Plano City Council has approved a plan to use $700 million in taxpayer funds to help build a new arena for the Dallas Stars at the Shops at Willow Bend Mall site. The council unanimously approved a tax increment reinvestment zone near the mall, with tax dollars collected near Willow Bend and the Dallas North Tollway used to back bonds.

Project Details

The City of Plano would own the potential new arena and would enter into a 30-year lease agreement with the team. Demolition of the mall is set to begin in 2027, with the new arena expected to be completed by 2031.

City leaders showed off renderings of what the new arena would look like for the first time since the Stars announced their intent to build a new arena in Plano last week. Another motion being considered would be establishing a venue tax, which needs Texas State Comptroller approval.

Community Reaction

Some Plano residents opposed the idea of using public funds to lure a professional sports team. “I understand the excitement of this project,” said Gary Cary, a resident who opposes the arena project. “If we build this stadium, and they leave, we’re going to be in the same boat.”

City leaders cautioned that this is far from a done deal, and extensive conversations will be held in the years to come to address public safety concerns, an increase in traffic in the area, and noise pollution concerns.

Plano will hold two in-person open houses at The Shops at Willow Bend to continue community engagement on the arena project on Wednesday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 14. A virtual open house will be held online from July 8 to July 22 at plano.gov/willowbenddistrict for those unable to attend in person.

Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.