EPIC City Development: A Controversial Vision for North Texas
A proposed Muslim-centric community sparks debate over land, law, and community impact
Written with a commitment to truthfulness and originality
The East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) has proposed EPIC City, a 402-acre development near Josephine, Texas, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas. Designed to serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area’s growing Muslim population, estimated at 500,000, the project includes over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, sports facilities, and a community college. However, what was envisioned as a vibrant community hub has become a focal point of controversy, drawing opposition from local residents, state officials, and social media commentators. This article delves into the key issues affecting towns like Josephine, Blue Ridge, Princeton, and McKinney, exploring concerns about resource strain, economic competition, land annexation, and the broader social and political implications.
Conceptual rendering of EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre development in North Texas. Image generated by Grok (xAI).
Background of EPIC City
Announced in 2024, EPIC City is a master-planned community initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) and managed through Community Capital Partners (CCP), led by Imran Chaudhary, a former EPIC board president. The project aims to address the needs of the region’s Muslim community, which has outgrown existing facilities in Plano. With 500 investors and over 500 lots reserved, the development is still in the pre-planning phase, awaiting Collin County approval. Despite its inclusive vision, the project has faced fierce backlash, fueled by state investigations and local concerns.
Towns Affected: Josephine and Neighboring Communities
Josephine, a small town of approximately 2,000 residents, is at the heart of the controversy due to its proximity to the proposed EPIC City site. Residents like Jane Ridgeway express fears that the development could disrupt their rural way of life. “We’re worried about losing our land, our businesses, and our community’s character,” Ridgeway told reporters. “This development could change everything we know.”
The concerns extend to nearby towns such as Blue Ridge, Princeton, and McKinney, where residents fear that EPIC City could set a precedent for similar large-scale projects. A Blue Ridge resident noted, “If this goes through, it could open the door for more projects like this. We don’t want our towns to lose their identity.” These towns, part of Collin and Hunt counties, are grappling with the potential impacts of a development that could significantly alter their demographic and economic landscape.
Key Issues Impacting Local Communities
The EPIC City project has raised several practical and cultural concerns among local residents, which are detailed below.
Land Annexation Fears
One of the most pressing concerns is the potential annexation of land. The proposed EPIC City site spans miles into neighboring towns, raising fears that it might seek to absorb adjacent areas, altering town boundaries. This worry is rooted in historical “shoestring annexations” in Texas, where cities expanded by incorporating narrow strips of land, a practice later outlawed but still vivid in local memory. A local business owner in Josephine stated, “EPIC City could stretch into our towns, taking away our land and resources. We’re already struggling with growth; this could push us over the edge.”
Resource Strain
Collin County’s rapid population growth, with Josephine’s population surging by 234% in three years, has already strained local infrastructure. Residents fear that EPIC City’s addition of thousands of new residents could overwhelm water supplies, emergency services, and roads. A Josephine resident highlighted, “Our water supply is already tight. Adding thousands of new residents could make it worse.” Local fire departments and other services are struggling to keep up with current demand, and the prospect of a large new development exacerbates these concerns.
Economic Competition
Local businesses in Josephine and surrounding towns are concerned about economic competition from EPIC City’s planned commercial developments, including shops and a shopping center. A shop owner in Josephine remarked, “We’re a small town; we can’t compete with a big development like this.” The fear is that new commercial establishments could draw customers away from existing businesses, threatening the economic stability of these tight-knit communities.
Cultural and Social Tensions
Cultural concerns have also surfaced, with some residents expressing fears about the imposition of Sharia law or the creation of “no-go zones” for non-Muslims. These claims, amplified by Governor Abbott’s X post, lack evidence and have been refuted by EPIC officials. Imran Chaudhary, president of CCP, told WFAA, “We follow state and federal laws in every aspect. There’s no such thing as having your own rules or tribunals.” Despite these assurances, misinformation and stereotypes, including unfounded claims of terrorist affiliations, have fueled opposition, as noted during a Collin County Commissioners’ Court meeting.
