Auburn Hills city officials are preparing for a rezoning of The Palace of Auburn Hills after the Detroit Pistons announced their move to Little Caesars Arena beginning with the 2017 season.
According to the city, both the Pistons practice facility and team offices will remain in Auburn Hills for at least next season, which will give the city more time to consider future opportunities for the site.
The city says as of right now, there are two separate and distinct zones for the site. The practice facility, which is six acres, is in the Technology and Research District, while the arena, which is 103 acres, sits on the General Industrial District.
According to the city and Palace Sports and Entertainment, they decided it is best for the entire property to be zoned in the Technology and Research District.
“The recommendation of the T&R zoning came as a result of an internal site redevelopment analysis involving various City staff members, led by Director of Community Development Steve Cohen”, City Manager Tom Tanghe said in a release.
The zoning request will come at the Planning Commission on June 14 and if the request is approved, it will go to City Council on June 26 for a final vote.
