Detroit City Council to vote Tuesday on new Red Wings arena

Council must decide whether to allow land transfer at proposed site

DETROIT – What the Ilitch family is looking at building is ambitious and expensive, very expensive.

It will require $450 million in taxpayer funds to build not just a new arena for the Detroit Red Wings, but an entire district in a vacant, rundown area. It also requires a land transfer from Detroit City Council.

Council's vote happens Tuesday morning.

WATCH LIVE NOW: Detroit City Council meeting

"This is not the be-all, end-all. This is an opportunity for us as Council to create a platform that can create jobs, both construction and post-construction," said Councilman Gabe Leland.

It has been a contentious process so far with concerns about costs, about jobs for Detroiters and other incentives for the city. After a lot of discussion, on Tuesday City Council will vote on giving the project the needed land to go ahead.

New Councilman Leland says it's going to be tight.

More: Where will money for new Red Wings arena come from?

"This is not the perfect deal but I'm excited about the opportunity and I see this going through tomorrow," he said.


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