CDC Expands Facade Grants, Floats $50K Restaurant Incentive As Ironwood Financing Closes And P&Z Rejects Two Projects

Community Development Corporation

The Community Development Corporation moved into decision mode, tightening how development dollars are spent and how public space is shared. From storefront incentives to limits on free facility use, the board addressed policies that affect business owners, nonprofits, and taxpayers.

Facade Grant Gets Bigger Boost for Local Businesses

The Facade Grant helps property owners improve commercial building exteriors. The board voted 5–0 to raise reimbursements from 50% to 60% and increase the cap from $20,000 to $25,000. Permit fees are no longer waived but can be included in reimbursement. Projects must begin within 90 days and finish within six months.

New $50K Small Business Grant Could Target Restaurant Buildouts

Staff introduced a proposed Small Business Catalyst Grant focused on costly interior upgrades like restaurant buildouts and infrastructure improvements. The draft concept suggests a possible $50,000 cap tied to permanent property improvements. No vote was taken, and the proposal returns next month for further review.

Community Center Rules Under Review as Demand Grows

The board discussed rising requests for recurring free use of the Steven & Judy Deffibaugh Community Center. Members leaned toward reserving Fridays through Sundays for revenue rentals while focusing sponsored use Monday through Thursday. No limits were adopted, and the item was tabled 5–0 for further review.

What Happens Next

The facade grant increase is now in effect. The proposed Catalyst Grant and community center use guidelines return next month for deeper debate. These decisions will shape how Princeton funds growth, supports small businesses, and manages public facilities.

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Community

If you’ve driven past the unfinished apartments along Highway 380, you’ve probably wondered what’s happening. At this week’s town hall, developers shared where the Ironwood project stands and what changes are now headed to City Council. Here’s what was discussed and what it means for residents.

Liens Cleared And Financing Closed

Developers said the property carried between $5 million and $7 million in liens in 2024 under prior ownership, which stalled construction. Those liens were cleared in mid 2025. Full permits were issued in October, and funding closed in December 2025. That removes the legal and financial barriers that had kept the project paused.

Clubhouse Construction Restarting On Highway 380 Site

The 5,400 square foot clubhouse, partially built before work stopped, is scheduled to resume. Contractors are completing structural inspections and reviewing prior mold remediation before moving forward. Developers estimate about 120 to 140 days to finish the clubhouse once framing and exterior work resume, which signals visible progress returning to the site.

19 Month Buildout Planned In Phases

Elite Construction is projected to complete the remaining residential buildings over 19 months. Units will open in phases instead of all at once. That means leasing could begin before the entire complex is finished, gradually adding residents rather than creating a single large influx.

Design Amendments Requested Under 2017 Planned Development

The project was originally approved under a Planned Development in 2017. Developers are requesting amendments before City Council, including replacing exterior garages with additional covered parking and removing a proposed car wash. These updates aim to reduce long term maintenance and water demand while keeping the overall layout intact.

Exterior Material Change Proposed

Original plans required stucco exteriors. Developers are requesting to use fiber cement siding instead, citing durability concerns in Texas weather. Interior unit sizes and layouts are not changing, so the request focuses on exterior performance rather than density or building footprint.

Drainage Improvements Near Tiki Drive

Residents raised concerns about runoff affecting nearby property and Tiki Drive. Developers said previous construction stopped before detention ponds were fully tied into the storm sewer system along Highway 380. Crews are expected to complete those connections and erosion controls, which should reduce standing water and mud after storms.

Traffic And Access Along Highway 380

The complex will include two gated entrances on Highway 380 and a locked emergency only exit onto Tiki Drive. A prior traffic impact analysis did not require a signal at Tiki Drive. Additional housing will add vehicles to the corridor, but access points remain consistent with the original approval.

What Happens Next At City Council

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the amendment request in December. The proposal now moves to City Council for final consideration. If approved, construction proceeds under the updated design. If not, the developer indicated they would evaluate continuing under the original 2017 requirements. Either way, site activity is expected to increase in the coming months.

Planning and Zoning

Planning and Zoning met February 17 with two development items on the agenda, both ending in denial. Commissioners also confirmed a schedule shift that cancels the March 2 meeting. The decisions affect a future school site and a commercial project along FM 75.

Bansbach Middle School Final Plat Denied

A final plat is the detailed, technical map required before land can be legally recorded and developed. Princeton ISD sought approval for a 28.38 acre school site for Bansbach Middle School on Brookside Boulevard, just southwest of Walmart. Staff cited outstanding engineering comments and recommended denial. Commissioners voted 4 to 0 to deny, allowing revisions and resubmittal.

Shoppes At Monticello Amendment Denied Over Turn Lane

A preliminary plat amendment adjusts how commercial lots are laid out before construction plans move forward. Cope Equities requested changes for two lots at the southeast corner of FM 75 and Monticello Drive. Staff noted one remaining issue: a traffic study calls for a southbound left turn lane on FM 75 that has not been added. The commission voted 4 to 0 to deny.

What Happens Next

Both applicants can revise and return for consideration at a future meeting. The required turn lane for FM 75 has already been submitted in updated plans and is expected back soon. The March 2 meeting is canceled due to City Council rescheduling. Planning and Zoning will reconvene March 16 at 6:30 p.m.

Community

Two separate issues dominated local online discussion this week. Mayor Eugene Escobar Jr. addressed criticism over the tone of a recent Facebook exchange, while residents continued debating the long-delayed Ironwood at Princeton apartment project near U.S. 380.

Mayor Addresses Online Exchange And Accountability

Mayor Escobar publicly apologized for the tone of a comment thread, stating it “was not as professional as it should have been.” He reaffirmed that transparency was a campaign promise and said he responds publicly to confront misinformation about the city.

He clarified the city’s governance structure, stating that the City Council sets policy and the City Manager administers operations. In response to a resident asking where he fits on a governance chart, he wrote, “I’m apart of council. I’m not over or under them. My title grants me certain privileges and authority just like Mayor Pro Tem has certain privileges too.” He also confirmed that he cannot vote.

Most replies to his statement were supportive, with residents thanking him for accountability and transparency. One commenter argued that homeowners associations hold significant power without oversight, challenging the structure shown in the chart. That claim was not addressed further in the thread.

Ironwood Apartments Draw Online Criticism

In a separate discussion, residents mocked the Ironwood at Princeton apartments, formerly Princeton Luxury Apartments, located at 599 West Princeton Drive east of Walmart.

The project was approved in 2017. Construction began in 2021 after a building permit was issued. Work stalled in 2023 due to contractual disputes between the former developer and contractor, prompting multiple city enforcement actions.

Online commenters raised concerns about potential mold, termite exposure, asbestos, and future lawsuits. These statements were made by residents in the thread and are not confirmed in the provided material. Others questioned why the buildings have not been demolished and speculated about investor motives.

Some residents noted that roofing and weather barrier materials had been installed before construction was paused. Frustration centered on the length of the delay and the building’s visibility along U.S. 380.

The discussions reflect ongoing public scrutiny of city leadership tone and of a high-profile development that has remained unfinished for several years.