The McKinney City Council in Texas is facing criticism after the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend a proposed mosque development for further consideration by the council.
The McKinney Islamic Association already has a mosque on Eldorado Parkway, but members say they have outgrown the facility and plan to build a larger center to accommodate their growing congregation.
The proposed site is a 5-acre tract along Virginia Parkway near two residential neighborhoods and a high school. It would include a 37,000-square-foot facility that will include a mosque, educational spaces, a gymnasium, and meeting rooms. It will also be designed to accommodate 3,000 people.
The association submitted its project proposal to the City of McKinney’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which unanimously voted to forward it to the city council for final consideration.
Some residents said they were unaware the proposal was under consideration. In 2024, the McKinney Islamic Association proposed a similar project but withdrew it following public opposition. Nearly two years later, the association submitted a revised proposal, prompting renewed criticism from some residents.
During the July 21 City Council meeting, multiple residents spoke in opposition to the planned mosque.
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Several speakers expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion, public safety, and potential impacts on nearby property values. Others objected to the proposal because of concerns about the Islamic faith.
“Before this council allows the McKinney Islamic Association to advance into construction, I am here to demand that you perform real due diligence not just on parking and traffic, but on the fundamental nature of what is being built in our community,” Ashley Louden, a U.S. Navy veteran, said. “You currently have imams in our area teaching their community that they are here to overthrow the U.S. government.”
Another resident, who declined to identify himself during the meeting, urged the council to reject the proposal due to limited resources and infrastructure, as well as the potential for traffic issues related to religious observances.
Other residents criticized what they described as a lack of public notification about the facility. “Transparency matters, and the people most affected should have had a fair chance to learn about it,” one resident said.
After public comments concluded, Council member Patrick Cloutier told attendees the council has limited authority over the proposal.
Cloutier said the Islamic association purchased the property years ago and originally sought to build a 45,000-square-foot building, which would have required a zoning change. He said the group later reduced the size of the project to comply with the property’s existing zoning.
“It was a couple years ago, after they bought it, that they fully anticipated they could build what they want here,” he said. “What they wanted was a 45,000 square foot building. That required a zoning change. That’s when you get the notice—when a zoning change is asked for.”
Cloutier said the council cannot deny the project if it complies with the property’s existing planned development zoning.
“They enjoy a 1997 very antiquated, planned development zoning. If they build to that zoning specifically, with no variations, this council and P and Z [Planning and Zoning] has not power to stop them,” Cloutier said.
U.S. Rep. Keith Self, who represents McKinney, also weighed in on the proposed Islamic development in a post on X.
“McKinney Residents—pay attention! The McKinney Planning and Zoning Commission just UNANIMOUSLY approved plans for a new mosque in your neighborhood,” said Self. “The McKinney City Council is meeting on this issue imminently.”
The McKinney City Council is scheduled to consider the proposal during its Aug. 4 meeting.
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