A proposed Islamic community, EPIC City, located 40 minutes from Dallas near Josephine, Texas, has drawn widespread attention, sparking a Firestorm of debate. Spanning 402 acres across unincorporated Collin and Hunt counties, the project, initiated by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) in 2024, plans to include over 1,000 residential units, a mosque, a K-12 faith-based school, a community college, and commercial shopping facilities. As of April 2025, no construction has started, and the development faces multiple state investigations and significant local opposition, raising questions about its future. This article examines the project’s design, challenges, and current status. Texas Tribune: texastribune.org

EPIC’S Islamic Community’s Vision

EPIC City is a Islamic Community designed to serve North Texas’s growing Muslim population while remaining open to residents of all backgrounds. For instance, the plan features a mosque to facilitate daily prayers, halal-friendly retail, sports facilities, and educational institutions, including a K-12 school and a community college. Developers, through their affiliate Community Capital Partners (CCP), report strong demand, with 450–500 housing lots sold quickly, reflecting interest from Muslim families nationwide. However, the project remains in the planning phase, with ongoing due diligence studies for water supply, flooding risks, and infrastructure needs. Consequently, no permits have been filed, delaying any groundbreaking as of April 2025.Dallas Morning News dallasnews.com

EPIC Muslim Community Faces Resistance

Significant opposition has emerged at both state and local levels for this Islamic Community. Specifically, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has launched five investigations into the project, citing potential legal violations. For example, the Texas Attorney General’s office is examining consumer protection issues related to CCP’s profit structure, while the Texas Rangers are conducting a criminal probe for unspecified activities. Additionally, the Texas Workforce Commission is reviewing possible Fair Housing Act violations, and the Texas State Securities Board is investigating potential fraud. Meanwhile, at a March 31, 2025, Collin County Commissioners Court hearing, 58 of 60 public speakers opposed EPIC City, expressing concerns about changes to the area’s rural character and fears of exclusivity. These challenges highlight the contentious atmosphere surrounding the project. KXAN kxan.com

EPIC’S Faith Community’s Regulatory Challenges

Regulatory hurdles further complicate EPIC City’s path forward. Since the site lies in unincorporated areas, Collin County regulates plats and infrastructure, such as roads and utilities. Although state law requires approval of plats meeting legal standards, political pressure could lead to delays, according to county officials. Moreover, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has issued warnings that construction without permits violates state and federal regulations, noting no applications have been submitted as of April 2025. Nevertheless, CCP demonstrates commitment by hiring high-profile attorney Dan Cogdell to navigate legal challenges, and the group continues to engage with local leaders to address concerns. Still, these obstacles keep the project stalled for now. Houston Chronicle houstonchronicle.com

Conclusion: What’s Next for EPIC?

EPIC City’s plan for an Islamic community offers a vision of cultural and residential integration, with amenities tailored to Muslim needs alongside inclusive access. Yet, as of April 2025, state investigations, local resistance, and regulatory delays create significant uncertainty. With no permits filed and opposition ongoing, the timeline for progress remains unclear. If built, the community could attract a diverse population, including many Muslim families, but its realization hinges on overcoming formidable barriers. What steps will determine EPIC City’s fate in the coming months?

Follow Cara Mello @ mellodysmiles