EPIC City Development Faces Investigations Amid Controversy

DALLAS – The ambitious plans for a master-planned community known as EPIC City, situated on the border of Collin and Hunt counties, have drawn significant scrutiny from state officials, resulting in the developers hiring prominent attorney Dan Cogdell to navigate forthcoming investigations.

Developers Seek Legal Support

Cogdell is representing both the East Plano Islamic Center and Community Capital Partners LP as they respond to a series of inquiries regarding the EPIC City project. In a statement released on Thursday, Cogdell characterized the investigations as arising from “racial profiling.” He emphasized the nature of the accusations against the project, alleging that they are fueled by prejudice rather than factual concerns.

Statements from Dan Cogdell

“What’s happened from Abbott’s office is hate speech,” Cogdell stated, criticizing Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s comments that suggested the potential imposition of Sharia Law in the development. He labeled this assertion as false, asserting, “That’s a lie. An absolute lie.”

Cogdell previously gained recognition for representing Attorney General Ken Paxton during his impeachment trial and for overseeing the dismissal of felony charges against him.

Governor’s Warning and Controversy

The legal issues for EPIC City intensified after Governor Abbott issued a warning that construction on the 400-acre site should not proceed without proper permits. Cogdell expressed vehement disagreement with Abbott’s characterizations, particularly the labeling of the development as a “compound.”

“There are no underage children being molested. No cache of weapons,” Cogdell contended. “For him to call it a compound is an outright lie, an insult and trying to demonize faithful, religious, hard-working people.”

Legal Perspectives on Religious Organizations and Development

Constitutional law expert David Coale, who is not involved in the current case, noted that while churches can be active in community initiatives, they must be cautious when venturing into real estate development. “If it is a church running the real estate development, that gets into issues about what a nonprofit can do,” Coale explained. He stressed the importance of maintaining clear boundaries between religious and commercial operations to avoid potential conflicts.

Overview of EPIC City

Located near Josephine, Texas, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas, EPIC City aims to be a vibrant community that includes residential homes, educational facilities, commercial spaces, and parks. The vision as conveyed by Community Capital Partners is one of inclusivity, promoting harmony among diverse backgrounds and faiths.

“EPIC City is a thoughtful community designed for families, just like hundreds of others in Texas. The only reason it is being unfairly targeted, is because there is a mosque in the plans instead of a church or a temple,” Cogdell remarked.

Continuing Investigations

The project is currently under rigorous evaluation by various state authorities, with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) noting deficiencies regarding required permits for establishing a municipal utility district. TCEQ Executive Director Kelly Keel’s letter to the developers highlighted the necessity of receiving proper approval prior to any construction activities.

Moreover, Abbott has initiated an investigation by the Texas Rangers into the East Plano Islamic Center for possible criminal activities, although specific details remain vague. The scrutiny over the EPIC City project raises concerns about the intersection of planning regulations and religious freedoms, particularly given recent political discourse surrounding Sharia Law.

In conclusion, the future of EPIC City lies at the crux of legal, political, and social discussions, as developers remain committed to dispelling the misinformation they contend is overshadowing their plans. “This project is simply the victim of racial profiling,” Cogdell concluded. “Our goal is to lance the lies and shine some light on reality.”

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