Maloof Lawyer Sent Huge Public Records Request To City On Arena Project
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Although they agreed to the framework of a deal for a new downtown arena last month, it's becoming more and more apparent that the Sacramento Kings owners have a lot of questions about the $391 million project.
CBS13 learned Thursday that a lawyer representing the Maloofs sent a massive public records request to the city last month.
The request sent by attorney Douglas Mirell of the Los Angeles law firm Loeb & Loeb LLP lists 53 separate requests for information pertaining to the downtown arena project.
Among the requests are those for all communication between the city and the NBA and between the city and proposed arena operator AEG, both dating from April 1, 2011.
However, a business consultant told CBS13 that he isn't surprised given the complexity of the project and that the Maloofs appear to be negotiating in good faith by expressing their concerns.
A non-binding term sheet the groups agreed on in Orlando last month calls for the city to contribute $255 million to the project, the Kings' owners $73 million and AEG $58 million.
But the Kings have already balked at the $3.2 million they're being asked to pay in predevelopment costs, saying as a tenant in the new facility they shouldn't be responsible for predevelopment work.
Lawyers representing the Kings have also questioned the city on being able to meet its target date of fall 2015 for the arena opening.
The public records request also asks for all communication between the city and arena developers ICON Venue Group and David Taylor, state Senator Darrell Steinberg, and U.S. Representative Doris Matsui, among others.
The request was sent to the city clerk's office dated March 16.
NBA Commissioner David Stern fronted $200,000 in predevelopment money for the Maloofs to keep the project moving forward.
More clarity on the state of the arena deal should come out of the NBA Board of Governors meetings next week.
