Plano ISD to contribute up to $250 million to Dallas Stars arena funding

Plano City Council approved the agreement with the school district Monday as a venue tax election for more funding nears.

Plano’s school district is joining the city in helping fund a proposed arena for the Dallas Stars at The Shops at Willow Bend site.

The school board approved the agreement over the summer, and the Plano City Council approved it Monday night, allowing the Plano Independent School District to contribute tax revenue to the project that could bring the NHL franchise up the tollway from American Airlines Center.

The agreement would allow Plano ISD to host graduation ceremonies and other events at the city-owned arena. Plano Mayor John Muns, a former school district trustee, said it would be meaningful to host high school graduations in the city. Plano ISD’s three senior high school graduations are hosted at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco.

“That’s a big deal to me is to be able to see seniors get their diploma … right here,” Muns said.

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The city hosted a meeting Tuesday night to inform residents about the proposed $3B Willow Bend redevelopment project that could pave the path for a Stars arena.

Plano residents will get a chance to vote on whether they approve the proposed project in Proposition A, which would allow venue taxes to help fund the multi-purpose arena. Early voting starts Monday for the Nov. 3 elections.

At Monday's city council meeting, city leaders heard a preliminary report about how the proposed project and possible Stars arena could impact traffic, including before and after games or other events, and how that might impact nearby neighborhoods.

Details on the cost and who will pay for traffic improvements are still being negotiated. The full report is expected by the end of Oct.

Council members and residents had questions and concerns about the proposal.