:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49354751/image.0.0.jpg)
On Tuesday, the Seattle City Council Committee on Sustainability & Transportation voted 4 - 1 to vacate a piece of Occidental Avenue in favor of building an arena. The legislation will be considered and likely voted on by the Full Council on May 2nd.
There are more hoops to jump through for the arena. The significance of the vote to vacate the street is that this 1st time the current council will voice its opinion on the proposed SODO arena. If a council member is opposed to the deal, and the return of the Sonics to Seattle, then this is your opportunity to kill it.
The sub-committee vote was 4-1
Sally Bagshaw - "No", Bagshaw flip-flopped support from 2012 "yes" on the original MOU vote, to 2016 "no" vote on the street vacation. She attempted to modify an amendment to prevent the street vacation from being able to be used for NHL hockey with no explanation. Maybe she hates hockey. There was Bagshaw in 2012. Here she is in 2016.
Tim Burgess - "Yes". He voted "yes" in 2012 for the MOU, too. He has some amendments for the final bill.
Bruce Harrell - "Yes". He voted "yes" in 2012 for the MOU, too. He wants amendments on lengthening the time between events on the same day and the length of time the street vacation is valid for (5 years, more, less?), for the final bill.
Mike ÓBrien - "Yes". He voted "yes" in 2012 for the MOU, too.
Rob Johnson - "Yes". He's new to the council. He did not vote in 2012 on the MOU.
The agenda with links to the presentation materials are linked here.
On to the Full Council, May 2nd
When this goes to the Full Council on May 2nd it will be the 1st time for the remaining council members to go on record with a vote. 1 of these 4 would have to vote "yes" to form a majority. The 4 council members are:
Kshama Sawant, she has not publicly indicated which way she will vote.
M. Lorena Gonzalez, she has not publicly indicated which way she will vote.
Debora Juarez, she has not publicly indicated which way she will vote.
Lisa Herbold, a likely "no" vote.
So, it is likely down to 1 of 3 votes.