Background of the EPIC City Controversy
In North Texas, a proposed housing development known as EPIC City, centered around one of the state's largest mosques near Dallas, has been at the heart of a heated debate. The project, organized by members of the East Plano Islamic Center, aimed to create a 'vibrant, multigenerational, and inclusive master planned community' on 402 acres of empty land in Josephine, northeast of Dallas. However, the development drew intense scrutiny from Texas Republicans, who expressed concerns that it might discriminate against non-Muslims, prompting multiple investigations.
The controversy began gaining traction about a year ago when EPIC City was announced on social media. Conservative voices on social platforms raised alarms, which soon caught the attention of senior Republican leaders in the state, including Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton. By late March, the project faced a flurry of state inquiries, with Governor Greg Abbott initiating three investigations into 'potential criminal activities' tied to the development.
Federal Investigation and Its Conclusion
The U.S. Department of Justice launched a federal civil rights investigation into EPIC City earlier this year, following concerns raised by Senator Cornyn about potential violations of the Fair Housing Act. The probe focused on whether the planned community, which includes homes, clinics, schools, and a mosque, would exclude non-Muslims or impose discriminatory practices. This federal scrutiny added to the mounting pressure on the developers, who have yet to break ground on the project.
On June 25, the Department of Justice announced the closure of its investigation without filing any charges or lawsuits. The decision came after the developers reportedly affirmed their commitment to inclusivity, though specific details about the findings or reasons for closing the probe were not disclosed. Despite the federal investigation's conclusion, state-level inquiries initiated by Texas officials continue to delay the project's progress.
Ongoing State Probes and Community Impact
While the federal investigation has ended, state investigations led by Texas officials, including Governor Abbott and Attorney General Paxton, remain active. These probes have contributed to a sense of frustration among members of the Muslim community associated with EPIC City, who feel stereotyped by the allegations and political rhetoric surrounding the project. The developers have maintained that no materials or plans require residents to be Muslim, emphasizing their goal of creating an inclusive community.
The ongoing state scrutiny has cast a shadow over the future of EPIC City, with some local leaders like Collin County Judge Chris Hill publicly stating they will not support the project due to 'serious legal issues.' The situation remains fluid as the community awaits the outcome of these remaining investigations, which could determine whether the ambitious development moves forward or faces further obstacles in North Texas.