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July 19, 2025
MCKINNEY, Texas — What some call progress, others call disruption.
Ben Brown has enjoyed the peaceful skies over Fairview for nearly two decades. Living in the Heritage Ranch community, he said, the quiet has always been part of the appeal.
“It’s very quiet and serene,” Brown said.
But in recent years, the overhead sounds have changed with more planes.
Brown and his neighbors are bracing for what’s coming: a new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport, just a few miles away.
On Friday, city and state leaders officially broke ground on the expansion project. They say the new terminal will boost economic growth and help McKinney and the rest of Collin County soar to new heights.
“Where it takes us, we’re optimistic that there’s a long-term demand and it’ll grow,” said Ken Carley, the Director of the Airport, at the groundbreaking.
But not everyone is on board.
Brown is a member of the North Texas Conservation Association, a group that filed a lawsuit against the Texas Department of Transportation in May. The suit alleges TxDOT failed to fully assess the long-term environmental impacts of the airport expansion, including noise pollution and air quality.
“We think they have not paid attention to the environment, which is noise and endangered species,” Brown said. “It will not be as attractive a place as it is right now for people to want to come and live.”
The city of McKinney says it has worked closely with the FAA, TxDOT, and state and federal environmental agencies to ensure compliance and address concerns.
Still, Brown said the legal battle is far from over. Another hearing is expected later this month.
“We hope the court will hear us out well,” he said.
The new terminal is expected to begin service by late next year.
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Felicia Ray Owens
Felicia Ray Owens is a media founder, cultural strategist, and civic advocate who creates platforms where power meets lived truth. As the voice behind C4: Coffee. Cocktails. Culture. Conversation and the founder of FROUSA Media, she uses storytelling, public dialogue, and organizing to spotlight the issues that matter most—locally and nationally.
A longtime advocate for community wellness and political engagement, Felicia brings experience as a former Precinct Chair and former Chief Communications Officer of Indivisible Hill Country. Her work bridges culture, activism, and healing through curated spaces designed to inspire real change.
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