The Katz Group has decided to postpone the June 28th public hearing on the group's zoning application for the proposed downtown arena and entertainment district.
Katz Group VP Bob Black says they are postponing the hearing in order to put together more details of a funding model.
"We have received an incredible amount of support for our project but we have also heard city council and others tell us they want to see a funding model. We understand that. Even though it is a separate issue from zoning, it is clear to us that the questions about funding distract from a consideration of the zoning application," Black said in a news release.
Black says the group will also take this new time to further advance its zoning application.
A new date for the public hearing has not yet been set but it's expected to take place sometime in the fall. And despite this setback, the Katz Group still has a target in mind.
"We remain of the view we will have shovels in the ground by Jan. 2012 with the doors of the new arena opening in 2014," said Black.
But one city councillor tends to disagree with the group's optimistic timeline.
"At this point, I don't think 2012 -- shovels in the ground is realistic," said Coun. Kim Krushell.
Last month, a public meeting was scheduled to discuss plans for the group's proposal to build an arena and entertainment district north and south of north and south of 104 Avenue and west of 101 Street in downtown Edmonton.
Most speakers at the meeting were less interested in zoning issues and more concerned about the cost to build the arena and entertainment district.
A crowd of around 100 people packed into a MacEwan University meeting room on May 19th. Many Edmontonians continued to express an interest in the group's plan for funding.
But at that point, Black explained the group was still working through a negotiation with the city.
With files from Kevin Armstrong
