The town of Fairview has taken a formal step in challenging McKinney’s ambitious plans for its airport. On Sept. 2 the Fairview Town Council voted unanimously to establish a citizen-led task force to examine the impacts of the McKinney National Airport expansion and prepare a strategy to minimize potential harm to residents.
The group will focus on gathering and presenting credible data about how the project could affect the environment, property values and the overall quality of life in Fairview.
McKinney’s Vision For Air Travel
McKinney National Airport (TKI) has long been a hub for general aviation, serving corporate jets, flight schools and small charter operations. That is set to change. In July, city leaders broke ground on a new commercial passenger terminal, marking a new era for the facility.
The terminal is expected to accommodate 200,000 passengers annually, with future capacity for more than one million. McKinney leaders say the project aligns with their goal of creating a “future-ready” airport that supports regional mobility and economic growth.
"This new terminal is not just an investment in McKinney, it’s an investment in the future of North Texas,” McKinney Mayor Bill Cox said during the groundbreaking. “As our city has grown over the past two decades, we’ve focused on making smart, strategic investments that benefit our residents and the broader region.”
A History Of Resistance
Fairview Mayor John Hubbard, in a letter to residents, highlighted a long trail of opposition to airport expansion. In 2015, McKinney voters rejected a $50 million bond tied to the airport. More recently, in May 2023, nearly 59% of voters turned down a $200 million bond package that would have funded the new terminal and related infrastructure.
“This is not about resisting growth. It is about responsible, balanced development that respects the will of the people and the character of the communities involved,” Hubbard said. “Twice, the voters have said “no.” It’s time for McKinney leadership to listen.”
Despite those defeats, the project now moves forward with nearly $79 million pieced together from city, state and economic development sources, including grants from the Texas Department of Transportation. Mayor Hubbard criticized this approach, calling it a workaround that bypassed taxpayers’ clear rejection of direct funding. Local Profile reached out to the city of McKinney for comment, but did not receive a response prior to publishing.
“This patchwork approach still burdens the public, just less visibly, and ignores the fact that the communities most affected, like Fairview, have never had a real voice in the matter,” said Hubbard.
Preserving Fairview’s Rural Character
For Fairview leaders and residents, the issue extends beyond finances. According to Hubbard, the town has long valued its quiet neighborhoods, open spaces and rural pace of life. The shift to commercial air service at TKI raises concerns about increased aircraft noise, traffic congestion and environmental strain.
“Our goal is clear: safeguard Fairview’s quality of life and ensure that any growth respects both the will of the people and the values of our community,” Hubbard said.
Environmental And Noise Concerns
Preliminary environmental studies from 2023 already examined the potential impact of commercial service at TKl. According to findings shared at two public open houses, aircraft flyovers could reach noise levels of up to 102.5 decibels at 1,000 feet.
The Federal Aviation Administration considers day-night average sound levels above 65 decibels a nuisance. Current projections suggest that in the near term, only undeveloped areas near the airport would reach this threshold. By 2031, however, at least one residential property could fall into the affected zone.
What Comes Next
But the battle is still unfolding. The North Texas Conservation Association (NTCA), a citizen-led coalition made up largely of Fairview and McKinney residents, filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
The group is challenging the Texas Department of Transportation’s environmental review of the airport expansion. NTCA argues that TxDOT’s assessment fails to meet the standards outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act. The coalition is asking the court to require TxDOT to conduct a more comprehensive review.
Fairview’s task force will now dig into the details, analyzing data and preparing a formal response to ensure residents’ concerns are represented in the regional conversation. TKI, however, is still on track for its massive expansion.
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