City council will be updated on the progress of the downtown arena next week, but there’s no guarantee one of the project’s biggest players will be present.
A deal was reached almost a year ago between the Katz Group and city council in terms of who would pay for what in a new arena.
Then, the Katz Group stated they wanted to see changes to the deal.
Mayor Mandel is still scratching his head over just what those changes would be.
“We need a list of whatever the outstanding issues are,” he said.
In September, Mayor Stephen Mandel set a deadline of October 17 for the group to go to City Hall and give an explanation.
“We hope they come. I think citizens would like to hear from them,” said Mandel.
However, the Katz group has yet to RSVP.
The Mayor has yet to say what will happen if they don’t show up.
“If they don’t come, steps need to be taken by us,” said Mandel but he refused to elaborate on what steps would be considered.
Fans have some ideas. Jeff Kennedy said, “Give up on it. There’s no point if he’s not gonna show up.”
Others, like Michael Duke still have hope the group will go to the meeting.
“I really hope they do. I think the city needs the arena” Michael Duke
The Katz Group refused to comment or release a statement Thursday.
Mayor Mandel says it could be down to the wire before his invitation is accepted.
“I wouldn’t expect to hear until the day before”
With files from Bill Fortier
