KIRO NEWSRADIO: SEATTLE NEWS & ANALYSIS

Longshore union argues arena vote goes “too far, too fast”

Oct 15, 2012, 10:57 AM | Updated: Oct 11, 2024, 1:03 pm

While the Seattle and King County Councils’ are moving ahead with an agreement to build a new NBA arena, an attorney for the Longshore union argues “They’ve gone too far, too fast, too quickly.”

>>>Related: City, county council poised to approve arena agreement

In an interview with Ross and Burbank, attorney Peter Goldman laid out the arguments for a legal challenge the union plans to file against the city and county.

Goldman says the councils have broken the law by agreeing to a specific site before any environmental review has taken place, even though the Memorandum of Understanding with investor Chris Hansen calls for a review along with a study of alternative sites. And he argues that even though Hansen has agreed to fund a $40 million transportation impact study, it might not be enough.

“We don’t know what the impacts are, we don’t know where they’re going to be, and we’re not sure that $40 million is going to be enough to mitigate the impact,” Goldman says.

Goldman also points to studies showing the arena would need to stage nearly 200 events a year including concerts, with crowds flocking to the area regularly hours before they begin, crippling traffic and commerce in the area.

“For 180 days a year 5 to 6,000 cars added on to the Mariners, added on to all the other events we have, at what point has the straw broken the back of the camel?” he asks. “The essence of preserving a manufacturing, industrial and port area is the ability for freight and people to move around quickly. Time is money for truckers, time is money for the port.”

Goldman also argues the agreement with Hansen bypasses proper public process by giving in to the demands of a private person.

Goldman said the lawsuit was not only a matter of defending industrial lands, but of demanding good government from elected leaders.

“The most important point is no one here is saying no to an arena. We’re saying no to an arena chosen by Hansen in a specific location.”

KIRO Newsradio: Seattle News & Analysis

Photo: Gee Scott roasted Velveeta cheese ahead of Super Bowl Sunday....

Frank Lenzi

‘Your food is unseasoned’: Gee Scott roasts Velveeta lovers ahead of Super Bowl Sunday

If you’re looking for a Super Bowl Party where the hosts are serving Velveeta, you won’t find it at Gee Scott's house.

2 days ago

Photo: Seattle Children's Hospital is one hospital impacted by Trump's executive order blocking fed...

Julia Dallas

‘It’s disgusting’: WA Attorney General’s Office sparks legal battle against Trump order on gender-affirming care

The AG's Office announced it is filing a lawsuit to stop an executive order from the Trump administration that halts federal funding for gender-affirming care.

2 days ago

Photo: Sweden's Martin Haarahiltunen in red is riding inside Finland's Max Koivula and Austria's Fr...

Paul Holden

Weekend festivities: Undie run, pinball, ice racing and more!

Maybe you've been stuck inside this week enjoying the snow and are ready to get out and enjoy the weekend, well you are in luck!

3 days ago

Photo: Seattle Sounders FC fans cheers for his team at the stadium during the match between Toronto...

Matt Markovich

A fart tax? State lawmaker suggests sports fans pay up for methane emissions

A Republican lawmaker made an unusual suggestion during a public hearing Thursday on a bill that could lead to a fart tax on cows.

3 days ago

Photo: A cell in the King County Jail can be seen in a recent photo....

Matt Markovich

Justice vs. safety: Washington lawmakers clash over sentencing reform bill

A bill advanced in Olympia that may lead to a floor vote on one of the most significant law and justice bills of this session. It involves sentencing reform.

3 days ago

Photo: Housing in Seattle, Washington....

Matt Markovich

Washington bill takes aim at corporate homebuyers, tries to level playing field for families

In a move to preserve homeownership opportunities and combat escalating housing prices, a new bill — Senate Bill 5496 — has been introduced in Washington.

4 days ago

Longshore union argues arena vote goes “too far, too fast”