DTX-PLS: Impact 9/16/2025

Check out some recent development updates coming out of Plano, including a proposed townhome subdivision off Windhaven Parkway and a proposed Watermere independent living facility at Park Boulevard and Preston Road. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

1. Plano commission tables vote on proposed townhomes at Austin Ranch
Plans for a proposed townhome development at Austin Ranch remain under review after Plano Planning and Zoning Commissioners postponed a zoning change request required for the development. The development, located near the southwest corner at Windhaven Parkway and Midway Road, was initially proposed to include 16 single-family townhomes, according to city documents.

2. Plano officials to consider senior living development at Park Boulevard, Preston Road
A new senior independent living facility could be coming to west Plano, pending a rezoning request and public hearing. At their Sept. 2 meeting, Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners voted to call a public hearing for items tied to a proposal to redevelop the former Plano Athletic Center site, which closed June 30.

BASIS Texas Charter School recently opened in Plano.

What they offer: The school offers “STEM-infused, college preparatory, K–12 tuition-free curriculum,” according to the school’s website.

The Plano school is serving grades K–9 for the 2025–26 school year. The upper school is expanding by one grade level each year, the school’s website states.

Micholandia is now open in Richardson.

The details: The business, located at 901 N. Jupiter Road, offers a number of ice cream and other frozen desserts. Ice cream flavors include chocolate, pecan, cookies and cream and more.

Cities, counties and school district boards across Texas are required to provide more notice for public meetings under a new state law aimed at increasing public participation in government affairs.

The details: Local government agencies must post meeting notices at least three business days in advance of the meeting, meaning weekends and holidays do not count toward the minimum posting period.

House Bill 1522, which became law Sept. 1, increases the notice requirement from 72 hours.

The law change is part of “an effort to promote government transparency and citizen participation,” Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, said during a May 13 legislative hearing.

The local impact: Some city and county governments across Community Impact’s coverage areas are changing their meeting schedules to comply with the new law, including:

• Bastrop City Council
• Conroe City Council
• Fort Bend County Commissioners Court
• Montgomery County Commissioners Court
• The Woodlands Township