McKinney council approves zoning for 500-plus home development
🏡 City officials have signed off on new zoning that could bring more than 500 single-family homes to a 136-acre lot located just east of the Honey Creek development in north McKinney.
In a nutshell: McKinney City Council members approved zoning and annexation for the 136-acre site during a special meeting held Sept. 23. The action came after McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval in August.
The land has been zoned to allow for a mix of single-family homes, including traditional homes, cottage homes and villa homes, according to a city document. A maximum of 600 dwelling units are permitted on the site. At least 100 traditional lots are required at minimum and a maximum of 200 villas would be permitted.
The details: City staff recommended approval of the requested zoning since it was compatible with surrounding properties, according to a city document. Attached to the action was an annexation agreement with development standards that are consistent with Honey Creek municipal management district’s standards, according to the agreement.
Maple Street Biscuit Company locations close in Frisco, Keller, McKinney
🍳 Representatives of the Florida-based breakfast restaurant Maple Street Biscuit Company have closed four locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The details: The Frisco, Keller and two McKinney locations have closed. Sign at the former Maple Street Biscuit Company locations in Keller and McKinney point customers to the company's website. The restaurant's parent company, Cracker Barrel, announced 14 Maple Street locations would close in a Sept. 17 financial report.
Texas to overhaul STAAR, launch 3 new exams in 2027
The Texas Education Agency will begin transitioning to a new standardized testing system after Gov. Greg Abbott signed a law Sept. 17 to replace the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness with three shorter exams.
The overview: Through the 2026-27 school year, Texas public school students in third through 12th grade will continue taking the STAAR each spring. Beginning in fall 2027, students will take three tests at the beginning, middle and end of the year under House Bill 8, the new law.
Students’ results will be released within 48 hours after each new test is administered. STAAR scores are currently released about six weeks after a test ends, according to the TEA.
The debate: Bill author Rep. Brad Buckley, R-Salado, said the new system will reduce test-related anxiety; give students and teachers feedback throughout the school year; and increase legislative oversight of Texas’ assessment and accountability systems. Critics of the plan said it would increase the amount of time students spend taking exams and essentially create “another STAAR test” developed by the TEA.
