The U.S. Department of Justice has closed its investigation into a Muslim-centered development around one of the largest mosques in Texas. The department chose not to file any lawsuits or charges, the Dallas Morning News reported on Wednesday, June 25.
EPIC City
The investigation centered around plans to build what is being called EPIC City after the nearby mosque called the East Plano Islamic Center, which is about 30 miles from Dallas.
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The plan was to build a Muslim-centric community around the mosque, featuring more than 1,000 homes and apartments, a faith-based school for K-12 students, a community college and more.
The community idea received support from the Muslim community as well as Texas Democratic Rep. Salman Bhojani, the first Muslim elected official in Texas history.
He told CBS News in April that the Justice Department’s probe was “just adding more fuel to the fire.”
“I know a lot of developments in North Texas that exactly mimic [EPIC City],” Bhojani said. “So, there’s nothing illegal about that. This is something that we should be protecting in the state of Texas, not demonizing it.”
That plan immediately faced backlash from Texas politicians, including Republicans Gov. Greg Abbott and U.S. Sen. John Cornyn.
DOJ investigation
The DOJ investigation began in February at Cornyn’s request. He argued the development could discriminate against Christians and Jews.
Abbott then announced a complete stop to the development before it reached the permitting stage.
Some of those concerned said the development could violate the 1968 Texas Fair Housing Act by excluding non-Muslims. EPIC maintained that the community would be open to everyone, which appears to have factored into the DOJ’s decision.
“CCP [Community Capital Partners] has affirmed that all will be welcome in any future development, and that you plan to revise and develop marketing materials to reinforce that message consistent with your obligations under the Fair Housing Act. Based on this information, the Department is closing its investigation at this time,” the DOJ said in a letter, according to WFAA.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations responded to the news in a statement on Wednesday, June 25.
“We welcome the dropping of this investigation and hope the DOJ’s actions send a clear message to the governor and other officials in Texas that they should similarly drop their Islamophobic witch hunt targeting Muslims in that state,” CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said. “Elected officials should respect the Constitution and serve all state residents instead of abusing their authority to discriminate against Muslims.”
What happens next?
Abbott said on social media Thursday, June 19, that he signed into law House Bill 4211. His office said that the bill would prevent developments like EPIC City from creating “no-go zones” by restricting land sales or rentals based on religious affiliation.
“Texas will continue to defend our communities from any threats posed by EPIC City or other entities seeking to create a discriminatory or illegal compound, and we will continue to monitor this proposed development for compliance with all Texas laws,” Abbott’s press secretary Andrew Mahaleris said in a statement to CBS News.
A representative for Community Capital Partners told KERA News the group actually supports the bill, and EPIC City does not violate the new law, which took effect immediately.
“We requested a meeting with Rep. Candy Noble, the bill’s author, on March 13 to share our support, present our proposed real estate development project and answer any questions she may have,” Erin Ragsdale said. “While we were unable to meet with her during the legislative session, we would still welcome the opportunity to do so.”
CBS also reported EPIC City developers plan to continue the development now that the investigation has finished.
However, there are still other investigations into the development, including a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers ordered by Abbott. State officials also issued a cease-and-desist letter to EPIC for allegedly operating unlicensed funeral services on the proposed development site. In addition, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Community Capital Partners.
