The state of Texas has officially halted construction on the highly controversial “EPIC City,” a sprawling 402-acre development backed by the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) near the town of Josephine, just northeast of Dallas. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed the decision, citing multiple potential violations of state laws, including fair housing and consumer protection statutes.
The ambitious project was set to include more than 1,000 homes, a mosque, schools, senior living facilities, parks, and commercial infrastructure—drawing widespread attention due to its explicitly Islamic-centered design and promotional messaging. While EPIC and its development partner, Community Capital Partners, claim the city would be open to people of all faiths, the project has drawn sharp criticism for what some see as an attempt to create a religious enclave.
Governor Abbott ordered a full investigation involving the Texas Rangers, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. State officials are reviewing land-use compliance, environmental impact, and alleged consumer protection issues.
At the federal level, Senator John Cornyn has requested a Department of Justice probe, raising concerns about potential discrimination against non-Muslims and whether the development could enforce religious standards or create a parallel legal framework rooted in Islamic doctrine.
In response, EPIC has denied all allegations of religious exclusion or misconduct, insisting the development was never intended to be closed to anyone. Their attorney, Dan Cogdell, dismissed the state’s actions as politically motivated, claiming the project is being unfairly targeted due to its religious associations.
The suspension of EPIC City’s construction has sparked intense debate across the state. Supporters of the halt argue it’s a necessary step to uphold zoning laws, maintain transparency, and ensure equal access for all Texans. Critics, meanwhile, claim the move infringes on religious freedom and sets a troubling precedent for how faith-based communities are treated under state law.
As investigations continue, the future of EPIC City hangs in the balance. What started as a proposed community development has now become a flashpoint in the national debate over religious expression, local control, and government oversight in land use planning.