The U.S. Department of Justice has officially closed its investigation into the planned Muslim-oriented development known as EPIC City, situated in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The decision to end the civil rights probe was communicated in a letter from Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon on June 13 to Community Capital Partners, the organization behind the project.
No lawsuits or charges were initiated during the investigation, and the DOJ has not provided additional details regarding the inquiry.
According to the letter, Community Capital Partners reiterated its commitment to creating an inclusive environment, stating that “all will be welcome in any future development.”
This affirmation led the DOJ to conclude the investigation, indicating that the development group would revise its marketing materials to align with the Fair Housing Act’s mandates.
The ambitious EPIC City project aims to construct over 1,000 homes along with various facilities including a K-12 faith-based school, a mosque, elderly and assisted living units, apartments, retail shops, a community college, and sports fields over a sprawling 402 acres in Collin and Hunt counties.
Located approximately 40 miles northeast of downtown Dallas, the development is spearheaded by members of the East Plano Islamic Center, recognized as one of the largest mosques in North Texas.
Dan Cogdell, the attorney representing Community Capital Partners, expressed satisfaction with the DOJ’s feedback, commending Dhillon and her office for their professionalism during the investigation process.
“We are pleased with the feedback we received from the Department of Justice,” he remarked, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to inclusivity and adherence to the Fair Housing Act.
The DOJ’s investigation was prompted by a request from U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, who voiced concerns regarding the potential discrimination against Jewish and Christian Texas residents by those associated with the EPIC City project.
Cornyn also pointed to earlier statements from Community Capital Partners which suggested that they might limit sales to individuals deemed suitable for contributing to the community’s makeup—prompting fears of a violation of the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
In response, representatives for Community Capital Partners and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the country’s preeminent Muslim civil rights organization, accused Cornyn and other officials of engaging in “zoning harassment” and politically driven intimidation.
CAIR’s National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, welcomed the termination of the investigation, asserting that the DOJ’s decision signals a need for state officials in Texas to cease what he characterized as an Islamophobic pursuit against Muslims.
He called for elected officials to honor the Constitution and provide equitable representation for all residents, rather than utilizing their authority to foster discrimination.
Throughout the investigation, Community Capital Partners has maintained that it will comply with the Fair Housing Act and applicable regulations, stressing its openness to individuals from all religious backgrounds.
Yet, the DOJ investigation was not the only scrutiny that EPIC City faced. Governor Greg Abbott has initiated multiple inquiries related to this development, with at least five investigations under his direction.
Abbott has highlighted that around a dozen state agencies are probing potential illegal activities surrounding both EPIC City and its associated entities.
Recently, the Governor signed a bill intended to scrutinize the business structure and sales processes tied to the proposed project.
Representative Candy Noble, the bill’s primary author, emphasized that the legislation seeks to safeguard investors in the development.
However, Community Capital Partners indicated that the newly passed bill does not alter their development plans.
At this point, the EPIC City project remains in its preliminary stages, with no construction underway and plans yet to be submitted for the development.
Prior to commencing development, the group has successfully completed necessary studies, including a traffic impact analysis, flood study, and environmental assessments of the site.
Community Capital Partners has communicated to the DOJ that it anticipates beginning the residential development permitting process as soon as July or August.
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