August 22, 2025: Dallas Morning News

A citizen-led coalition from both cities is challenging airport expansion in court.
By Fairview Mayor John Hubbard

For decades, McKinney National Airport quietly operated as a general aviation facility, serving corporate jets, flight schools and air taxi services without major disruption to surrounding communities. But in recent years, the push to convert it into a commercial passenger hub has grown louder and more aggressive.
On July 18, 2025, McKinney National Airport broke ground on a new passenger terminal — despite voters rejecting the idea not once, but twice.
Voters have clearly spoken. In 2015, McKinney residents rejected a $50 million bond for airport expansion. Then, in May 2023, voters soundly defeated a $200 million general obligation bond for a new terminal and supporting infrastructure. Nearly 59% voted “no,” sending an unmistakable message: The taxpayers do not want to shoulder this enormous financial burden, especially when the total cost with interest was projected to reach $380 million, according to the city of McKinney. It would be competing with nearby DFW International Airport, one of the best connected in the world serving more than 260 domestic and international destinations.
Unfortunately, McKinney’s leadership has chosen to ignore their constituents. Instead of respecting the will of the voters, they have pieced together alternative funding through sales tax revenues, economic development corporations, tax increment zones and federal and state grants. 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.
Fairview has always prided itself on its rural character and quality of life. Residents here value quiet neighborhoods, open spaces and a pace of life that stands in stark contrast to the constant roar of jet engines and the traffic that follows commercial air service. Expanding McKinney National into a commercial airport will inevitably bring more noise, congestion and environmental strain, costs that will not be borne by McKinney alone. Fairview and some McKinney residents will have to contend with the noise, traffic and pollution every day for the sake of a small number of travelers who will use the airport for very limited commercial service.
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. Twice, the voters have said “no.” It’s time for McKinney leadership to listen.
This fight is far from over. The North Texas Conservation Association, a citizen-led coalition comprised mostly of Fairview and McKinney residents, filed a petition in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia challenging the Texas Department of Transportation’s environmental assessment for the airport expansion. NTCA contends TxDOT’s environmental assessment, which included a finding of no significant impact on the environment, falls short of the requirements set in the National Environmental Policy Act. NCTA is asking the court to send the assessment back to TxDOT for a more thorough review.
In addition, I will be asking the Fairview Town Council to approve the establishment of a Fairview Citizens’ Task Force on McKinney Airport Expansion, with a tentative date of Sept. 2, 2025, for the item to appear on the council agenda. The purpose of this task force will be to gather, analyze and present credible information on how the proposed expansion of McKinney National Airport impacts Fairview residents. The task force will focus on:
Property Values – Assessing potential changes in residential and commercial property values resulting from increased air traffic and associated development.
Environmental and Health Concerns – Evaluating the effects of airport operations on air quality, noise levels and overall public health.
Quality of Life – Identifying how increased noise, traffic and other airport-related activities may affect the rural character, livability and daily life of Fairview residents.
Based on its findings, the task force will be asked to recommend a plan of action to the Town Council, outlining strategies to mitigate negative impacts and protect the community’s long-term interests.
While McKinney pursues its vision for the airport, Fairview will remain steadfast in protecting the interests of its residents. The Citizens’ Task Force will ensure that decisions affecting our property values, environment and quality of life are backed by sound data and a clear plan of action.
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.
John Hubbard is the mayor of Fairview.

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