Plano is asking voters to approve new taxes to help fund the Dallas Stars’ $1 billion arena project proposed at The Shops at Willow Bend. The hockey team is planning to move up the tollway to the suburbs, leaving behind its home in downtown Dallas.
In November, Plano residents will vote on whether to allow the city to impose a package of venue-related taxes to support financing for the proposed sports and community arena. The taxes would apply to activities connected to the venue, including hotel stays, rental cars, admissions and parking. The measure would not increase Plano’s property tax rate and approving it would give Plano the authority to use these funding sources — not commit the city to building the arena.
These taxes are aimed at visitors and will impact Plano residents only in connection to their use of services affected by the proposed tax. The planned arena will be owned by the city and help revive the aging shopping mall.
For these reasons, we recommend voters approve the taxes.
The mall, which opened in 2001, was the last enclosed mall built in Texas, but it struggled to attract shoppers. As more people and affluence descended upon Plano, the mall grew obsolete.
The proposed arena is more than a new home for the Stars. While we are disappointed to see the team depart Dallas, the arena could become the centerpiece of a broader redevelopment of the Willow Bend area into a thriving commercial and entertainment district.
North Texas cities are competing to attract investments, visitors, employers and residents. Investing in this arena could give Plano a boost.