A controversial North Texas development that sparked intense political debate in 2024 is moving forward once again—this time under a new name and through routine county review channels.Previously known as EPIC City, the large-scale housing proposal has been reintroduced as The Meadow, according to newly submitted filings in Collin and Hunt Counties. The updated plans mark the project’s return to the formal review process after months of investigations, lawsuits and statewide attention, though developers emphasize that the filings do not signal final approval or the start of construction.

Background of a Highly Scrutinized Proposal

The development was first announced in 2024 and became widely known due to its association with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC). The project quickly drew political scrutiny after Texas Governor Greg Abbott publicly criticized the proposal, referring to it as a “sharia city” and calling for investigations into organizations connected to the development.

Following the governor’s remarks, the project was effectively placed on hold throughout much of 2025 as multiple investigations and legal challenges unfolded. During that time, several lawsuits were filed, and state and federal agencies began reviewing various aspects of the proposal.

Why the Project Has a New Name

Developers behind the project, Community Capital Partners, say the name change reflects the evolution of the plan rather than an attempt to alter its identity or scope. According to the development group, “EPIC City” was an early working title used during preliminary discussions and was never intended to be permanent.

As the plans matured into a broader master-planned community concept, the project was renamed The Meadow, a change developers describe as common practice for developments of this scale. They emphasized that the acreage, location and overall vision remain the same.

The proposed development spans approximately 402 acres in unincorporated areas near the city of Josephine, straddling parts of Collin and Hunt Counties.

What the Current Filings Actually Mean

The newly submitted documents initiate the standard county review process required for large developments. These filings focus on technical components such as:

• Infrastructure layout
• Drainage and flood planning
• Utilities and road access
• Public safety considerations

County officials will review the plans to ensure compliance with local regulations. Developers stressed that the filings do not represent approval, rezoning or authorization to begin construction.

If built, The Meadow is proposed as a mixed-use residential community that would include housing, parks and green spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, retail areas, senior living options and multiple houses of worship, including a mosque.

In a written statement, developers described the project as “an open, lawful community” and said it is intended to comply fully with all local, state and federal regulations.

Addressing Ongoing Public Concerns

Opponents of the project have repeatedly claimed that only Muslims would be allowed to live or purchase homes within the development—an allegation that would violate the Fair Housing Act. Both EPIC and Community Capital Partners have consistently denied those claims.

Developers reiterated that The Meadow is open to residents of all backgrounds and faiths and allows for multiple houses of worship. They also emphasized how early the project remains in the development process.

“It is important to note that The Meadow remains in very early stages of development,” Community Capital Partners said. “Formal plans are only now being submitted for routine county review.”

Legal Challenges and Conflicting Findings

Despite the project’s procedural status, legal scrutiny has continued. In recent weeks, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Community Capital Partners and the East Plano Islamic Center, alleging fraudulent practices related to fundraising and investor qualifications.

Paxton accused project leaders of attempting to misuse land and mislead investors, vowing to pursue legal action aggressively.

However, several agencies have reached conclusions that conflict with those allegations. The Texas State Securities Board confirmed that after a months-long investigation, it determined the sales involved did not qualify as securities under state law. The board also stated that this determination was shared with the Attorney General’s Office prior to the lawsuit being filed.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Justice closed its inquiry after finding no evidence of illegal intent related to housing discrimination or civil rights violations. The Texas Workforce Commission also concluded and closed its fair-housing review earlier this year.

Community Capital Partners pointed to those outcomes in response to the lawsuit, saying the project has faced an unusually high number of investigations over the past year.

What Happens Next

For now, The Meadow remains firmly in the review phase, with county officials evaluating the technical submissions as part of the normal development process. Any future approvals would require additional reviews, public input and regulatory steps.

While it remains unclear whether the project will ultimately move forward as proposed, the latest filings indicate that developers are continuing to pursue the project despite ongoing legal and political debate. As reviews progress, The Meadow is likely to remain a closely watched development in North Texas.