DTX-PLS: Impact 10/31/2025

Plano officials are backing the construction of a new Japanese luxury hotel in northwest Plano by providing annual tax rebates and funding to support marketing and tourism efforts. At their Oct. 27 meeting, Plano City Council members approved a pair of items tied to the new Miyako Hybrid Hotel.

Some context: Construction on the upcoming 215,000-square-foot Japanese luxury hotel near the former JCPenney headquarters began Oct. 15. The hotel, which will be Kintetsu Group Holding’s third in the United States, is projected to open in fall 2027.

What you need to know: The first agreement, an economic development incentive agreement, establishes an annual tax rebate for the hotel. Council members also approved a hotel occupancy tax grant agreement, which provides the hotel with funding specifically aimed at attracting visitors and convention delegates. Under the grant agreement, Plano will pay Kintetsu $70,000 for five years, starting Dec. 31, 2028.

Plano ISD has reopened Murphy Middle School after temporarily closing it to complete environmental remediation improvements.

The details: At an Oct. 21 work session, Deputy Superintendent Johnny Hill confirmed that the district received a certification indicating the school passed indoor air quality and humidity tests.

Staff returned to the facilities Oct. 16 and students Oct. 20, according to PISD’s website.

The remediation work began after community members reported concerns of mold, which was then tested by two independent air quality assessments.

Results showed that several areas of the building were affected by elevated humidity issues and visible mold growth, but no black mold was detected in the building, according to Hill’s presentation.

Plano ISD contracted independent mold and heating, ventilation and air conditioning specialists to lead the remediation efforts, which included:

• In-depth cleaning of HVAC systems
• Surface disinfecting
• Installation of dehumidifiers and air purifiers
• Carpet replacement
• Window resealing

Since Nov. 7, 2000, at least one person has died on Texas roads every day, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. As the Lone Star State nears 25 years of daily traffic deaths, officials at all levels of government are investing in new roadway safety projects and encouraging Texas drivers to do their part to curb deadly crashes.

The big picture: In the past 25 years, over 91,000 people have died on Texas roads. That is enough people to fill Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, according to TxDOT.

On average, 11 people died daily on Texas roads last year. In 2025, an average of 10 people had died per day as of Sept. 24.

Zooming in: State and local leaders found that the top factors in severe crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• High speeds
• Distracted driving
• Pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Lack of seatbelt use
• Roadway or lane departures
• Wrong-way driving