Sonics Rising - The public benefits of Seattle ArenaThe sane voice of the Sonics' return to Seattlehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51481/sonicsrising-fav.png2016-03-28T11:32:22-07:00http://www.sonicsrising.com/rss/stream/110484772016-03-28T11:32:22-07:002016-03-28T11:32:22-07:00The public benefits of Seattle Arena, part 3
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6RSmfmqJPzy-U6fv7-6mWGzTOD4=/48x0:550x335/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49180781/image.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>By now I'm sure you've read <a href="http://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/22/11277402/seattle-arena-public-benefits">part 1</a> of our "Public benefits of Seattle Arena" series, where we chronicled many of the benefits that were laid out in the SonicsArena group's Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Seattle. You'll notice I said "many," by not "all." I took a second look over the document and found a few more nuggets. Here's a taste.</p>
<p><b>Sustainability</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p><b></b>The Arena will be designed and constructed to comply with applicable City requirements for sustainable construction and will strive to utilize the most modern practices of sustainable design and construction available at the time of construction in accordance with ArenaCo’s business interests.</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Support of Racial and Ethnic Communities</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">The Project should promote and include the racial and ethnic communities of the City of Seattle and King County. Part of this Project’s economic and community contribution is to engage local minority workers and businesses who are historically disenfranchised, as well as low-income workers and businesses. All Parties agree upon the importance of effective strategies and programs to include local minority and woman workers and firms in Project design and construction, with an ongoing commitment by ArenaCo to use reasonable efforts to use such local workers in the operations and maintenance aspects of the Arena. To that end, ArenaCo commits to using the City of Seattle’s Inclusion Plan as guidance for use of Women and Minority Business Enterprises (WMBEs) on the Project. This includes using specific strategies such as the use of the "Worksheet of Possibilities" that helps bidders analyze what work or supply could be subcontracted to WMBE firms, the use of the "Contract Commitment Log" that documents (i) WMBE firms the prime contractor commits to subcontract with and (ii) contract amounts awarded to WMBE firms.</p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Labor Peace</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing">Following the execution of the Umbrella Agreement, ArenaCo will enter into a "labor peace agreement."</p>
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>The Developer shall maintain such labor peace or project labor agreements with such labor </span><span>organizations for the duration of the proprietary interest of the City and County or other public </span><span>agencies in uninterrupted revenues from the operation of the Arena which agreements will limit </span><span>the rights of such union and its members to engage in economic activity against the operation.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>Non-relocation agreement</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span>The non-relocation agreements will contain terms that </span><span>require the NBA and NHL franchises to maintain their NBA or NHL membership in good </span><span>standing during the term of the Arena Use Agreement. Under those non-relocation agreements, </span><span>the NBA and NHL teams will not relocate from the City of Seattle, will not apply to the NBA or </span><span>the NHL to transfer to another location outside of the City of Seattle, will not enter into or </span><span>participate in any negotiations or discussions with, or apply for, or seek approval from, third-</span><span>parties with respect to any agreement, legislation or financing that contemplates or would be </span><span>reasonably likely to result in any breach of the non-relocation agreement, and will have no right </span><span>to terminate the non-relocation agreement during the term of the agreement, in each case except </span><span>as provided in the definitive non-relocation agreement.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>While the non-relocation clause is a big selling point for us sports fans, the labor peace and support for minority workers is a major feather in the cap of Hansen and Co. in the eyes of politicians and union workers. It's also great to see that the building will be sustainable, and not have to be renovated every 10 years like some venues.</p>
https://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/28/11318646/seattle-arena-public-benefits-3-labor-peace-sustainability-non-relocationTaylor Made2016-03-23T07:00:03-07:002016-03-23T07:00:03-07:00The public benefits of Seattle Arena, part 2
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ksKgvBOs3RS0rmEuRyILnUnq4NY=/0x26:958x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49134239/living_machine.0.0.png" />
</figure>
<p>What's that? You read <a href="http://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/22/11277402/seattle-arena-public-benefits">part 1</a> and now you want to see more public benefits of Seattle Arena? Well you are in luck! There's actually <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cityplanning/designcommission/cs/groups/pan/@pan/@designcommission/documents/web_informational/p2328558.pdf" target="_blank">an entire PDF dedicated solely to public benefits!</a> Here are some of the highlights from said document:</p>
