This is a request by Oncor for a 0.192-acre electric easement and right-of-way, for the purpose of replacing and installing electric equipment on existing overhead structures, on a portion of the City of Plano parkland, known as Chisholm Trail at Parker Road. There are no constructed improvements or trees impacted by the project or easement, and installation of the new switch will not impact trail service.
Chapter 26, Section 26.001 of the Parks And Wildlife Code states that “A department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality of this state may not approve any program or project that requires the use or taking of any public land designated and used prior to the arrangement of the program or project as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, unless the department, agency, political subdivision, county, or municipality, acting through its duly authorized governing body or officer, determines that:
(1) there is no feasible and prudent alternative to the use or taking of such land; and
(2) the program or project includes all reasonable planning to minimize harm to the land, as a park, recreation area, scientific area, wildlife refuge, or historic site, resulting from the use or taking.”
The matter was heard by the Parks and Recreation Planning Board on November 12, 2024, and received the Board’s support. No future action is anticipated.