Plano residents want parks and green space to replace the three Plano ISD campuses the city is purchasing, according to results of the city’s community outreach efforts.

What happened: Plano Director of Neighborhood Services Curtis Howard presented two city staff reports at a Dec. 8 meeting detailing Plano residents’ feedback on the future development of the campuses. City officials held several open house meetings through September and October to gather community input, Howard said. Approximately 354 residents attended the six meetings, according to city documents.

Some context: After PISD trustees voted to close four campuses in June 2024 due to declining enrollment, the city of Plano approved an interlocal agreement to purchase Davis Elementary, Forman Elementary and Armstrong Middle schools.

Carpenter Middle also closed but remains under PISD ownership. Plano approved funding to purchase the three campuses earlier this year, and the city is in the process of purchasing the properties, according to city documents.

What's next? Howard said no decisions have been made about the future of the properties.

Panda Express held a grand opening for their new location in Plano on Dec. 10, according to an email from a company representative.

What’s on the menu: The chain is known for fast-casual Chinese food, including orange chicken, honey walnut shrimp, and broccoli beef.

Collin College is getting closer to opening its new health sciences center at its Frisco campus.

The overview: College leaders along with city of Frisco officials celebrated a construction milestone as the final beam was lifted and placed on top of the Health Sciences Center during a topping-out ceremony held Dec. 3, according to a college news release. The 120,000-square-foot center will provide additional space for the college's current health science programs while creating spaces for new programs. 

The project is estimated to cost approximately $71.8 million and is expected to open in spring 2027.

Quote of note: "Great progress has been made toward creating this innovative learning environment,” Collin College district President Neil Matkin said in the release. “We can all be proud of contributing to a Health Sciences Center that will offer high-demand programs that align with local workforce needs. It’s a win for our students, for our healthcare partners and for the community who will benefit from receiving care from well-trained, highly qualified healthcare professionals.”