<p>The arena will create a publicly available open space. <span>Since the city is taking ownership of the land and arena, this will not be considered a "Privately Owned Public Space" (POPS) and will be open to First Amendment expression per city law. </span>The public space will measure 31,800 square feet - 7,300 square feet more than Pioneer Square and 3,200 less than Occidental Park - and feature permanent seating, 10,800 square feet of community area, and a "living machine."</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IYz827lQ_WsNxYGlj42Pf_OrkU8=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229645/plaza_space.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The living machine is a sewage treatment system (stick with me) meant to recreate the organic cleansing systems of the wetlands. It will treat water for re-use within the building including toilet flushing and irrigation (no, not the water fountains). Major elements of the living machine include:</p>
<blockquote>
<ul>
<li>99% reduction in wastewater</li>
<li>Removing 4 million gallons of sewer each year from the overflowing combined sewer system (not required by code) </li>
<li>District opportunity as the reclaimed water system is scalable to serve parcels to the north </li>
<li>Educational opportunities</li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gYjsaZTvUlwKAGedkA9Ea84y1dc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229651/living_machine.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>The plaza area will also feature events year-round, be they "sports-related, food related, games, health & wellness, music, art & culture, sustainability, [or] regional," and most will be free to the public.</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt="Arena Plaza Uses" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8QkdbqQoGqY_Jh4nyCOxjlzFIn0=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/3623950/Arena-Plaza-Uses.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>ArenaCo will also make improvements to all of the surrounding streets around Seattle Arena. These improvements include, but are not limited to:</p>
<ul>
<li><span>Street realignments of S Massachusetts and S Holgate streets</span></li>
<li><span>Concrete, granite, and asphalt resurfacing and repair</span></li>
<li><span>Sidewalk widening</span></li>
<li><span>Curb, gutter, and drainage improvements</span></li>
<li><span>Addition of trees</span></li>
<li><span>Addition of rain gardens</span></li>
<li><span>Addition of pedestrian lighting</span></li>
</ul>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9f4NkrEKKTkVCnjYlDrQ81eQ4VQ=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229665/massachusetts.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>ArenaCo would also provide upgrades to bike trails leading to the arena, such as the Atlantic Street multi-use trail (including adding a bike signal at the S Atlantic St crossing), the Utah Ave greenway, and the Holgate multi-use trail, among others.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NPVvYo91-iUjYwby_kKuCFsQ1g4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229685/bikes.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>They will also provide wayfinding signage for the bike trails, as well as around SODO and downtown. In all, 15 pieces of signage and an information kiosk will be installed.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3jJ1P4JZzXibTcXI20nuwVhA9zo=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229687/wayfinding.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Another (major) public benefit would be the construction of a pedestrian and bicycle bridge along S Holgate St from 3rd Ave S to 1st Ave S. The bridge would be over 700' long and 14' wide and would be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for pedestrians and cyclists to traverse across the train tracks. There would be stairs and ramps at each landing and direct access to the arena. It would be over 25' tall and feature an overhead cage, in accordance with BNSF requirements.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GXwqFqvOvU4BucnxK27WY5GFVhE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229691/bridge.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div>Public art is another big factor in construction around Seattle. If you look at Safeco Field or the new Capitol Hill Light Rail station, you'll notice big, elegant art installations. Seattle Arena would be no different, as 1.5% of the total budget would go towards public art in the plaza, along the pedestrian bridge, and surrounding the arena. A Public Art Manager would be hired and a Standing Art Advisory Committee would be assembled to select both temporary and permanent works to be displayed.</div>
<div><br></div>
<div> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AdWilIftl0KE6aBvZuqebZECGUk=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/6229695/art.0.jpg">
</figure>
</div>
<div><br></div>
<div><a href="http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/cityplanning/designcommission/cs/groups/pan/@pan/@designcommission/documents/web_informational/p2331250.pdf" target="_blank" style="background-color: #ffffff;">The Seattle Design Commission unanimously approved the arena's public benefits by a vote of 6 to 0 on September 3, 2015.</a></div>
https://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/23/11278286/seattle-arena-public-benefits-2Taylor Made2016-03-22T07:00:03-07:002016-03-22T07:00:03-07:00The public benefits of Seattle Arena, part 1
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9XTQM2vDflf2HBg0tk6WkWpOM9U=/304x810:1095x1337/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49132753/Arena-Plaza-Uses.0.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Lately on this site, we've been doing a lot of debunking of arena opponents' arguments. It's been a lot of arguing against other people's points. For a moment, let's take a break from the negativity and look at some of the major positives of our own project (well, not <i>our </i>own, but you know what I mean). Let's look at all of the public benefits that will come from building Seattle Arena.</p>
