Business Owner Wants New Development in East Plano

New corporate headquarters, new hotels and new homes means there's big development in Plano.

However, some business owners in East Plano say their side of town is ignored.

"There's not too many businesses opening over here," said Dickey's Barbecue franchise owner Tim Rahman. "I see a lot of businesses closing in this area and going towards [State Highway] 121 because of those big buildings, new roads and tollways. There are so many struggles we're going through right now."

Rahman opened up his Alma Drive location a year ago. He envisioned a busy restaurant, on the outer edge of East Plano, which appealed to a working class crowd for lunch.

"People are not showing up over here. There's not enough businesses and not enough new development," Rahman said. "I'm really fearful because there's not enough happening on this side of the city."

According to Plano Economic Development, big projects are already happening.

"There are some really exciting things. A lot of things that perhaps don't make as much of a headline that are very important to us and to this community," said Plano Economic Development Executive Director Sally Bane.

Bane said Texas Instruments' Plano campus, acquired by Los Angeles-based Regent Properties, will bring additional businesses to the area.

"That's going to provide an amazing opportunity for Plano because those four buildings represent about a million square feet of available space," Bane said.

Bane said her office helps attract and retain primary jobs throughout the city.

"About 40 percent of the business that we do is an attraction to small and midsize companies," Bane said. "[Primary jobs] helps push wealth through the community. If you have a great primary job in your community, they (employees) can go to the restaurant, dry cleaners and the hair dresser. It multiplies money throughout the community."

A mix development along Plano Parkway and Alma Drive is also taking shape.

Heritage Creekside will include apartments, single family homes, office space and a hotel.

"We're absolutely in the business of continuing what is arguably one of the most prosperous times in the community," Bane said.

Rahman hopes it'll provide a big boost.

"Otherwise, we cannot survive," he said.

Contact Us