported to the Visit McKinney board that the MCDC approved a project with Catholic Charities and has awarded retail‑infrastructure grants intended to address deteriorated concrete and general refresh work at neighborhood commercial centers.

“We had, our meeting last week, approved project with Catholic Charities,” Wilkes said, and he described grant awards for retail infrastructure that include work at the Flour Mill area — where concrete conditions have limited use — and a refresh of the shopping center on U.S. 380 that houses Blue Olive. Wilkes said the retail infrastructure program supports visibility and functionality for Visit McKinney events and local businesses.

He told the board that the MCDC expects its retail infrastructure grant application cycle to open in November and that the program will be relevant to Visit McKinney promotional grant recipients and event organizers.

Why it matters: targeted infrastructure grants can improve pedestrian and vehicle access to commercial areas used by tourists and residents, potentially increasing patronage for downtown and corridor businesses.

What was not specified: Wilkes did not provide dollar amounts for the individual grants or an exact schedule for work beyond broad statements about the projects being approved or planned.