Haggard Farm, one of Plano’s last farmlands, has been sold and is scheduled for development. What used to be the farm will soon move forward and become a luxury residential community. It’s estimated the project could add $140 million to the tax rolls of the city of Plano, Plano Independent School District and Collin County. Developers are hoping to construct almost 5,000 apartment units and a 20-story condo tower with a helipad. If approved, it would be the largest concentration of multi-family units in Plano.

“It will increase traffic,” junior Gabby Montemar said. “With new apartments, there will be more residents. It will make our commute more difficult, especially if you’re driving from that area.”

It is expected that developments will lead to the construction of an urban-mix residential, with retail as well as apartments, similar to Plano’s Shops at Legacy.

“It would be nice to have more shops and restaurants closer by but I just don’t think it’s worth it,” Montemar said. “Construction and more residents would destroy the neighborhood vibe we get from this area as well.”

The new developments will also call for rezoning. Rezoning to allow for increased density will produce large volumes of new traffic on Windhaven, Willow Bend, Parkwood and Spring Creek roads. New, extended and widened roads are contemplated by the developers to accommodate the urban mixed-use developments they are hoping for. With new residents with school-aged children, school zone location changes will need to be considered as well.

“We bought a house here because of the wonderful schools,” Plano resident Ayesha Khan said. “I don’t think we should have to sacrifice the well-being and the academic success of our schools for this.”

Plano schools have recently had their district zones adjusted. With more students enrolling in the district’s schools, a community debate on overcrowding, district zones and the impact to academic performance will continue.

“There’s just too much at risk,” Plano resident Saira Zafar said. “Rezoning of districts, more traffic and congestion, a new urban lifestyle, it’s too much. Plano is known for its spectacular schools and with recent rezoning already, we don’t want to fall off of the cliff.”

The Planning and Zoning Commission tabled a vote until its October meeting.

‘I just hope they make the right decision,” Khan said. “We just want the best for our city.”