"After much consideration, the Arizona State Land Department (ASLD) has determined that it is
in the best interest of the Trust to cancel the auction and reorder the steps. ASLD recently
confirmed that the proposed arena use will require a Special Use Permit, and as a result we are
requesting that the applicant file for and receive a Special Use Permit prior to the auction. This
affords the applicant and ASLD certainty that the applicant can build what it intends to build for
its anchor tenant. It is not uncommon for ASLD to require applicants to secure zoning/use
permits prior to auction.
We understand the delay in an auction is a disappointment for our applicant and members of
the public, but the change in timing is the prudent decision for the Trust. ASLD remains open to
working with our applicant to bring the land forward to auction in the future if a special use
permit is received."

13 comments

  1. So can Meruello ask for the money back he had to pay to have the land surveyed and brought to auction now that they have rug pulled it?

  2. This sounds to me like ASLD realized there would only be one applicant for the auction.  To determine that a special use permit would be required so late in the process comes across more as a delay tactic.

    A bidding war is the “best interest of the trust” they mention, I imagine. 

  3. Phoenix doesn’t want Meruello to build a sandcastle in the city, much less a theme park zone. He’s garbage, and we’re never getting the yotes back with him in charge. This is something he should have been clear about with the city, he’s only had mega months to prepare. I’m so sick of his stupid ass.

  5. 6 days before the auction is held they require this? It could take months to get the permit and then months more to rehold the auction.

    If he is the only bidder, I am not sure why they don’t just make acceptance of his bid contingent upon obtaining the permits.

  6. Interest of the ASLD… we will see another auction triggered for the ENTIRE parcel of land in the near future. It would be of interest to sell all of the land in one go vs parts of it at separate times. That is what this sounds like.

  7. It’s feeling very rock and a hard place at this point. The state says they need a permit and zoning before they own the land and the city won’t zone until they own the land.

    Please just pack it up Alex.

  8. So weird. First Muerello is the only bidder, then he isn’t, then this comes out making it sound like he is. I wonder if other parties really did put in an application to bud and what happened to them

  9. Everyone call that number. I just called and asked her what she had against hockey in the desert pertaining to the cancelled auction. “No comment”

  11. I’m mixed, I think the land department might be kicking the can down the road, but I like AM needing to have a permit for an arena. It makes it seem less likely that he would just use the land for something else.

  12. I’m putting my tinfoil hat on for a second:

    Meruelo has no interest in owning the Coyotes or any sports team with the exception that he NEEDS on to operate a sportsbook in AZ (So I’ve read, I’m not from nor live in AZ). The NHL (and maybe even Bettman) got wind that Meruelo was planning to buy the site and dip out of all prior agreements and just build a massive fuckin casino there instead, and so Bettman swooped in and saved the day by telling ASLD to postpone until they can guarantee Meruelo is actually building an arena for a team.

    Anyways, tinfoil hat off, fuck Meruelo.

  13. The answer of what needs to be done is on their paper.
    Going to the dmv in person is just as much hassle.

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