Grand Canyon Times

The Tempe City Council voted to begin negotiations with the Arizona Coyotes and a developer on plans for the hockey team's potential new arena and the proposed Tempe Entertainment District.

The council approved a measure to begin talks by a 5-2 vote in early June, according to ArizonaSports.com.

"We are extremely pleased that the Tempe City Council has voted to proceed with negotiations on development of the Tempe Entertainment District," Coyotes officials said in a news release. "Having heard all the facts, they have recognized the incredible opportunity that this project presents – not only for the Coyotes but also for the city of Tempe. We look forward to taking the next steps to turn this exciting vision into a reality.”

The approval vote does not guarantee an arena at the location proposed by the developer at Priest Drive and Rio Salado Parkway, ArizonaSports.com reported. Nor does it signify approval of the plans the team shared on Twitter.

"We’re moving forward with the city of Tempe on our proposed arena development project," team officials said on Twitter. "Take a look at what we hope to build."

The vote will advance plans to move into formal negotiations with the Coyotes and the developer on a new hockey arena, plus hotels, offices, and retail and residential spaces.

Public input will be sought and heard during future meetings.

"This is now an opportunity for us to really get out in the community and really hear what their interests are and to really complement the vision we have put in our proposal to meet the best uses and best vision for this project that Tempe deserves," Xavier Gutierrez, Coyotes president and CEO, said, according to ArizonaSports.com.

Coyotes officials said they will invest $1.7 billion in the construction of an arena and practice facility, as well as retail and office space and approximately 1,500 residential units, ArizonaSports.com reported. The team said it plans to raise money by selling public infrastructure bonds, not by raising local taxes.