WATCH: U.S. Muslim CITY Forced Into Hiding…

A Texas Muslim community development project once accused of plotting to bring Sharia law to the Lone Star State has rebranded itself with a new, unthreatening name, hoping to escape the political firestorm that nearly derailed its future.

Political Firestorm and Rebranding

The East Plano Islamic Center’s ambitious residential development, branded initially as EPIC City, faced a wave of political backlash after Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton accused it of potentially creating a discriminatory enclave governed by Sharia law. The project, located in unincorporated Collin and Hunt counties, quickly became a flashpoint in the debate over religious freedom and community development rights. In response, developers announced a rebranding to “The Meadow,” aiming to present a more inclusive and less controversial image.

The new name emphasizes pastoral, family-centered imagery, distancing the project from the acronym-based “EPIC City” that had become synonymous with the controversy. Community Capital Partners, the for-profit venture behind the development, stated the change was intended to clarify the project’s inclusive nature and address public confusion about its governance structure. Yasir Qadhi, the East Plano Islamic Center’s resident scholar, stressed that the project is not forming a cult or isolating itself from society, but instead creating a community that gives back to the state and country.

🚨 ALERT TEXAS

“Everyone Is Muslim Here” — That’s not a warning. It’s a quote from a Muslim residents in Irving.

Governor Abbott says there’s no Sharia in Texas. But take a drive through Plano or Irving, and you’ll see the truth:

🔻 Islamic-only parks and signage
🔻 Quran… pic.twitter.com/SVTrJZEKv1

— Amy Mek (@AmyMek) April 2, 2025

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Despite the rebranding, the project remains under intense scrutiny. State investigations into potential securities law violations and fair housing compliance are ongoing. The Texas Workforce Commission resolved fair housing allegations in September 2025, but the specifics of the resolution are unclear. The federal Department of Justice closed its investigation in June 2025, but state-level probes continue. No formal plans have been filed with Collin County as of November 2025, leaving the project in a preliminary planning phase.

The controversy has also led to legislative action. Governor Abbott signed HB 4211, which targets explicitly developments that restrict sales or rentals based on religious preferences. This law sets a new precedent for religious community development projects in Texas, potentially limiting the ability of such projects to prioritize Muslim residents. The rebranding strategy may become a model for other controversial development projects seeking to reset public perception.

Community Impact and Broader Implications

The rebranding has immediate public relations benefits, but it does not resolve the underlying legal and regulatory challenges. The project’s long-term viability depends on successfully navigating these hurdles.

🚨 BREAKING:

OUR CHRISTIAN CRUSADERS MARCH IS HEADED TO TEXAS NEXT!! ✝️🇺🇸😲

Thousands of Christians will descend upon the MUSLIM ONLY ‘Epic City’ in Texas on DECEMBER 13th!! 😳😳

This is the AMERICA FIRST / AMERICA ONLY MOVEMENT that we need RIGHT NOW!! 💪

NO Islamification! pic.twitter.com/H6Yna0wrSy

— Jake Lang – January 6 Political Prisoner 🇺🇸 (@JakeLang) November 22, 2025

If Community Capital Partners demonstrates compliance with fair housing and securities laws, the rebranding may facilitate project approval and development. However, if investigations result in legal action or regulatory restrictions, the project could face significant delays or fundamental restructuring.

The controversy has exposed religious tensions and prejudice within the community, with some residents expressing anti-Muslim sentiment at public hearings. Conversely, the project has also generated support from advocates of religious freedom and community development rights. The economic impact is substantial, with the project representing significant investment and development activity in the region. However, ongoing investigations and regulatory uncertainty create financial risk for investors and developers.