State Investigations and Political Backlash
The EPIC City project has faced intense scrutiny from Texas state officials, led by Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. In February 2025, Abbott reposted a video from the RAIR Foundation USA on X, alleging that EPIC City could become a “no-go zone” enforcing Sharia law. He stated, “To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas. Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are ‘no-go zones’ which this project seems to imply.” Since then, Abbott has initiated five investigations, alleging violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act, consumer protection laws, financial harm to investors, and even illegal funeral services, though specific evidence remains scarce.
Paxton has followed suit, probing Community Capital Partners and requesting documents from Plano ISD officials for any communications with EPIC. The Texas Funeral Service Commission issued a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC for allegedly operating a funeral home without a license, despite EPIC’s partnership with a licensed provider, Rahma Funeral Homes. Critics, including EPIC’s attorney Dan Cogdell, have called these probes a “political witch hunt,” suggesting they are motivated by political ambitions ahead of the 2026 U.S. Senate GOP primary.
Community Fear and Division
The backlash against EPIC City has had a profound impact on the Muslim community in North Texas. Mujeeb Kazi, president of the North Texas Islamic Council, told Chron, “Our entire community is in a state of fear, in a state of loss.” Reports of death threats, bullying of Muslim children at school, and families avoiding mosques have heightened tensions. Mustafaa Carroll of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) accused state officials of spreading “hateful misinformation,” arguing that their actions endanger Muslim families.
Interfaith leaders have responded with calls for unity. At a press conference on April 8, 2025, Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders stood together in support of EPIC City. Deborah Armintor of Jewish Voice for Peace Dallas-Fort Worth urged, “To my Jewish siblings, don’t be afraid to stand up when you see your Muslim neighbors under attack.” Robert Smith, a Lutheran minister, emphasized the need for leaders to act with care for all communities, stating, “Why should our neighbors be put at risk? Why should children suffer?”
The Future of EPIC City
The future of EPIC City remains uncertain. With no permits issued and multiple state investigations ongoing, the project faces significant hurdles. Developers, including Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at EPIC, remain committed to their vision of an inclusive community. Qadhi told KERA News, “We’re not forming a cult. We’re not forming big barriers between the rest of society. We’re going to be giving back to this state and this country.”
However, local and state opposition continues to pose challenges. Governor Abbott’s assertion that “the proposed community will never see the light of day” reflects the intensity of the backlash. Open dialogue between EPIC and local towns could address concerns and foster mutual benefits, but achieving this amidst current tensions remains difficult. The debate over EPIC City underscores broader issues of religious freedom, community integration, and the balance between development and preservation in rapidly growing regions.
Summary of Key Issues
| Issue | Description | Impact on Towns |
|---|---|---|
| Land Annexation | Fear of EPIC City annexing adjacent land, altering town boundaries. | Potential loss of land and community identity for towns like Josephine. |
| Resource Strain | Increased demand on water, emergency services, and roads. | Overburdened infrastructure, risking service shortages. |
| Economic Competition | New commercial developments could draw customers from local businesses. | Threatens economic stability of small-town businesses. |
| Cultural Tensions | Unfounded fears of Sharia law and exclusion of non-Muslims. | Heightens community division and mistrust. |
| Political Scrutiny | State investigations alleging legal violations. | Creates uncertainty, potentially delaying or halting the project. |
Source Previews
KERA News: Collin County Commissioners hear community pushback on ‘EPIC City’ Muslim housing community
Published March 31, 2025, this article details local concerns about resource strain and annexation, quoting residents like Jane Ridgeway on infrastructure issues (KERA News).
WFAA: Texas AG seeks records from Plano ISD in EPIC City investigation
Published April 23, 2025, this piece covers Ken Paxton’s investigation and includes CCP’s statement on inclusivity and cooperation with authorities (WFAA).
Chron: ‘Political hysteria’: How Gov. Abbott’s campaign against EPIC City impacts Muslims across Texas
Published April 17, 2025, this article highlights the fear in the Muslim community, with Mujeeb Kazi noting the community-wide impact of the backlash (Chron).
