At a Monday city‑council meeting, Plano leaders provided the latest details on the proposed Dallas Stars arena and surrounding entertainment district that would replace the current Shops at Willow Bend Mall. The discussion centered on traffic considerations, projected property‑value trends, and the financing plan that will be decided by voters on Nov. 3.
Financing the $3 Billion Project
The arena and entertainment district together are estimated to cost about $3 billion. Plano City Council previously approved up to $700 million in city contributions toward the roughly $1 billion arena portion, with the broader entertainment district projected at $2 billion. To fund the city’s share, council members unanimously backed a tax‑increment reinvestment zone near Willow Bend, directing future tax revenue from the area around the mall and the Dallas North Tollway to back bonds for the project.
In August, council approved adding Proposition A to the November ballot. If approved, the measure would allow a venue tax on items such as car rentals, hotel rooms, arena parking, tickets and other related services, generating an estimated $700 million to $900 million in revenue for Plano.
Property‑Value Outlook
The Willow Bend Redevelopment Advisory Committee, composed of homeowners‑association representatives from ten Plano neighborhoods, reported that homes near the future arena could see “steady percentage appreciation, not a big jump” once the entertainment district is complete. The committee emphasized that any increase would stem from the broader district’s amenities rather than the arena itself, and that gains would likely materialize several years after construction finishes.
Traffic and Public‑Safety Planning
Traffic impact remains the committee’s top concern, though concrete data were not presented at the meeting. Plano Police Chief Ed Drain indicated that police resources would need to be expanded on game nights, but the event‑organizing entity has agreed to cover those additional costs, relieving the city of direct expense.
Community Voices and Opposition
Members of the STOP The Stars Arena PAC, a group of residents opposed to Proposition A, used the public‑comment period to question the full cost of the project. “And we keep asking the city, ‘What about the other costs?’ The costs to the road improvements, to the infrastructure, for drainage, for power, all that,” said David Romick, a PAC member.
Mayor John Muns clarified that Proposition A is not a property tax, echoing statements from Dallas Stars leadership. “I don’t want anybody to be confused that it’s any more than that. That’s what it is,” he said.
Addressing concerns about readiness, Muns added, “Maybe we weren’t ready for this 20 years ago, but we are today. Absolutely. It’s been a real priority for the City of Plano.” He expressed confidence that the city’s existing infrastructure can support the development.
Next Steps
Plano voters will decide the fate of Proposition A on Nov. 3. Should the measure fail, Mayor Muns indicated the city will explore alternative revenue sources to fund the arena plans.
The council also approved demolition of the current Willow Bend Mall, with demolition slated to begin in 2027, clearing the site for the new development.
Original reporting: Dallas – Ft. Worth Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
