A massive new development called EPIC City is sparking fierce debate and investigation in Texas. The city is located near Josephine, Texas, about 40 miles northeast of Dallas.
The proposed 400-acre project is led by the East Plano Islamic Center and Community Capital Partners (CCP). Planned to include a mosque, schools, a community college, homes, businesses, and parks, EPIC City is designed to be a thriving ecosystem promoting growth and community engagement.
But Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) claim the developers haven’t obtained the necessary permits to proceed. Abbott’s recent press release states that construction must cease until permits are secured, threatening legal action if the developers proceed.
According to TCEQ Executive Director Kelly Keel, no applications or documentation have been submitted for approval. Keel’s letter emphasizes that moving forward without approval violates state law and requires immediate confirmation of compliance within seven days.
The project has drawn scrutiny from multiple angles. Governor Abbott has directed the Texas Rangers to investigate EPIC City for potential criminal activity, although details of the investigation remain unclear.
Attorney General Ken Paxton is also examining Community Capital Partners for possible consumer protection violations.
“Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law,” Paxton stated.
However, specifics about which consumer protection laws were allegedly violated remain undisclosed.
The magnitude of this controversy extends far beyond legal proceedings. Abbott announced that over a dozen state agencies are conducting their own investigations into EPIC City. The agencies include the Texas State Securities Board, Workforce Commission, Funeral Service Commission, and others.
Republican Rep. Jeff Leach has voiced concerns about the project potentially imposing Sharia law, citing a 2017 Texas law that prohibits enforcing legal codes that conflict with the Constitution.
Abbott’s social media post further intensified the situation by warning that EPIC City could become a “no-go zone” where non-Muslims might be unwelcome.
“EPIC City is a space where everyone feels welcome, safe, and empowered to grow.”
Despite these claims, the project’s website states.
Promotional videos from Community Capital Partners emphasize their vision of putting Islam at the forefront of the project, yet the developers stress inclusivity and mutual growth.
While the controversy mounts, developers insist they are still in the planning phase. Westwood Professional Services, a planning firm assisting with the project, stated during a Collin County Commissioners meeting that they have only completed studies and purchased land.
“We’re looking at the options to prepare an application for TCEQ, but at this time we’re still in our due diligence period,”
said David Kalhoefer, a senior planner for EPIC City.
The financial stakes are high. Developing a 400-acre city with schools, homes, businesses, and parks involves significant investment. Legal hurdles and delays could cost millions, especially if state agencies continue their investigations.
If proven non-compliant, the developers could face fines, legal fees, and project cancellation.
Socially, the situation is already impacting community relations. Accusations of potential Sharia law enforcement and the idea of EPIC City becoming a restricted zone are creating divides between Texas leaders and project developers.
With Abbott’s firm stance and the ongoing investigations, the developers find themselves under intense scrutiny even before breaking ground.
The looming question is how the developers will respond.
“We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many who are uninformed. We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way.”
Imran Chaudhary, President of Community Capital Partners, said in a statement.
Governor Abbott’s involvement has only escalated the controversy. His directive to the Texas Rangers to launch a criminal investigation has raised eyebrows, particularly when details of alleged criminal activities remain vague. Critics argue the investigations are premature, given that the developers haven’t even applied for permits.
Former Democratic candidate Darrel Evans criticized the state’s approach, questioning whether investigating ideas rather than actual developments is appropriate.
“From what I’ve heard today, EPIC City is still in the idea phase of planning. And to have the Texas Rangers and the Attorney General’s office and others already investigating an idea, in America, are we now spending tax dollars investigating ideas? Is that where we are?”
Evans asked during a public hearing.
Adding to the tension, Republican Rep. Jeff Leach has called for thorough scrutiny of the development, citing concerns about adherence to U.S. law and the possibility of imposing foreign legal systems. His concerns are rooted in Texas’s strict prohibition against enforcing legal codes that conflict with the Constitution.
The developers are now racing against time to submit the required permits and satisfy the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. However, the allegations of illegality and potential violations of consumer protection laws continue to loom large.
Will EPIC City ever become the inclusive community its developers envision? Or will it remain a controversial idea trapped in a web of legal battles and public suspicion? With investigations ongoing and no clear resolution in sight, the fate of EPIC City hangs in the balance.