Texas voters reject plan to help fund Dallas Stars' $3 billion arena with new taxes

Voters soundly rejected the new taxes intended to help finance Plano's proposed $3 billion Dallas Stars arena and entertainment district.

The project isn't dead, though, as Mayor John Muns said there were alternative paths for funding.

Here's what to know

As CBS Texas reported, the city was seeking a way to pay for a share of the Shops at Willow Bend development. Proposition A would have authorized several venue-related taxes to facilitate that.

Eventgoers could have faced an admissions levy of up to 10% of ticket prices and a parking levy of as much as $3 per vehicle. The proposal also capped short-term vehicle rental taxes at 5% and hotel occupancy taxes at 2%.

With 100% of the vote in, CBS Texas said 56,061 voters (55%) opposed the proposal with 46,658 (45%) voting in favor of it.

"I appreciate everyone who made their voice heard in this election," Muns wrote in a statement.

Restaurants, shops, and public spaces are planned alongside the proposed hockey arena. For every major league team member playing at the venue, there would be a facility-use levy capped at $5,000 per game, CBS Texas noted.

More background

The Plano City Council unanimously voted in August to put Proposition A before residents.

Commercial property tax revenue from a designated redevelopment zone near Willow Bend is another component of the city's potential financing plan, per the outlet. Officials emphasized that the proposed venue taxes would target specific transactions without increasing Plano's property tax rate.

The project's financial consequences were one concern for residents, while traffic, noise, and parking were others, CBS Texas reported in October.

What's being done?

The vote concerned only permission to impose venue taxes. To address residents' concerns about the proposed development, Plano officials have studied options including road upgrades, according to CBS Texas.

The alternative sources of cash for the development are unclear.

"The proposed redevelopment at The Shops at Willow Bend remains an important opportunity for our community," Muns stated. "We are committed to thoughtful reinvestment and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars as we consider what comes next."

Where can I learn more?

Proposed developments can come under fire when residents worry about their impacts.

• The arena proposal sparked a pre-vote tax revolt heading into November.

• Washington residents criticized a nine-story parking garage in RFK redevelopment plans, citing traffic and displacement.

Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.