SEATTLE (AP) — Droves of supporters for a proposed new arena that could bring back the NBA to Seattle turned out at a public forum put on by the Seattle City Council and King County Council.
Council members took public testimony at Thursday night’s session. While a number of opponents made their objections known, the forum was mostly filled with green- and gold-clad fans urging the councils to approve the project. Some came from outside the Seattle area. One brought more than 12,000 signatures on a petition in favor of the proposal.
Investor Chris Hansen is proposing a $490 million arena in Seattle’s SoDo neighborhood with $290 million in private investment.
Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani said the port is excited by the possible return of the NBA, but asked for a comprehensive study of other possible arena sites before any agreement is signed. Many others associated with the port expressed concern over the possible loss of jobs and potential traffic problems with a third sports arena in the area.
– Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
