SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES
Why 40 state lawmakers oppose proposed Seattle Sonics arena
Mar 14, 2016, 6:48 PM | Updated: 6:58 pm
The investment group that proposed a SoDo arena will have to wait and see what comes out of the plans to redevelop KeyArena. (Image via KIRO 7)
(Image via KIRO 7)
Forty state lawmakers wrote the Seattle City Council in opposition of the proposed Seattle arena in an effort to protect maritime jobs.
In order for construction to happen on an arena, the council would need to vote to vacate a block of Occidental Avenue.
“This action is intended to pave the way for a professional sports arena in the south downtown industrial area. We understand the strong desire to bring professional basketball back to our state and strongly support that intended goal,” the letter said. “However, that must not come at the expense of middle-class jobs, which are largely created by our maritime, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.”
SODO ARENA: Here's the letter from 40 state lawmakers opposing new Seattle Sonics arena. #sonicsgate pic.twitter.com/vVTB4eIibl
— Essex J. Porter (@EssexKIRO7) March 14, 2016
