Seattle committee pushes forward KeyArena MOU
Nov 16, 2017, 1:54 PM | Updated: 2:09 pm
KeyArena. (File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
The Select Committee on Civic Arenas is moving forward the Memorandum of Understanding between Seattle and the group that plans to redevelop KeyArena to the next step.
The committee is sending the MOU with the Oak View Group to the full council for a final decision on Dec. 4.
The council met Thursday to go over 13 amendments to the MOU. During public comment, a number of people voiced their support of the KeyArena redevelopment over building a new arena in SoDo — out of 40 public comments, two people opposed the MOU. Some people raised concerns over loss of jobs connected to KeyArena and the future of the Seattle Center Skatepark.
The Seattle City Council must approve the plan before an Environmental Impact Statement and construction on a new arena at Seattle Center can begin. The actual project is estimated to cost $600 million, with additional funding for transportation mitigation, non-profits, business relocation, and more.
According to a preliminary schedule, the final Environmental Impact Statement could be completed by August 2018. Demolition of KeyArena could begin October 2018. Construction on a new arena could happen as early as October 2019.
The first arena event could be held by October 2020.
