Plano City Council convened on Nov. 9 for its first public hearing since voters rejected arena‑related taxes in the Nov. 3 election, and residents used the forum to explain why the proposed Dallas Stars arena matters to the community.
According to Community Impact, 17 members of the public addressed the council; 11 spoke against the arena, four expressed support, and two urged careful consideration of the options. Karen Dubrow, a Plano resident and chair of the Stop the Stars Arena Political Action Committee, said the election results demonstrate that citizens “reject siphoning dollars from successful businesses that are already in the zone to go to an arena instead of streets, parks, lights and our wonderful city staff.”
Opponents also raised concerns about confusing ballot language, a potential rise in crime, and environmental changes to the Willow Bend area if construction proceeds. They warned that the proposed taxes could divert funds from existing city services.
Supporters, though in the minority, highlighted the appeal of professional hockey and the economic promise of the project. Resident Ian Driskell cited comments from the Stars’ president, noting that the team views Plano as “the new economic belly button of the metroplex.”
The arena would be part of a $3 billion redevelopment effort at The Shops at Willow Bend. Approval would have allowed the city to levy up to a 5 % short‑term motor‑vehicle rental tax, a short‑term hotel occupancy tax of up to 2 % of the room price, an event‑parking fee of up to $3 per vehicle, an admissions tax of up to 10 % of each ticket price, and a $5,000 per‑game fee for a major‑league team member.
City officials previously hosted open houses in July; Community Impact reported that a large majority of participants listed traffic as a primary concern. In response, the city launched a study with Fehr & Peers to explore mitigation measures such as new left‑turn lanes, an additional driveway into the development, and a new traffic signal on Chapel Hill Boulevard.
Mayor John Muns and City Manager Mark Israelson released statements the morning after the Nov. 3 vote, indicating the city will reassess its financial approach to the project. Muns told Community Impact the city is working toward an agreement with the Stars that is expected to be finalized in late November. The mall slated for demolition is projected to be cleared in February, pending the outcome of the reassessment.
What’s next: Plano officials plan to complete the feasibility study and negotiate a revised agreement with the Dallas Stars by late November. If an agreement is reached, the city will determine whether to move forward with the arena or explore alternative redevelopment options, with demolition of the existing mall scheduled for February.
Sources: communityimpact.com
