EPIC City Development Faces State and Federal Investigations

JOSEPHINE, Texas — Plans for a new community called EPIC City in North Texas are undergoing scrutiny as several state and federal agencies launch investigations over allegations related to the project’s exclusivity.

The investigations follow statements from Texas officials suggesting that the development would be limited to Muslim residents and would potentially impose ‘Sharia’ law. These claims have sparked controversy, prompting fact-checking endeavors by The Dallas Morning News.

Located about 30 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, EPIC City aims to construct over 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, community college, and various retail options on an empty field near Josephine. The initiative is being managed by Community Capital Partners, a for-profit entity formed by members of the East Plano Islamic Center.

On May 11, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that construction on EPIC City had been halted amidst these investigations. Abbott earlier indicated that he would employ ‘the full weight of the law’ if any developments commenced without proper approvals.

Representatives for the EPIC City project stated that no construction plans have been submitted and no groundwork has been laid as of now. David Kalhoefer, from Westwood Engineering, confirmed that no development applications have been filed with Collin County.

Erin Ragsdale, a spokesperson for Community Capital Partners, emphasized that they welcome dialogue with officials to clarify misconceptions. ‘We believe an open dialogue could save taxpayer resources and foster a relationship of transparency and collaboration,’ Ragsdale stated.

In February, Governor Abbott took to social media to affirm that Sharia law is not permitted in Texas, addressing circulating concerns about the proposed community. Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the East Plano Islamic Center involved in the project, clarified that residents would be governed solely by Texas and federal laws.

Concerns regarding discrimination have also arisen. U.S. Senator John Cornyn has requested a civil rights investigation from the Department of Justice, cautioning against potential discrimination toward non-Muslims within the community.

Local officials, including Abbott, have voiced worries that the project’s framework could lead to violations of state fair housing laws. Cornyn echoed those sentiments, encouraging vigilance to ensure equal treatment for all potential residents.

In response, Qadhi asserted that the community would be inclusive, inviting anyone, regardless of faith, to apply for residency. The developers also stated their commitment to adhering to Fair Housing Act standards.

Texas State Rep. Candy Noble has proposed legislation aimed at regulating the business structure of EPIC City, seeking clarity on the rights of property purchasers versus investors in the Community Capital Partners enterprise.

This controversy surrounding EPIC City reflects ongoing discussions about development plans and inclusivity within communities in Texas.