There are conflicting reports about whether the controversial development of "EPIC City" (a planned 400+ acre community centered around a mosque, a K-12 Islamic school, and 1,000 homesites in North Texas) has been stopped.
Critics claim it will enforce "Sharia Law" and become what Texas Governor Greg Abbott fears could be a "no-go zone" for Texans who follow other religions (something the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) vigorously denies. At the Governor's urging, multiple state agencies have launched investigations into EPIC City:
Texas Workforce Commission is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for "potential discrimination in violation of the Texas Fair Housing Act."
Texas State Securities Board is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for "potential financial harm to Texans."
Texas Funeral Service Commission sent a cease-and-desist letter ordering EPIC to "immediately stop all illegal funeral service operations."
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating EPIC and affiliated entities for "potential violations of Texas consumer protection laws."
The US Attorney General also agreed to US Senator John Cornyn's request for a federal investigation.
On May 11, 2025, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced on x.com that "Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City. There is no construction taking place."
However, The Latin Times reports receiving a text message from an EPIC representative since then stating, "We have not submitted the plans for approval so not sure what that means to be halted."
The online newspaper also published a statement from Dan Cogdell, attorney for EPIC City's developer, Community Capital Partners:
"Construction was never underway as the project is still in the planning phases, so there was nothing to halt. The EPIC team is cooperating fully with any and all investigations- regardless of how misguided and unnecessary they are." -Dan Cogdell, EPIC City developer's attorney
Which brings us to an interesting wrinkle involving some features of EPIC City that have not been as widely reported: The EPIC Ranches.
The addition of two "EPIC Ranches" a half-mile from the main EPIC City development was announced in mid-February 2025. The addition of the 200-acre EPIC Ranches added larger lots than the 1,000 suburban-sized homesites planned in EPIC City.
"EPIC Ranches One" was announced to consist of 70 lots larger than an acre in size. In contrast to the more suburban layout of EPIC City, EPIC Ranches were marketed with the slogan "Where space meets grace."
"EPIC Ranches Two" featured homsites half as large as those in "EPIC Ranches One" but still considerably larger than those offered to potential residents of EPIC City. Like "EPIC Ranches One," the presentation video of "EPIC Ranches Two" showed homesites with plenty of room for a large house with a large pool and generously sized yards with plenty of separation from the neighbors.
"EPIC Ranches Two" also includes 27 lots for townhomes.
Now, for that wrinkle I mentioned earlier: Shortly after the Governor announced on Mother's Day that "Texas has halted any construction of EPIC City" - The website for "The EPIC Ranches" went offline.
The links to its "Investor Summary," "Investor FAQ," "Step-by-Step Guidance," and a link to schedule a one-on-one appointment (presumably with a sales representative) are dead. An advisory on what was the homepage of "The EPIC Ranches" now says "The page you are looking for doesn't exist or has been moved."
The EPIC Ranches website going offline within days of the Governor's announcement may be coincidental, but it's curious, given recent developments.
The general email address for the EPIC Ranches is still accepting messages, and I have written to them to request the status of the project. I will update this article if I receive one.
Are you concerned about the "EPIC City" and "EPIC Ranches" communities? Why?
Share your opinions in the comments on this article!
Would you like to do a ādeeper diveā into EPIC City & EPIC Ranches? Here are links to other US Border News stories about this issue:
Abrazos,
Jack Beavers
Ban sharia. Ban Burkha
Concerned and hope that Governor Abbott will put a final stop before it gets started. Deport deport deport. Sharia law is not the American way the Constitution is and the ten commandments are a guideline for God's people.