Plano residents expressed mixed feelings at the first community open house Wednesday for the proposed $700 million Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district at the Shops at Willow Bend. The City of Plano hosted the afternoon event to gather feedback on traffic, parking, lighting, noise and neighborhood impacts.
Elena Bourke, a 33-year resident living nearby, said she opposes the project due to concerns about increased parking, traffic and noise in her area. “I think at this point it's a done deal,” she told KERA News. “The city wants it to happen. I live within a mile of this spot and it's very concerning.”
Her husband, John Bourke, appreciated the city's efforts but felt the presentation focused more on available technologies than concrete solutions for residents. Other attendees, like longtime Plano resident Larry Joseph, questioned the use of tax revenue for a stadium, arguing cities rarely see strong returns on such investments and suggesting alternatives like housing or year-round businesses.
Not all feedback was negative. Resident Jay McCready, who lives nearby, voiced support and optimism. “For Plano in particular, it'll continue to put a name for us beyond just business, but now it's, ‘we've got the Stars and we got everybody moving to West Plano.’ It's good.”
The project would redevelop the aging 1.4 million-square-foot Shops at Willow Bend mall, located off the Dallas North Tollway and George Bush Turnpike. The NHL team announced plans June 2 for the arena and entertainment district, one day after the Mavericks revealed their own arena plans in North Dallas. Both teams plan to leave American Airlines Center downtown when leases end in 2031.
Plano City Council approved measures last month, including a nonbinding letter of intent with the Stars and creation of a tax increment reinvestment zone to finance infrastructure using future property and sales tax revenue increases. Plano ISD's board voted June 23 to participate, citing long-term benefits including a new venue for graduations.
Developers Levin Holdings, Cawley Partners and Centennial presented conceptual renderings. Steven Levin, CEO of Levin Holdings, said the arena would host Stars games plus concerts, graduations and other events. “The inspiration for us is really... what we are trying to create is community,” he said.
Brian Shewski, Plano’s transportation planner, noted a national consultant is analyzing infrastructure and that public transit expansions with DART are under consideration. He said traffic impacts would mainly occur during evening events about one-fourth of the year.
A second open house is scheduled for July 14 at 6 p.m. at the mall. A self-guided virtual option is available online at plano.gov/willowbenddistrict.
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