Federal Probe Targets ‘EPIC City’ Development Over Alleged Housing Discrimination
HUD Launches Investigation into North Texas Project associated with the East Plano Islamic Center
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has launched a federal investigation into EPIC Real Properties, Inc. and Community Capital Partners, LP, following allegations of religious and national origin discrimination linked to a proposed North Texas residential development associated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC).
HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) announced the inquiry centers on “The Meadow,” previously known as “EPIC City.” The investigation was prompted by a complaint from the Texas Workforce Commission, which accused the developers of orchestrating a “large-scale pattern of religious discriminatory conduct”, according to The Dallas Express.
Allegations of Discriminatory Practices
According to HUD, the project may have violated the Fair Housing Act by engaging in practices that excluded individuals on the basis of religion or national origin. “It is deeply concerning that the East Plano Islamic Centre may have violated the Fair Housing Act and participated in religious discrimination,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.
“As HUD Secretary, I will not stand for illegal religious or national origin discrimination in housing and will ensure that this matter receives a thorough investigation so that this community is open to all Texans”.
The federal complaint outlines several troubling allegations:
Marketing materials allegedly promoted the development as an exclusively “Muslim community,” touting it as “the epicenter of Islam in America.”
Financial terms reportedly required lot owners to subsidize a mosque and Islamic educational centers.
A two-tier lottery system for lot sales allegedly favored certain buyers, raising concerns about bias in the sales process. [Document | Word]
HUD has not announced any findings of wrongdoing, emphasizing that the investigation remains ongoing. The Fair Housing Act strictly prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.
Background and Broader Context
“The Meadow,” formerly “EPIC City,” has previously faced scrutiny. In 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice closed an earlier federal inquiry after developers assured that “all will be welcome in any future development.” At that time, the project was still in the planning stage, with no permits filed.
The HUD investigation unfolds amid heightened state-level attention to housing developments in North Texas. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently announced a separate investigation into a proposed Kaufman County development, described by some as a potential “sharia city.” That case involves different entities and distinct legal questions.
Meanwhile, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has directed the state Senate to hold interim hearings on “EPIC City” and broader concerns about the application of foreign legal systems in Texas. These hearings are legislative in nature and separate from HUD’s investigation under the Fair Housing Act.
HUD has not provided a timeline for completing its review, and the investigation remains active.
Comment could not be obtained from EPIC Real Properties, Inc. and Community Capital Partners at the time of writing.