Attorney Calls Gov. Abbott's Claims Against EPIC City Project 'Nonsense' and 'Hate Speech'

A high-profile Texas attorney representing the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) has accused

A high-profile Texas attorney representing the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) has accused Governor Greg Abbott of spreading "hate speech" and false information about a proposed Muslim community development, calling the governor's claims "nonsense." During a press conference on Thursday, April 3, attorney Dan Cogdell defended the EPIC City project against multiple state investigations launched by Abbott, asserting that the development is "simply the victim of racial profiling."

"Quit tweeting lies, false information, and nonsense because my clients right now, what they are doing is they are suffering from essentially gubernatorial hate speech," said Cogdell, who previously represented Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial.

The controversy centers around EPIC City, a proposed 402-acre development planned for unincorporated portions of Collin and Hunt counties, approximately 40 miles northeast of Dallas near Josephine.

Project Under Fire Despite Being in Planning Phase

The East Plano Islamic Center's development has faced mounting scrutiny despite still being in the planning stages, with no construction having begun. On April 1, Governor Abbott ordered the developers to cease construction activities, claiming they lacked necessary permits.

"The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction," Abbott stated. "They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law."

However, project developers maintain that they haven't started construction and are still in due diligence. During a Collin County Commissioners meeting on Monday, David Kalhoefer, a senior planner on the EPIC City project, confirmed they're still working on the application process.

"We're looking at the options to prepare an application for TCEQ, but at this time we're still in our due diligence period," Kalhoefer said.

Accusations and Investigations

Governor Abbott has launched at least five investigations into the project through various state agencies, including a criminal probe announced on April 1. Abbott has repeatedly accused the group of promoting Sharia law, creating a "no-go zone," and suggested the investigations will prevent "foreign adversaries" from buying land in Texas.

The investigations include:

• A Texas Rangers investigation into "potential criminal activities"10

• A Texas Workforce Commission investigation for potential discrimination violations of the Texas Fair Housing Act

• A Texas State Securities Board inquiry into "potential financial harm to Texans"

• A Texas Funeral Service Commission probe alleging illegal funeral service operations

• A Texas Commission on Environmental Quality review of permit requirements

Abbott's office has not responded to multiple media requests seeking clarification on the allegations.

Attorney Defends Project Against "Absolute Lies"

Cogdell vehemently denied the governor's characterizations of the project, particularly regarding Sharia law.

"That's an absolute lie," Cogdell told the media. "No one associated with EPIC, no one associated with that community follows Sharia Law or is in favor of Sharia law or is implementing Sharia law. The governor has weaponized that word repeatedly. He has said it's a no-go zone. That's absolute nonsense."

The attorney emphasized that his clients are experiencing serious repercussions from the governor's statements, including threats to their safety.

"They're getting death threats, their families are being antagonized, and their property is getting picketed. They are afraid for their lives, of the falsehood that the governor's office has started," Cogdell said.

What EPIC City Proposes

According to the development plans, EPIC City would include a new mosque, more than 1,000 single and multi-family homes, a K-12 faith-based school, senior housing, an outreach center, commercial developments, sports facilities, and a community college.

The East Plano Islamic Center initiated the project and is being managed through Community Capital Partners (CCP), a specially created entity. Imran Chaudhary, previously the mosque's board president, serves as CCP's executive officer and director.

Project representatives have consistently described the development as intended to be inclusive and diverse. Yasir Qadhi, a resident scholar at the East Plano Islamic Center, has described it as a "Muslim neighborhood" that would remain "well integrated" within the broader community.

"We are not forming a cult. We're not forming big barriers between the rest of society. We're going to be giving back to this state and this country, and we're going to be showing what it means to be a Muslim neighborhood," Qadhi stated.

Historical Context and Timeline

The EPIC City project was publicly launched in 2024, and more than 500 lots were reportedly reserved within days of the announcement. The development plan later expanded to include two additional projects, EPIC Ranches One and Two, adding approximately 200 acres of residential properties nearby.

Chaudhary stated that the first phase of EPIC City—over 500 lots—sold out within six months of being announced last year, but CCP is continuing to accept "investors" for future phases.

According to project representatives, the East Plano Islamic Center, established in Plano in 2003, will receive all profits generated by the development. Community Capital Partners' leadership team consists of volunteers who reportedly will not receive compensation for their work on the project.

Public Opposition and Support

The project has generated significant controversy beyond governmental scrutiny. During a Collin County Commissioners Court hearing on April 1, several residents spoke out against the development. While some cited resource and infrastructure concerns, others referred to the project as a "compound" and repeated stereotypes about the Muslim faith.

Some property owners from neighboring areas have indicated plans to relocate due to anticipated changes to the area's rural character, while others have noted potential benefits from increased property values. According to local reports, several property values in the region have potentially doubled since the announcement of EPIC City.

Texas Democratic Representative Salman Bhojani, the first Muslim elected official in the state's history, has, according to San.com, voiced support for the project and criticized the investigations.

Legal Defense Strategy

Hiring Cogdell, a well-known defense attorney with a history of representing high-profile clients, signals that EPIC City developers are preparing for a serious legal battle. Notably, Cogdell previously defended Attorney General Ken Paxton during his 2023 impeachment trial and again in a 2024 securities fraud case—the same Attorney General now investigating the EPIC City project.

"This is fear mongering and political theater, and we intend to shut it down with the truth," Cogdell stated in a press release issued by CCP's public relations consultant.

The attorney promised to cooperate with investigating agencies while defending his clients' project.

"This project is simply the victim of racial profiling," said Cogdell. "The public deserves to know the truth about this project and this community. We will review every inquiry, cooperate fully with each agency and office, and ensure the truth is known."

Broader Implications

The controversy surrounding EPIC City raises questions about religious freedom, land development rights, and potential discrimination. The developers' commitment to comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing based on protected characteristics, including religion, contrasts with some of the project's more contentious characterizations.

Community Capital Partners has modified the language on their website after media inquiries, removing text that indicated sales would be limited to "persons we believe will contribute to the overall makeup of our community." They now state they will not impose "blanket bans on any group of people" but will conduct "thorough individualized assessments of prospective buyers."

Future Outlook

With multiple investigations underway and strong opposition from the governor, EPIC City's future remains uncertain. Abbott has suggested that lawmakers might enact specific legislation to hinder the development, though such moves could face legal challenges.

Imran Chaudhary, President of Community Capital Partners, said in a statement to KERA News that the company will work with Attorney General Paxton as the investigation continues.

"We understand that there has been a lot of rumor-milling and misinformation circulated by many uninformed," Chaudhary said. "We look forward to working with the Attorney General to ensure that we are in legal compliance every step of the way and educating the broader community about our project."

As the seven-day deadline imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approaches, all parties will be watching closely to see how the developers respond and whether state officials will take further action against a project that, according to its representatives, has not yet begun construction.