The ‘Early Alert’ (P&Z Focus)

Our community is buzzing with residential growth! The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council have been busy reviewing significant new plats. Most notably, the Bearpen development is moving forward in multiple phases, with a Master Plat for Zone 1 covering approximately 225.4 acres and preliminary plats for Phases 2 and 3 already in the works. Another major project on the radar is Anderson Crossing, a proposed 92.6-acre subdivision located within the John Davis and Richard Mead Surveys.

For those keeping an eye on specific corridors, keep a watch on City Crossing, a future 42-lot residential subdivision planned directly south of Meadows at Morgan Creek along FM 2453. We are also tracking a major potential mixed-use development called Standridge, located at the southwest corner of SH-66 and Erby Campbell Blvd, which recently underwent a public hearing for a zoning change to a Planned Development. Finally, we’ve seen movement on a final plat for a 5.07-acre property at 4780 CR 2661.

Commercial Buzz

The I-30 and SH-66 corridors continue to be the heartbeat of our commercial growth. The “Official Word” is that Pizza Ranch is coming to the Erby Campbell Retail Two Addition (Lot 8D) near I-30. Additionally, construction is officially underway for the new Chick-fil-A, a highly anticipated addition to our local dining scene.

We are also seeing expansion in the Royse City Industrial Park, with a new development plat approved for Lots 13-R1 and 13-R2. The potential Standridge project at SH-66 and Erby Campbell also promises to bring a mixed-use element to that busy intersection, which could mean more retail or office space in the future.

The ‘Official Word’ (City Council Focus)

The City Council has recently green-lit several key infrastructure and community projects. Funding and professional service agreements have been authorized for the design of various downtown streets, including Live Oak Street, which will also include vital drainage improvements.

The city is also investing in its future connectivity by authorizing the schematic phase for the proposed Elm Grove Rd Bridge across Sabine Creek. On the utility side, a contract was approved for sewer line and manhole rehabilitation near FM 2453. Additionally, the Community Development Corporation (CDC) has officially ratified the purchase of real property at 114 and 129 E. Main Street, signaling continued investment in our downtown core.

Infrastructure Timeline

Work is starting to move quickly on several major fronts. Road, water, and sewer work around the new Janet Nichol Municipal Complex is scheduled to begin immediately. We are also seeing progress on utility infrastructure with a major change order approved for a 16-inch transmission main along the west side of FM 2642, stretching from south of SH-66 to north of I-30.

While specific completion dates for the widening of Erby Campbell weren’t detailed in these notes, the city is actively coordinating with engineers on citywide traffic projects and has requested updates on I-30 entrance ramps and the status of railroad repairs at FM 548.

The Realtor’s Insight

These developments are fantastic news for Royse City property owners. The approval of large-scale, planned communities like Bearpen and Anderson Crossing indicates strong long-term confidence from developers, which typically helps stabilize and increase local property values over time.

The emphasis on downtown walkability and drainage improvements will enhance the quality of life for residents in our historic core, making it a more attractive destination for both homeowners and businesses. Furthermore, the addition of popular commercial staples like Chick-fil-A and Pizza Ranch adds convenience and “destination appeal” to our I-30 corridor, making the surrounding neighborhoods even more desirable for families.

Source List

• Zoning Board of Adjustment: January 21, 2025; February 17, 2025; April 21, 2025; May 19, 2025; August 18, 2025; October 20, 2025; November 17, 2025; December 17, 2025.
• Planning & Zoning Commission: January 8, 2026; February 5, 2026.
• City Council: January 13, 2026; January 27, 2026; February 10, 2026; February 24, 2026.