@Bonsai Tree Wasn't there something about the NHL not wanting or even allowing tribes to be part of a ownership group? Because that would be needed to build there.
@Jakey53
I think the problem is that the auction is done by the state. And that the land is part of the city.
That creates major communication problems.
Because the city does not care about the state and vice versa. Therefore, they do not talk to each other. And I think AM thought that they would and that he would be fine just working with the state. That is also why he did not meet the major earlier.
Now somebody from the state has woken up and thought "Wait a minute, what about zoning?", called the city and the city told them whats up.
This is a perfect example of lack of communication on all fronts. The state should have asked AM (what they most likely did) and then asked the city if thats true.
And AM should have gotten people to check if his assumptions are right and talk to the city from the start. Best case would have been for him to become the person that the city and state talk through with each other.
And the City should have made it clear from the start that they would like to be involved and that they can provide information.
But nothing happened and we are were we are. My best bet is that a blame game will start and the project will never be put into action.