Prosper residents are gathering this week to discuss their position on the proposed U.S. 380 bypass expansion.
A “Protect Prosper” rally is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at Cockrell Elementary School.
The scope of the project includes a stretch of the highway from Coit Road to F.M. 1827. Texas Department of Transportation posted several schematics for public comment, which will be accepted through April 6.
“We want to educate everyone on the options being presented,” said Gretchen Stofer Darby, who moved to Prosper about three years ago. “We’ll have a call to action where we provide everyone with a link to formally submit their opposition to TxDOT before they close out comments on April 6, People think this isn’t a thing anymore. It’s very much a thing and we only have about a week to let our voices be heard.”
The 27-square-mile town of Prosper is in Collin and Denton counties. Its school district, however, covers 56 square miles and serves residents who live in Prosper, Frisco, Celina, Denton, and McKinney.
Prosper residents voiced strong opposition to the TxDOT’s proposed Segment B — one of five potential alignments — during a March 22 public hearing.
“We are incredibly opposed to any route that dissects Prosper,” said Mary Ann Moon, executive director of the Prosper Economic Development Corp.
United Opposition
Other public officials and residents have expressed concerns about environmental hazards and noise. If Option B is approved, the eight-lane highway would wipe out ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship on Custer Road, a facility for disabled adults and children.
The Prosper Town Council has passed six resolutions since 2017 opposing any U.S. 380 project that does not follow the existing route.
“It would completely change our town,” Darby said. “It impacts all of [the surrounding] towns, but in order to not impact one town more than another, we think the best solution is to keep 380 on 380.”
Prosper resident Tommy Van Wolfe said the highway expansion could impact a lot of things, including schools and the safety of students.
“I think it could negatively impact home values,” he said. “It’s going to [create a negative impact with] the emissions that come out of all the vehicles on a large freeway so close to our development.”
Darby added that many residents of the community are trying to preserve the small-town feel of Prosper.
“If Option B were approved, it’s almost like the town of Prosper gets sandwiched in between two mega-highways,” she said. “That would change the whole reason people moved here.”
