Willow Bend arena costs remain unsettled before Plano tax vote

Road and traffic-mitigation costs, added police needs and the interest rate on anticipated bonds for the proposed Willow Bend arena remain undetermined, according to answers the City of Plano published ahead of a Nov. 3 venue-tax election.

The written question-and-answer log was prepared for the Willow Bend Redevelopment Advisory Committee’s Oct. 13 meeting. Plano Weekly reported on Oct. 17 that the city had posted it. The log contains 124 entries—120 questions and four comments—according to the publication.

The city said the total cost of roadway improvements, traffic mitigation and other infrastructure work had not been determined. It also said additional police staffing and resources had not been determined. The city’s stated intent is for the team to pay event traffic and security costs, but discussions and negotiations on those arrangements were continuing.

Proposed tax limits

Proposition A asks voters to authorize specified taxes to help finance a proposed city-owned arena. The city’s project information lists these proposed maximums; they are authorization limits, not taxes already imposed:

Plano Weekly reported that a city response cited an estimated $700 million to $900 million in venue-tax revenue over 30 years, presented to the committee on Sept. 24. That figure is an estimate, not a guaranteed revenue amount. The city said bonds were anticipated in early 2028, with the interest rate dependent on market conditions when they are issued.

The vote is about tax authority

The city says the election does not decide whether the arena proceeds. A final master agreement would require City Council approval whether Proposition A passes or fails. In its response, the city also said a no vote alone would not prevent the project from proceeding under the TIRZ statute or other law.

Questions and comments in the log raise traffic, neighborhood parking, public safety, property impacts and project financing. The submissions document concerns raised by residents, but do not establish how widespread or representative those views are. The city’s advisory committee FAQ says no final transportation improvements or mitigation measures have been selected. The Q&A said a final public Phase I traffic report was expected by the end of October; it also said any Phase II work would follow as site-plan information develops.

Plano lists early voting for Oct. 19–30, with Election Day on Nov. 3. The city’s responses also said there were no plans for rail service to the site at that time.