Michaelle Ray is standing outside her childhood home in Princeton, a small town east of McKinney. Her family home, along with her mother, aunt, and brother, is part of a group of houses known as “the compound.” The street they live on is named after their family’s maiden name, Biggs Road.
After living on this property for over 40 years, Ray was forced to sell her land to make way for the expansion of Highway 380. The project aims to upgrade the existing four-lane state highway to an eight-to-ten lane freeway, in response to the rapid growth in Collin County.
Following the sale of her home, Ray moved to a new house east of Princeton. However, she expressed feeling out of place and stated that it doesn’t feel the same living outside the compound. Despite knowing about the highway construction plans for years, the process has been frustrating for residents like Ray and Mayor Brianna Chacon.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) has kept the city informed about the project’s progress, but funding remains a significant issue. The estimated cost of the highway is nearly $1 billion, and securing the necessary funds is crucial for its completion.
Residents like Duane Kelly, who have experienced the challenges of driving on the current 380, are eager for the new highway to ease congestion. Kelly emphasized the need for prompt action to address the city’s infrastructure limitations.
Although Ray supports the construction of the new highway for safety reasons, she acknowledges the emotional toll of leaving behind her family home and the memories associated with it. The looming prospect of eminent domain further adds to the uncertainty faced by Ray and her family.
As Ray begins a new chapter in her life, she reflects on the irreplaceable nature of the compound and the sentimental value it holds for her family. Despite the challenges ahead, she remains hopeful for a safer and more efficient transportation system in Princeton.
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