Princeton City Council recently passed a temporary moratorium on new residential housing to allow city officials to thoroughly assess the city's infrastructure and public services.
During the council meeting on Sept. 23, Assistant City Attorney Grant Lowry presented a memo to council members regarding rapid growth in the city, expressing concern. In the memo, Lowry explained the city “is facing significant historic and contemporary land use challenges and unprecedented population growth that existing regulations are not adequately designed to address.”
Lowry said the biggest concerns are currently about the impacts of residential property development on the city’s public facilities, such as, without limitation, water, wastewater, roadway and police facilities, which are currently running at or beyond capacity. The city will require multiple large water storage tanks to enhance its infrastructure. Additionally, it emphasizes the need to hire 30 more police officers.
The council passed the recommendation, implementing a temporary moratorium for at least 120 days, though it could be extended. The moratorium stops all permits related to property development, such as construction, reconstruction or other alteration or improvement.
Under Chapter 212, subchapter E, of the Texas Local Government Code, Princeton has the authority to impose the moratorium on residential or commercial property development, provided that proper notice is given, public hearings are held and specific written findings and determinations are made based on reasonably available information.
Princeton had a population of approximately 17,000 according to the 2020 Census. However, more recent estimates show the population could be closer to 31,000.
In May 2024, Princeton was named among the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. boasting a 22.3% increase in residents. Several other North Texas cities also secured notable positions on the list, with Celina boasting an increase of 26.6%, Anna with 16.9%, Prosper with 10.5% and Forney with 10.4%.
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