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City Council · July 27, 2026
Plano Backs Arena Traffic Study, Drone Program, Denies Giant Flagpoles
Plano City Council on July 27 approved a new traffic study tied to the proposed Willow Bend entertainment district, signed off on a new police drone program, and rejected a request for two 150-foot flagpoles along U.S. 75. The meeting also included housing and neighborhood funding actions that could affect residents in the Douglass Community and other low to moderate income areas.
Willow Bend Traffic Study Gets Green Light
Council voted 8 to 0 to approve a $320,000 engineering contract with Farrar & Peirce for a preliminary traffic analysis around Willow Bend. Engineering Director Caleb Thornhill said the study would examine 28 intersections, Dallas North Tollway locations, commute overlap, and possible neighborhood cut-through concerns tied to potential redevelopment, including an NHL arena. Staff said this phase is planning-level only and does not approve development.
Residents Press For Wider Traffic Review
Several speakers argued the study should cover more neighborhoods east of the tollway and include other approved developments expected to add traffic before any arena opens. Council members also asked whether the study area could expand. Staff said the current contract reaches to Parkwood and that any move farther east would require a contract change or future action. Additional public meetings are expected, but no dates were announced.
Douglass Pilot Project Wins Federal Funding Amendment
Council voted 8 to 0 to approve a substantial amendment to the city's federal housing plan so Community Development Block Grant money can be used on a new public infrastructure pilot in the Douglass Community. Staff said about $50,000 would go toward removing inactive overhead cable lines and burying active telecom lines in a small area near 11th and 12th streets to help clean up the corridor.
Questions Remain On Bigger Douglass Upgrades
Residents and council members raised concerns that the project does not include burying electric lines, which staff said is far more expensive and complicated because of easements, conduit work, and transformer changes. Neighborhood Association President David Evans said the area has waited years for deeper infrastructure investment. Staff described the work as a starting point and a test of whether this kind of federal funding can be used more broadly later.
Housing And Community Funding Plan Approved
Council also voted 8 to 0 to adopt Plano's 2026-2027 action plan for federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME funds. Assistant City Manager Curtis Howard said the plan sets how the city expects to use the money for housing, rehabilitation, infrastructure-style projects, social services, and administration. The Community Relations Commission had already reviewed and recommended the funding approach. | 