Approximately 250 residents gathered at The Shops at Willow Bend on Wednesday for an open house focused on the Dallas Stars' proposed 20,000-seat arena. The event, the first of two planned community meetings, brought together city officials, Dallas Stars President Brad Alberts, and real estate developers to address resident inquiries regarding the project.
The proposed development includes a $3 billion mixed-use district supported by $700 million in public funds. Attendees expressed worries about how the arena, located near the Dallas North Tollway, would affect the suburban character of the area. Steve Bratton, a resident living less than two miles from the site, opposed the plan, stating it does not align with the affluent residential nature of West Plano. He argued that the project offers value to the team but not to the city, noting that the nearby tollway is already congested.
Brad Alberts addressed the crowd, emphasizing that the team communicates with Plano officials daily to advance the project. He acknowledged neighbor concerns regarding congestion and traffic, stating that the organization aims to improve the fan experience while ensuring neighborhoods are not overwhelmed. "Their concerns are our concerns," Alberts said.
City staff presented plans to mitigate impacts on transportation, parking, lighting, and noise. Plano Transportation Manager Brian Shewski announced that a traffic study will begin after the school year ends. The city has hired Fehr & Peers, a California-based consulting firm that worked on the Los Angeles Clippers' Intuit Dome and the Golden State Warriors' Chase Center, to conduct the analysis. Josh Peterman, a principal with the firm and a Plano resident, explained that the study will identify roads and intersections likely to reach capacity.
Proposed improvements could include adding lanes, upgrading traffic signals, creating rideshare zones, and expanding pedestrian infrastructure. The city aims to complete these changes over five years, targeting a goal of clearing traffic from the arena within 45 to 50 minutes after events. Peterman noted that while all arenas impact surrounding areas, the study will help determine necessary preparations.
