Leaders in the East McKinney neighborhood are taking action to engage residents and preserve the community’s historic charm amidst ongoing development. Seven key leaders, including Deborah Bradford, Rosa Maxie, Maria McKinzie, Beth Bentley, Juametta Terrell, Silvia Escamilla, and Maegan Escamilla, are spearheading the formation of neighborhood associations in the five legacy neighborhoods of East McKinney. These associations aim to amplify the voices of residents, foster a sense of security and trust, and promote community support during these times of change. Other city leaders and McKinney residents are also involved in this collaborative effort.
While East McKinney has experienced relatively slow population growth over the past two decades, the city as a whole has seen significant expansion. With the addition of approximately 76,000 residents from 2000 to 2010, the city almost tripled in size. Development in East McKinney has historically lagged behind other areas, but ongoing projects are now underway, including improvements to Old Settler’s Park, the design of the Lower 5 Plaza, and construction on McKinney’s future City Hall.
The establishment of neighborhood associations is expected to facilitate stronger engagement between residents and city officials. Juametta Terrell, a neighborhood leader raised in the Rockwall neighborhood, expressed her desire to address community problems and seek assistance from city council meetings. Terrell’s goals include implementing additional security measures to enhance safety in the area. Other leaders hope to prioritize community involvement and educate residents on the availability of local resources.
To lay the groundwork for these neighborhood associations, the city created the East McKinney Project Outreach and Communication Team (EMPOC) in December 2021. This initiative allowed neighborhood leaders to receive information about redevelopment projects and share it with their neighbors. As a next step, the Transitional Advisory Team was established in 2023 to support the transition from city-led EMPOC efforts to a neighborhood-led collaboration. This transition aims to build a framework that empowers neighborhood leaders and their associations.
Assistant City Manager Kim Flom emphasized the goal of providing a foundation for self-organization within the neighborhoods. The framework is nearing completion, prompting neighborhood leaders to focus on organizing their associations, expanding their reach, engaging with neighbors, and identifying specific needs within their respective neighborhoods. Meetings have been scheduled to discuss and establish bylaws and association structures.
While each of the five neighborhoods aims to establish its own association in the long term, current participation levels vary among the neighborhoods, and the geographical size of each neighborhood is relatively small. As a result, the leaders have decided to continue working together and plan to form smaller neighborhood groups as membership grows. Despite the challenges, Deborah Bradford, who has lived in McKinney since 1999 and serves as a liaison for the Mouzon neighborhood, believes in the potential impact of the associations. Bradford highlighted the importance of collaboration and community involvement in promoting a sense of empowerment among residents.
To support the efforts of neighborhood associations, the city has allocated funds for small grants. The Neighborhood Association Grant offers a maximum reimbursement of $1,500 per year for expenses related to neighborhood block parties, social events, and supplies for neighborhood gatherings. Additionally, the city has filled a neighborhood planner position and added a neighborhood engagement administrator to facilitate the process further. The neighborhood administrator works closely with leaders, offering funding support if needed, connecting them with city staff, and finding suitable meeting spaces.
Although the neighborhood associations are still in their early stages, they have already started making a positive impact. Leaders organized initiatives such as distributing over 400 holiday treat bags and hosting a fall festival to bring the community together and share their plans with neighbors. Excitement and optimism are present among the leaders as they envision a future where the neighborhoods east of Highway 5 thrive and residents have a say in shaping their community.
The leaders have a clear message: We can dream. They are enthusiastic about working with the city government and local residents to bring their vision to life. By establishing neighborhood associations, engaging with city officials, and fostering a sense of community, East McKinney aims to preserve its historic heritage while embracing the changes that lie ahead.
