The Port of Seattle supports the Sonics coming back, along with a new hockey team – but not in SoDo. The release of the final environmental impact statement for the proposed SoDo sports arena does not fully assess the traffic impacts of such a facility. The ability to move freight and provide family-wage jobs is our key concern.
We need to keep SoDo rolling and put safety first. If Occidental Avenue is taken from public use for the arena, traffic forced onto 1st Avenue South will make the situation worse. Until an NBA team is secured, the City of Seattle should postpone any consideration of permits for the project. Building another sports arena in SoDo will increase the number of accidents and injuries, add to the existing congestion, and cause cargo operations to slow down.
The Port of Seattle is offering to partner on a feasibility study that will explore the right location for a new sports arena. We can look more broadly and consider emerging options – ones that the whole community can embrace and that will not cut at the heart of Seattle’s industrial area.
There are several places that a new sports arena could be built; but there is only one working waterfront in Seattle, and it is one of the busiest cargo terminals on the West Coast. We commit to helping to find the right place for the arena because we want to keep our regional economy healthy and keep local residents employed.
Background facts
- Last year, on the streets near 1st Avenue South and South Atlantic Street, a vehicle accident occurred every other week, on average.
- Those accidents injured 19 people.
- Just south of the existing stadiums, people and vehicles compete with more than 80 trains that cross Holgate every weekday.
- Accidents and near misses between people, vehicles and trains are regularly reported.
- The recent increase in cargo activities at Terminal 46 means more trucks coming and going at this location and is a key terminal in exporting hay, apples, and other Washington products.
- The rail system, adjacent to the deep water harbor, and highway access create a major hub for global commerce and trade.
