SEATTLE - Concerns are being raised about a plan to build a new sports arena south of Safeco Field. Some are raising questions about whether it truly complies with Initiative 91.
The SODO neighborhood is a vibrant port community, active with trucks, ships, and trains and businesses like Outdoor Emporium.
Paul Marander is the general manager of the building and notes parking has been a problem for years here.
"I've heard it from customers, and others too," he said.
He knows it could be tougher if a planned arena development gets the green light.
Hedge fund manager, and former Seattleite Chris Hansen has offered almost $300 million to the city to build a complex to house an NHL and NBA franchise.
"We've been working on stadium funding issues for 15 years," said Chris Van Dyk.
Van Dyk and his Citizens for More Important Things successful backed I-91.
"With I-91 in place the city cannot make an investment in arena without generating a positive cash rate of return on the investment," said Van Dyk.
He now questions if the city and county's willingness to bond up to $200 million in debt creates too much public risk.
"This proposal may or may not comply with I-91. We just want to make sure it does,” he said.
Marander knows traffic would likely increase, but in the end, he says for his business that might also be a good thing.
"I think it would ultimately be good for the City of Seattle," he said.
The NHL is disputing reports that a deal has been reached to keep the financially struggling Phoenix Coyotes in town. A person at the league office said it is “the exclusive focus for the league” to keep that team in Phoenix.
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