DALLAS — A significant residential and educational development proposed for a 402-acre tract in unincorporated Collin and Hunt Counties, northeast of Dallas, aimed at supporting the Muslim community, has sparked controversy and a wave of investigations led by state officials. The East Plano Islamic Center, colloquially known as “EPIC City,” envisions a comprehensive community setup including a new mosque, over a thousand homes, a faith-based K-12 school, senior housing, commercial spaces, sports facilities, and a community college.
Amidst the development plans, which have yet to break ground, Texas Governor Greg Abbott initiated several probes into the project, citing concerns over “potential criminal activities.” These investigations follow accusations of violating the Texas Fair Housing Act, potential financial mismanagement, breaching consumer protection laws, and conducting unauthorized funeral services, partly triggered by scrutiny from Attorney General Ken Paxton’s office.
Further intensifying the scrutiny, Abbott has publicly criticized the project on social media, claiming EPIC promotes Sharia law and is attempting to establish a “no-go” zone, which has raised national security concerns about foreign land ownership in Texas. Abbott’s statements have allegedly led to severe community backlash, including death threats and harassment against those associated with EPIC City.
Addressing these accusations, Michael Cogdell, the attorney representing the EPIC City developers, vehemently denied any affiliations with or promotion of Sharia law by the project’s backers. During a press conference last Thursday, Cogdell emphasized that the project’s supporters are primarily local Texans and U.S. citizens, dismissing the governor’s claims as an inappropriate vilification of a religious group. Cogdell also accused the governor of engaging in what he described as gubernatorial hate speech.
Amid the rising tensions, the developers of EPIC City, represented by Cogdell, declared that their primary focus remains on the completion of the project, despite the halt called by the governor. They clarified that the development is still in the planning phase, with no construction started yet, nor have any applications been filed with local or state authorities.
On his part, Attorney General Paxton reiterated his commitment to upholding state law, stating his office’s ongoing investigation will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that EPIC City complies with all applicable regulations.
As these events unfold, the discourse surrounding EPIC City raises substantial questions about the balance between development, community relations, and state oversight, marking a significant moment in Texas’s ongoing conversation about diversity and inclusion versus security and governance.
Please note that this article was automatically generated by OpenAI. Facts, individuals, events, and other details in this story could be inaccurate. Readers seeking corrections or to have an article removed can reach out via email to contact@publiclawlibrary.org.