After you posted this initial announcement of the arena plan, the
MLIVE article came out with extensive quotes from the WMU Athletic director, KWings management, Northside leaders all gushing about the possibilities and all but promising to move teams and mountains to make this happen. The existing sport facilities are really wretched and a likely impediment to greater success for either organization. A straight multi-million $ payout to northside community orgs keeps them on the bandwagon.
Catalyst learned lessons from past failures and had all the ducks and broncos lined up and quacking in unison on this one. It's almost certainly a strong GO.
I am sad to see the housing plans impacted at least temporarily, but the spin off effects are likely to result in more housing, especially between WMU and downtown. The strong "no change here" contingent will squawk about everything, but I have hope this will come to pass. Empty lots need to be filled in downtown.