McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission approved design exceptions to site plans for two projects during a Dec. 9 meeting.

At a glance: The first action approved by commission members regarded a future two-story building totaling 15,187 square feet at 2765 Virginia Parkway. The applicant requested a design exception to allow off-street parking within 20 feet of single-family residences located to the south.

The proposed parking will follow the same design as existing developments surrounding the location, according to a city document. City staff recommended approval of the requested design exception.

Also of note: The second action approved by commission members regarded a historic lumberyard site at 600 E. Louisiana St. The applicant is seeking to restore the lumberyard and transform it into a “stunning landmark” in east McKinney, according to a letter of intent.

The barn will serve as warehouse space for East End Salvage, which currently operates on an adjacent property at 705 Greenville Road.

Chase Bank recently opened a new branch in northeast McKinney, a bank representative said.

The details: The location offers a variety of personal, business and commercial banking services, the company website states.

• 12141 W. University Drive, McKinney

American Airlines will launch two new routes from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport next summer.

According to a Dec. 18 news release, the Fort Worth-based airline will add two flights June 4.

What's happening? One will go to Lincoln, Nebraska, twice daily. Lincoln, home of the University of Nebraska, marks the 240th destination within the United States for American Airlines, according to the release.

The other flight will be to Roanoke, Virginia, which will happen once daily.

Quote of note: “American is proud to offer unmatched connectivity across the United States," said Brian Znotins, American’s senior vice president of network and schedule planning. "We’re furthering our commitment with new routes designed to help customers realize their travel goals in 2026 from important hubs such as Chicago and Phoenix. With new routes from places like Lincoln, Nebraska; Abilene, Texas; Columbia, Missouri; and more, we’re providing local residents one-stop access to seal business deals, take a dream vacation with friends or family and enjoy soccer matches on the global stage.”

Central Texas counties could begin receiving up to $1.25 million each in state funding for flood warning sirens in the coming weeks and months, officials announced Dec. 16.

The overview: The funding comes less than six months after historic flooding hit parts of Central and West Texas over the July 4 weekend, killing at least 137 residents and visitors. During special legislative sessions this summer, state lawmakers approved requirements that 30 counties included in a July disaster declaration install flood warning systems with the help of $50 million in state grants.

Zooming in: Each county is expected to receive up to $1.25 million from the Texas Water Development Board. Counties seeking more money will need their requests approved by the three-member board.

Counties are required to submit detailed project plans to the TWDB and can use the grants to install physical infrastructure such as sirens, rain gauges, flood gauges and solar panels to power the warning systems. The money can also be used for local flood education, outreach and training programs, TWDB staff said.