McKinney City Council members voted 7-0 Tuesday night to approve a site plan for a new McKinney Islamic Association campus after more than four hours of passionate public comment.
The meeting at McKinney City Hall drew a packed and often rowdy crowd. A city spokesperson told WFAA that more than 150 people signed up to speak on the item. Council members described the vote as largely procedural, focused on whether the plans complied with existing development standards rather than a debate over the project’s merits.
According to city records and reporting from the Dallas Morning News and WFAA, the approved site plan covers approximately 5.5 acres at Virginia Parkway and Crutcher Crossing. It includes a roughly 15,000-square-foot sanctuary, a classroom building, and a multi-purpose gym. The McKinney Islamic Association has said its existing facility on Eldorado Parkway has been outgrown.
🚨 MCKINNEY, TEXAS 🚨 An Iranian-born resident spoke in opposition to the proposed Islamic center and mosque, citing his experiences living under Sharia law in Iran. He warned the council that Islam is a “de@th cult.”
— Carlos Turcios (@Carlos__Turcios) August 5, 2026
Follow:@Carlos__Turcios@DallasExpress pic.twitter.com/rGOgPMXh1k
Planning and Zoning recommended approval of the site plan in July. City officials noted the property’s existing planned-development zoning already permits religious assembly use, limiting the council’s discretion if the plans meet technical standards. Councilman Patrick Cloutier previously explained that if the applicant builds to the zoning with no variations, the city has little power to deny the request.
Public comment mixed traffic, parking, and neighborhood impact concerns with broader cultural and religious objections. Supporters emphasized religious freedom and the association’s long presence in the community. The atmosphere grew tense at times, with reports of boos, heckling, and chants. WFAA reported that a former mayor was escorted from the chambers by police for safety.
The vote does not authorize immediate construction. Additional steps, including platting and a mandatory traffic study, remain before any building permits can be issued.
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