A new apartment community is being proposed in north McKinney near the future US 380 bypass.

At a glance: McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the zoning request during a Feb. 24 meeting. If approved by council, more than 37 acres located along CR 161 in north McKinney would be zoned for multifamily uses, according to a city document.

A closer look: The property is located east of the future US 380 bypass and along CR 161, which is planned as a future arterial road, Chief Planner Kaitlin Sheffield said. Sheffield’s presentation included highlights of other developments nearby, such as Huntington Park, Mercy Court Townhomes and Franklin Branch Apartments.

City staff are recommending approval of the zoning request because it “ultimately meets a majority of the decision-making criteria in the comprehensive plan” in conjunction with adjacent uses and future development, Sheffield said.

What's next: The zoning request will be forwarded to McKinney City Council for final action at its March 17 meeting.

Coffee Nutz recently opened in McKinney, business owner Xiaowen Dong said.

On the menu: Beyond classic espresso drinks—such as espresso, cortado, cappuccino and Americano—the cafe also features seasonal matcha options, pour-overs and siphon coffee and tea. The food menu features avocado toast, Golden teriyaki brioche, shrimp arugula salad and more.
 

• 6951 S. Custer Road, Ste. 500, McKinney

As springtime pollen allergies approach, North Texas residents with seasonal allergies may experience increased symptoms.

The specifics: Dr. Deepika Kumaresan, an internal medicine doctor with Baylor Scott & White, spoke with Community Impact about allergies in Dallas-Fort Worth, including symptoms, most prevalent allergens and treatment.

What are allergies, and what does the average person need to know about them? Allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to substances that are typically harmless—like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. When exposed, the immune system releases chemicals such as histamine, which trigger symptoms ranging from sneezing and itchy eyes to more serious reactions. Understanding your triggers and recognizing symptoms early helps you manage allergies effectively. 

What time of year are allergies most prevalent, and why? In Texas—and especially North Texas—seasonal allergies can occur nearly year‑round due to our climate and plant diversity. 

• Winter (December-February): Cedar pollen is the main culprit.
• Spring (February-May): Tree pollens such as oak and pecan dominate.
• Summer (April-September): Grass pollen peaks.
• Fall (August-November): Ragweed surges until the first frost.

With a few days left to vote early in the March primaries, more Texans have turned out to the polls this year than in recent primary elections.

The gist: The increase is particularly pronounced among Democratic primary voters, state data shows, with more than twice as many Democratic votes cast by Feb. 24 than in Texas’ last gubernatorial primary.

Zooming in: Statewide, nearly 1.3 million Texans, or about 7% of the state’s 18.7 million registered voters, cast early ballots through Feb. 24, the eighth day of the 11-day early voting period. This is up from about 6% turnout at the same point in 2024 and about 4% turnout in 2022.

In interviews with Community Impact, election analysts attributed Texas’ rising primary voter turnout in part to a slate of competitive, high-profile races on each party’s primary ballot.

At the polls: Early voting in Texas’ Republican and Democratic primaries runs through Feb. 27, and primary election day is March 3. During early voting, registered voters can visit any polling location within their county of residence.