The Yotes initially wanted 200 acres. The cost came back too high (specifically to get infrastructure pulled into this raw land - roadways, sewage, electric, telecom, etc). So they instead went with just 100 acres.
We know from precedent that these state land trust auctions generally have a single bidder (thanks,
@TheLegend). 88% of the time it’s just one bidder. And on the very large, very expensive deals it’s even more rare to have competing bids.
So, we know there are now TWO plots, each of 100 acres, right next to one another. We know that one is being sold first to a bidder who’s stated publicly he’ll do whatever it takes to win, and that he’s going to pay himself to have all the infrastructure brought into the area on his own dime. And that he’s going to develop something very high-end and high-profile and likely to make the area even more desirable
So why? WHY? Would anyone? ANYONE? Want to challenge him for the first 100 acres, rather than just waiting to bid on the second 100 acres?
Doesn’t it make much much much more sense to simply pass on this 100 and buy the next 100? Think of all the drama and expense that would be avoided if you just want to build housing, healthcare, shopping, or light commercial for microchips or whatever.