Allen is nearing a significant benchmark according to a progress report on the city’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. This long-range policy document was compiled from public input and approved by City Council in 2014.
Every two years, Allen’s Community Development Department reviews the city’s progress in meeting the plan’s 80+ objectives. Here are the highlights from the Jan. 24 public workshop presentation.
Population
Allen ended 2016 with a population of 97,609, a 6.8% increase from 2014. The population will likely reach 100,000 within 12-18 months. Allen’s population is projected to top out at 122,441 once vacant properties are developed.
Vacant Property
Allen still has 2,719 acres of vacant land, which represents about 16% of all land in the city. None of the properties are zoned for “high-density residential” uses, a term commonly used for apartment buildings. However, some apartments will still be developed as part of mixed-use employment/commercial centers like Watters Creek.
More than 600 acres of vacant land are zoned for mixed-use employment centers. Another 500+ acres are zoned for mixed residential neighborhoods. The largest swath of undeveloped land lies just south of SH 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway, known as the “121 Corridor.”
82 acres of remaining property are planned for parks and open space. This does not include the 800+ acres of park land that Allen already owns, operates and maintains.
Housing
Currently Allen contains approximately 33,000 dwelling units, which includes single-family homes (81%), townhomes (3%), individual apartment units (14%) and senior dwelling units (2%). Due to the expected addition of mixed-use apartment buildings, the percentage of individual apartment units is expected to grow to 21% at buildout.
Learn more about the Allen 2030 Comprehensive Plan.