Dallas Stars' proposed Plano arena divides residents ahead of November vote

Supporters see the project as a new anchor for Willow Bend, while opponents question its cost and fit for Plano.

Plano voters will decide in November whether to approve a proposition that would pave the way for a new Dallas Stars arena at The Shops at Willow Bend, as organized campaigns on both sides intensify their efforts over the proposed $3 billion development.

The arena would be part of a larger sports and entertainment district at Willow Bend. The city of Plano said its investment would be capped at $700 million and paid through revenue generated within the district, including venue-related taxes.

Signs supporting and opposing Proposition A are already appearing around Plano.

Karen Dubrow chairs the new Stop the Stars Arena PAC, which opposes both the arena and the taxes that would help pay for it.

"We are completely being railroaded because they want us to approve this prop with no details of a plan," Dubrow said.

"It doesn’t make any sense, and they want us to pay for it," Dubrow said.

Dubrow, who lives near the proposed arena site, also raised concerns about potential infrastructure costs.

"Then there’s all these infrastructure costs that have not been discussed," Dubrow said.

She said the project does not fit with Plano's long-range plan.

"And its mission is to keep Plano a suburb. Nowhere in that plan does it say an arena is a suburb," Dubrow said.

The proposal comes as Willow Bend is set to lose its last major anchor in January.

On Thursday night, an advisory committee made up of 10 city-appointed residents who live near Willow Bend met to discuss the redevelopment.

"Now we’re looking at an anchor that will be here for decades to come. And we can really build something special around that," Michael Platt, executive vice president of Centennial, said.

The Victory Green PAC is urging voters to approve Proposition A and support the arena. The PAC did not respond to a request for an interview.

In a statement, the Dallas Stars said in part:

“The Dallas Stars are proud to support this effort. We’re committed to making Plano our next home, and our investment reflects this commitment and dedication to building a lasting partnership with the Plano community...”

Dubrow said her group will continue pushing back against the proposal.

"It doesn’t make sense," Dubrow said.

In a statement, the city of Plano said it is committed to ensuring Plano residents and stakeholders have access to updates and information about the proposed arena and redevelopment at The Shops at Willow Bend. The city said it is sharing plans, studies and other important documents on its website.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.