Residents living near The Shops at Willow Bend in Plano, Texas, are grappling with mixed emotions about the potential relocation of the NHL’s Dallas Stars to the area. The mall, which opened in 2001 and has struggled with occupancy since its inception, could soon grow home to the hockey team, sparking both excitement and concern among local homeowners.
Although some hockey enthusiasts in the region are eager to welcome the Stars closer to their homes, others, like local resident Julia Horne, fear that the construction of a sports arena could disrupt the quiet atmosphere of their suburban neighborhoods. Horne described the potential entertainment district as “incompatible” with the current residential landscape, describing it as a possible “disaster” for local life.
Despite the divide in opinion, many residents agree that the mall, which has seen a decline in retail activity, is in require of redevelopment. “They need to do something else with the site, since it’s obviously not working as it currently is,” said Steve Triolet, a representative from Partners Real Estate. “Now there’s a huge debate of… does an arena make the most sense for that location?”
City Officials in Talks with the Dallas Stars
City officials in Plano have been engaged in “earnest discussions” with the Dallas Stars regarding the possibility of establishing an arena district at The Shops at Willow Bend. Though no formal offer has been made and the Stars have not committed to a move, the mall’s tenants are already feeling the impacts. North Texas Performing Arts is planning to relocate, and Crayola Experience has closed, while Dillard’s, the last major retail anchor, announced its closure late last year.
If the Stars decide to relocate, they would join other sports franchises that have moved from urban centers to suburban areas, such as the Atlanta Braves and the San Francisco 49ers. The idea of a major sports venue so close to residential neighborhoods raises significant concerns, particularly regarding traffic congestion.
Traffic Concerns in the Area
The intersection of West Park Boulevard and the Dallas North Tollway, where the mall is located, is already a busy area. Residents like Michelle Reynolds, who has lived in nearby Carrollton for decades, are worried about how the addition of an arena could exacerbate traffic issues. “Unless they change the roadways somehow… I just don’t know how people will acquire in and out of there without a complete gridlock,” she expressed.
Traffic is a valid concern, as current public transit options near the mall are limited. Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) provides bus routes, but without a train line, residents are left with few alternatives for mass transit. This lack of public transportation could hinder attendance at a new arena, according to Triolet.
Future Development Plans
The potential arena project is part of broader redevelopment plans for The Shops at Willow Bend. In 2024, Plano’s City Council approved a multiyear project aimed at transforming the mall into a mixed-employ space with apartments, offices, and a hotel, while still maintaining some retail space. Several residents voiced opposition to this plan, advocating for the mall to remain a shopping destination without additional non-retail uses.
Horne, who recently built her home in the Willow Bend area, expressed concern for her investment and the overall quality of life in the community. “I would never have bought the lot or built the house had I known it might soon neighbor a noisy and high-trafficked sports arena,” she said.
Community Perspectives on the Stars’ Potential Move
While some residents are apprehensive, others see the potential move of the Stars as a positive development for Plano. Brad Alberts, president and CEO of the Dallas Stars, has indicated that the team’s search for a new home is motivated by the growth in the northern suburbs, which align with their expanding fan base.
Local fan Billy Embody expressed enthusiasm for the potential move, stating that he would buy season tickets if the Stars relocated. “It would be unbelievable for Plano,” he said. “There’s a lot of people up here that would love to go to a Stars game if it were within 15 minutes.” He believes that a new arena could offer a “shot in the arm” for the city, potentially integrating restaurants, hotels, and housing into the development to alleviate traffic issues.
As discussions continue, the residents of Plano remain divided. The outcome may not only reshape the landscape of The Shops at Willow Bend but could also influence the identity of Plano itself. A successful negotiation to secure the Stars could enhance local tax revenues, benefiting schools and public safety.
However, if the Stars decide against moving, it may reflect poorly on Dallas, as residents like Reynolds lament, “It’s a shame that everyone’s leaving Dallas when they’re Dallas teams. They are represented by their city. They should be in their city.”
The decision on the potential relocation of the hockey team will be closely watched by the community and could set a precedent for how future developments in suburban Texas are approached. As the city of Plano strategizes to attract the Stars, the implications of such a move will be significant for both local residents and the broader sports landscape.
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