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A study commissioned by Urbandale questions the viability of a proposed hockey arena at Merle Hay Mall, citing slow sales growth.

Mall owner Abbell Associates' CEO disputes the study's findings, insisting the project remains financially sound.

Urbandale officials maintain their support for the project, emphasizing its importance for the local economy.

A new study casts doubt on the feasibility of plans to boost the fortunes of aging Merle Hay Mall by building a hockey arena in the shell of a long-departed department store. But the mall's CEO is challenging the study as flawed and says it is unlikely to slow the project down.

The city of Urbandale commissioned the study in response to a request by the Iowa Economic Development Authority for updated sales tax project

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