Introduction to The Meadow
EPIC City, the planned Muslim-centric neighborhood spanning Collin and Hunt counties, has a new name. Representatives for developer Community Capital Partners told The Dallas Morning News Monday that the planned project is now called The Meadow.
Details on the rebrand were first revealed by Collin County Judge Chris Hill in a Facebook post Saturday. “In light of some public confusion over whether the development would become a separate municipality, Community Capital Partners chose to change the name of the development from EPIC City to The Meadow to better describe the beautiful property and the inclusive, family-centered, mixed-use, master-planned community being designed,” the firm said in a statement.
Project Overview
Plans for the development call for more than 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college and sports fields built on 402 acres roughly 40 miles northeast of downtown Dallas.
Community Capital Partners, a for-profit development group, was formed by members of the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) — one of North Texas’ largest mosques.
Investigations and Controversies
The rebrand comes as top-ranking Texas Republicans have directed or requested state and federal agencies to investigate Community Capital Partners, EPIC or other elements of the project throughout the year.
Last month, Attorney General Ken Paxton accused the project developers of violating federal and state securities laws. Paxton did not specifically identify the violations.
Paxton said he was interested in filing a lawsuit against Community Capital Partners, pending a referral from the Texas State Securities Board.
Two investigations tied to the development have been settled or closed. In September, the Texas Workforce Commission settled a Fair Housing Act complaint against the developers.
Separately, the U.S. Department of Justice dropped a civil rights investigation tied to the project in June. The DOJ launched its probe after U.S. Sen. John Cornyn expressed concern that the developers may discriminate against Jewish and Christian Texans.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Community Capital Partners has repeatedly said it will adhere to the Fair Housing Act, as well as all other applicable state and federal guidelines. The community will be open to members of all religions.
Engineers for the project met with Collin County development staff last week for a pre-development meeting. No official plans have been submitted to the county or the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. The residential permitting process has not begun, the firm said.
Related Developments
City Council voted on the project earlier this year. Here’s more on the multimillion-dollar development.
The five-year commitment aims to support the development and preservation of hundreds of homes each year.
Conclusion
The rebranding of EPIC City to The Meadow marks a new chapter in the development of this Muslim-centric neighborhood. Despite investigations and controversies, the project is moving forward with a commitment to inclusivity and adherence to state and federal guidelines.
FAQs
Q: What is The Meadow?
A: The Meadow is a planned Muslim-centric neighborhood spanning Collin and Hunt counties, previously known as EPIC City.
Q: What are the plans for The Meadow?
A: The development will include over 1,000 homes, a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living, apartments, clinics, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields.
Q: Are there any investigations into The Meadow?
A: Yes, there have been investigations into the development, including a Fair Housing Act complaint and a civil rights investigation, but some have been settled or closed.
Q: Will The Meadow be open to members of all religions?
A: Yes, Community Capital Partners has stated that The Meadow will be open to members of all religions and will adhere to the Fair Housing Act and other applicable state and federal guidelines.
