Controversy Surrounds Proposed East Plano Islamic Center Development

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called for the immediate halt of construction on the East Plano Islamic Center’s (EPIC) proposed EPIC City project, warning of legal action if work continues without proper permits. However, project developers state that construction has not yet commenced.

Regulatory Concerns and Legal Threats

Abbott issued a statement citing a Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) finding that the project’s developers had not obtained necessary permits for construction.

“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction,” he said. “They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law. The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”

TCEQ Executive Director Kelly Keel echoed these concerns in a letter dated Tuesday, emphasizing that the project must not proceed without regulatory approval.

“This letter, therefore, serves as notice that any construction or development in furtherance of EPIC City without requisite TCEQ approval is in violation of state law and should be halted immediately,” Keel wrote. “You must confirm within 7 days that you and/or any affiliates have not and will not engage in any construction or pre-construction activities in violation of state law.”

Despite the strong statements from state officials, the Collin County commissioners confirmed at a public hearing on Monday that no permit applications had been received for EPIC City. David Kalhoefer, a senior planner on the project, said the team is still navigating the application process.

“We're looking at the options to prepare an application for TCEQ, but at this time we're still in our due diligence period,” Kalhoefer said.

Investigations and Political Backlash

EPIC City has drawn intense scrutiny from multiple Texas authorities. Governor Abbott recently directed the Texas Rangers to open a criminal investigation into the development, though he did not specify any alleged criminal activities. His office has declined to comment further on the matter.

Additionally, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched a separate probe into Community Capital Partners, the developer behind EPIC City, citing potential consumer protection violations.

“Under my watch, there will be zero tolerance for any person or entity that breaks Texas law,” Paxton said in a press release.

The statement did not clarify which consumer protection laws may have been violated.

Developer’s Response

Community Capital Partners President Imran Chaudhary addressed the controversy in a statement to KERA News, expressing a willingness to cooperate with state officials.

“We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many who are uninformed,” Chaudhary said. “We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way and educating the broader community about our project.”

Public Debate on EPIC City

The state’s actions against the project have raised concerns among some local leaders and residents. Darrel Evans, a former Democratic candidate for Texas House District 89 in Collin County, criticized the premature investigations.

“From what I've heard today, EPIC City is still in the idea phase of planning,” Evans said. “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?”

The controversy surrounding EPIC City continues to unfold as developers work to navigate the regulatory and political hurdles now in place.

For tips or further inquiries, contact Caroline Love at clove@kera.org.

Originally reported by Caroline Love in Kera News.