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Councilmember statements on agreement for construction of a proposed SODO arena
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McDermott: Budget Committee ready to examine arena proposal
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, chair of the Council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee, released this statement after today’s announcement that a memorandum of understanding that on the proposed arena in Seattle’s SODO District is expected to be sent to the Council at the end of the week:
“This is an exciting proposition, but of course there are many questions yet to be answered.
“The Budget Committee and King County Council will closely examine the agreements keeping in mind both the fiscal and community impacts of the proposal.
“I look forward to a robust discussion and to continuing to work with the City, the Executive and Mr. Hansen as we move forward. I thank all of them for their hard work and dedication.”
County Councilmember Dunn: Arena proposal will be “thoroughly vetted”
Metropolitan King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn released this statement after today’s announcement that a memorandum of understanding that on the proposed arena in Seattle’s SODO District is being sent to the County Council at this week:
“I look forward to reviewing the specific details of the arena agreement being transmitted to the Council by the Mayor, County Executive and Mr. Hansen.
“In the coming weeks I will work with my colleagues on the council to see that this proposal is thoroughly vetted to ensure the County’s interests are protected.”
Ferguson statement on proposed arena agreement
Following today’s announcement of a proposed agreement governing financing for a new, multi-purpose arena, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Bob Ferguson issued the following statement:“Protecting taxpayers from financial risk has been and will continue to be my top priority when it comes to the proposed new arena. I will be taking a hard look at the security provisions to make sure the public won’t be on the hook for any cost overruns, operating shortfalls, or new taxes.
“As a long-time Sonics fan, I am pleased a proposed agreement has been reached that could lay the foundation for bringing basketball back to our region.
“Moving forward, I will work with my Council colleagues to ensure this proposed agreement gets a thorough and timely review.”
Gossett: Council will review arena proposal to ensure balance between benefits and costs
Metropolitan King County Council Chair Larry Gossett released this statement after today’s announcement that a memorandum of understanding on the proposed arena in Seattle’s SODO District is expected to be sent to the Council at the end of the week:
“This announcement is the next step in a major public-private partnership that could benefit the region for the next generation.
“While there is excitement about the potential return of the NBA and the arrival of professional hockey, the responsibility of the County Council is to examine this proposal thoroughly.
“Concerns have been raised. Our job will be to review the proposal to see if it addresses those concerns and that the cost of the plan will not swamp the potential benefits of the arena.
“The County Executive asked the Council to be ‘diligent,’ ‘prudent,’ and ‘timely” in its consideration of the plan. My focus is that our review be ‘comprehensive.’”
May 17, 2012
Hague: Transportation solutions vital to overall arena plan
Following yesterday's announcement of a proposed agreement governing financing for a new, multi-purpose arena, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Jane Hague issued the following statement:“Yesterday's proposal for a multi-purpose arena is one more step towards a private public partnership that would potentially bring professional basketball, hockey and other events to our region.
“On the day after, let us leverage the energy and enthusiasm for this break-through and resolve to deal with the issue of "if we build it, how will they come...and go?"
“The impact is immense as events related to the proposed venue would help area businesses, including restaurants, lodging and others while providing more jobs and creating additional tax revenues during these challenging times. It also would contribute to the economic engine of not only sports but international trade and our region's competitiveness.
“This proposal is also a timely opportunity to fix the inadequacies of transportation access in and out of south downtown and West Seattle. While there is adequate mass transit to the current and proposed facility, there are other issues to consider: road transportation for residents and working people, as well as freight mobility for area businesses—including the Port of Seattle—will transition from inadequate to worse.
“I look forward to the transportation study that will be released in the next 1-2 weeks for a better assessment of impact on transportation and freight mobility. I am hopeful that it will identify possible solutions for access, once and for all.
“I will be vigilant to make sure this initiative is not mandated without solving transportation and freight mobility needs.”