Texas halts ‘EPIC City’ development; Muslim-centric community probes grow
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a complete halt to construction on EPIC City, a proposed Muslim-led development near Dallas. Abbott said the move follows at least six ongoing investigations into the project by state and federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). While no formal building plans had been approved, the state action will put a freeze on the project before it reaches the permitting stage.
EPIC City is backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and promoted as an inclusive, multi-use development with over 1,000 homes, educational institutions, commercial spaces and Islamic community facilities across 400 acres in Collin and Hunt counties.
What triggered the investigations?
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At least six agencies are investigating EPIC City, including probes into fair housing, financial practices and unlicensed funeral services.
A promotional video emphasizing Islam as central to the community sparked criticism from residents and state officials. While EPIC maintains that the development is open to all and compliant with state and federal law, Abbott and others raised concerns about possible violations of the 1968 Texas Fair Housing Act by excluding non-Muslims, as well as unlicensed funeral operations and religious segregation.
The Texas Rangers are leading a criminal investigation. Other agencies include the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas State Securities Board and Texas Funeral Service Commission. In March, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand to EPIC’s affiliated investment group, Community Capital Partners (CCP). State officials also issued a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC for allegedly operating unlicensed funeral services on the proposed development site.
What does the federal government say?
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, confirmed that the DOJ opened a federal civil rights investigation at his request. Cornyn said federal law prohibits religious discrimination in housing and warned that any development enforcing religious restrictions would face legal consequences.
What do developers and supporters say?
EPIC and its partners deny allegations of exclusion or illegality. In public statements and at a Collin County commissioner meeting, a project spokesperson said EPIC City was designed as a master-planned, inclusive community –– not a religious enclave.
A representative from Community Capital Partners said the project remains in its early planning phase and will comply with all applicable regulations.
“EPIC City is a thoughtful community designed for families, just like hundreds of others in Texas,” said Dan Cogdell, CCP’s defense attorney. “The only reason it is being unfairly targeted is because there is a mosque in the plans instead of a church or a temple. That’s it.”
What role has public backlash played?
Public opposition has been vocal. At the same Collin County commissioner meeting, most speakers condemned the project, citing concerns about religious influence, housing segregation and the perceived threat of Sharia law.
Meanwhile, EPIC leaders reported a rise in hate messages and threats. They said mosque officials’ home addresses had been shared online, raising safety concerns for their families.
What happens next?
The future of EPIC City remains uncertain. No additional hearings have been scheduled, and construction has been halted as legal reviews are ongoing. Abbott has also supported legislative efforts to limit foreign land purchases and tighten restrictions on faith-affiliated developments.
Despite the political pushback, EPIC and Community Capital Partners say they will continue planning and maintaining their vision for an inclusive neighborhood open to all residents — pending approval.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
