As we wait for the City Council vote on the street vacation we wanted to remind everyone of the long and involved process we’ve been through the past three years. We are proud of the work we have accomplished with the public, transportation and economic experts, civic and elected leaders as we move forward with our shared goal of returning the Sonics to Seattle.
In May 2015, we shared an update on the Environmental Impact Statement work to celebrate the completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). The FEIS, after careful analysis, supported by the initial positive input from an Expert Review Panel, confirmed that there will be no significant adverse impacts standing in the way of completing the permitting process for a new arena. We shared a summary of the FEIS findings as well.
We believe that this project is stronger because of the public involvement and expert analysis of our initial proposal. Just how far have we come? Let’s take a quick look at our shared work as we prepare for the City Council’s review of the necessary street vacation to construct the new arena in the Stadium District:
December 2011
After months of negotiations, the Mayor of Seattle and King County Executive reach agreement with Chris Hansen on a Memorandum of Understanding for the development of the SoDo Arena.
March 2012
An Arena Review Panel appointed by Mayor of Seattle and King County Executive convenes to examine the arena proposal.
April 2012
After numerous public meetings, the Arena Review Panel issues its favorable report.
“Based on their review, the Panel believes that the proposal is favorable, has promise and is generally consistent with the principles set forth by the Mayor and County Executive…”
May 2012
King County Council Expert Review Panel undertakes comprehensive review of the arena proposal.
May 2012
A Seattle Department of Transportation-commissioned multimodal transportation access and parking study is published.
“Arena event traffic is well within the existing parking, traffic and transit capacity of the area.”
July 2012
County Council Expert Review Panel issues favorable report.
“The proposed public-private partnership is one of the most favorable to the public of any recent partnership. The public investment carries little or no risk to the county’s financial well-being, its bond rating or its general fund….”
May – July 2012
King County Council Budget and Fiscal Management Committee and Seattle City Council Government Performance and Finance Committee consider the proposal in multiple public meetings.
July 2012
Joint City and County Council public hearing on proposal.
July 2012
Full County Council consideration of Arena MOU, approved with conditions.
September 2012
City Council makes additional changes and approves the MOU.
October 2012
City and County Councils both approve amended MOU. The King County Council approves the MOU 9-0 while the Seattle City Council approves 7-2.
October 18, 2012
MOU signed by Chris Hansen, Mayor of Seattle, and King County Executive.
November 2012 – September 2015
After 7 meetings over 3 years the Downtown Design Review Board grants unanimous approval of final design of the arena project.
December 2012 – September 2015
After 10 meetings over 3 years the Seattle Design Commission unanimously recommends approval of the vacation of Occidental Avenue for the arena project.
July 2013
Economic Impact Analysis published.
The new analysis of the SoDo Arena shows the facility would have “a total net positive economic benefit” of between $230 million and $286 million a year to the economy of King County, with most of the money flowing through the City of Seattle’s economy.
— Puget Sound Business Journal
August 2013
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) issued.
September 10, 2013
Draft EIS public hearing.
September 19, 2013
Draft EIS public hearing.
May 7, 2015
Final EIS issued.
While a number of potential transportation impacts, and associated mitigation measures to address those impacts were identified, no significant adverse impacts in any other area were identified.
October 29, 2015
Addendum to FEIS issued.
The Seattle Department of Planning and Development re-analyzed pedestrian traffic numbers used in the EIS following concern expressed by the Seattle Mariners. Upping the Safeco Field game attendance from 13,000 to 40,000, the addendum certified that “the changes do not create additional significant impacts.”
November 30, 2015
SDOT report and positive recommendation for street vacation submitted to the City Council.
“The FEIS shows that this portion of Occidental does not serve as a critical function to the street grid.”
“The FEIS shows that this portion of Occidental does not serve a critical function to maintain freight mobility.”
“The segment proposed to be vacated is not included in the Port’s important Heavy Haul Network. This is a clear sign that Occidental is not necessary to freight movement or Port Operations.”
“The SDOT does not find adverse land use impacts associated with the proposed vacation.”
We are humbled by the amount of support we’ve received for returning the NBA to Seattle, but we also know that we must be patient and transparent as the arena process moves forward. There’s still work to be done, but as you can see, we’ve come a really long way.
— The Sonics Arena Team
