Detroit Pistons, Red Wings Stadium Funding Suit Dismissed

Michigan residents challenging the diversion of $34.5 million from public schools to fund construction of an arena used for professional basketball and hockey don’t have taxpayer standing to pursue their claims, the Sixth Circuit held.

D. Etta Wilcoxon’s state law claims of misuse of tax funds failed because she didn’t show any “special injury,” and Michigan doesn’t recognize general municipal taxpayer standing, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit said in an unpublished opinion.

And co-plaintiff Robert Davis lacks standing under Article III of the U.S. Constitution because he isn’t a resident of Detroit, the court said.

The ...