<p>Projects of this magnitude, including a potential street vacation, must provide a public benefit. The arena project contains several, many of which were negotiated before the designing of the arena even started. <a target="_blank" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8tagW1Y9rAMemt4RjhjREJ6YzA/view">The Memorandum of Understanding between Chris Hansen's ArenaCo group and the city of Seattle</a> was renegotiated on October 8, 2012 to provide extra incentives, as well as protection, for the public at large. Some of those protections include capping the combined City and County public portion at $200 million, covering all cost overruns, and yearly reviews of the group's finances. None of those classify as "public benefit," though. Here's what does;</p>
<p><span>The biggest concession that Hansen's group made in the MOU was for the creation of "The SODO Transportation Infrastructure Fund." This is to be a separate account managed by the City and County. A total of $40 million is to be deposited into this fund by ArenaCo, which will then be used for transportation improvements in South Seattle, in the area surrounding the Stadium District. Why would the Port of Seattle be against improving transportation in SODO? Well, maybe this passage would explain it:</span></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>The SODO Transportation </span><span>Infrastructure Fund will give first priority to projects protecting the operations of the Port of </span><span>Seattle, such as those serving Terminal 46, and improving freight mobility, including projects </span><span>that improve pedestrian safety, enhance transit service and connectivity, and overall traffic </span><span>management in the SODO area.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wait, no... That seems good for them. So, then... Never mind, I'm getting off track.</p>
<p>Another public benefit listed in the MOU is $7 million in upgrades to Key Arena. Seeing as how a team would most likely need to use the outdated venue as a temporary home, it makes sense for ArenaCo to help make it a little more up-to-date. At least they could get those 1990 Zenith TVs out of the concourses and get some true HD up in there.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>ArenaCo will </span><span>cause certain improvements to be made to Key Arena, and those improvements which are of a </span><span>permanent nature, which may include modernization of the telephone, data and broadcast </span><span>"backbones" of the arena, as well as refurbishment and minor renovation to the event-level </span><span>locker rooms and other spaces, will remain behind after the Arena is completed and opens and </span><span>will become the property of the City.</span></p>
</blockquote>
<p>To date, this is the only verified contribution to Key Arena that has been pledged.</p>
<p>The MOU also calls for ArenaCo to enter into a "Community Benefit Agreement" ("CBA") with appropriate community organizations that will be affected by the arena, e.g. Pioneer Square and the International District.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>ArenaCo shall communicate with a variety of community organizations, community </span>members and the City and County to identify the appropriate issues to be addressed by the CBA, which may include economic development, employment opportunities with living wages, job training and apprenticeships, transportation and parking, community amenities, and public safety, as they relate to the Arena and its operations. The CBA shall also provide the structure for meaningful ongoing community dialog and partnership with ArenaCo once the Arena is operational, including annual reporting on fulfillment of mitigating measures.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>But basketball games are only for the super-rich who can afford luxury boxes and courtside seats, right? Don't worry, the MOU's got you covered there too.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>...the NBA franchise will go beyond the league standard for providing affordable tickets (current standard is an average of 500 tickets per game at $10 or less), by offering an average of 500 tickets per game at $10 or less plus an additional average of 1,000 tickets per game at $20 or less...</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There is also a provision within the MOU for the NBA team to contribute significantly to its community.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><span>As a regional </span><span>asset, the NBA franchise will work to establish partnerships with organizations throughout King </span><span>County that serve youth and underserved communities, particularly in areas where Public </span><span>Health-Seattle & King County have identified health and education disparities. The NBA </span><span>franchise will establish partnerships with the goal of contributing to the future success and health </span><span>of youth with initiatives such as scholarship funds, afterschool programs, youth mentorship and </span><span>improved basketball facilities in the region to increase opportunities to play and learn the game </span>of basketball.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>So that must be all of the public benefits, right? That's quite a few. WRONG! There's more to come, so check back tomorrow for <a href="http://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/23/11278286/seattle-arena-public-benefits-2/in/11048477">part 2</a>.</p>
https://www.sonicsrising.com/2016/3/22/11277402/seattle-arena-public-benefitsTaylor Made