The drive for a new Bucks arena in downtown Milwaukee "gained new momentum" last night when top state, city, county and team officials "met for the first time to hash out differences," according to a front-page piece by Don Walker of the MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL. Although attendees were "largely tight-lipped about what was discussed," state Rep. John Nygren said that he was "more optimistic than before that a deal can be struck." Nygren had earlier "expressed pessimism that legislators would back a Bucks financing plan." Sources said that the Bucks "have begun sharing broad concepts of the arena design and potential ancillary development in meetings with business groups, companies and other downtown advocates." The sources added that these concepts "involve a multiphase process that begins with an investment" of at least $80M in ancillary development and "includes new housing, some office space and an entertainment area near the expected site of the arena." Sources said that the plan "would span 10 to 12 years," with a second phase "centered on the possible demolition" of BMO Harris Bradley Center. Arena proponents are "hoping to have a financing plan in front of the public and the Legislature by the time the Joint Finance Committee begins to review" Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's budget. Nygren said that no "concrete bonding alternatives surfaced at the meeting," but he reiterated that the amount of bonding in Walker's plan "is expected to be reduced." Nygren previously had "called upon Bucks' owners to contribute more of their own money toward the new arena." But after yesterday's meeting, Nygren "suggested a plan in which the Bucks would be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep" (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 4/1).
