In regards to the the new arena, can anyone explain what this this environmental impact lawsuit is all about? I mean the port cant honestly think an arena would cause more pollution than it already does. Besides what environment are they talking about...that land is fill, it used to be Elliot Bay.

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Downright thuggish.

They are arguing that the MOU definitively establishes the SODO site, which would violate the state's laws regarding environmental review, in which multiple sites must be reviewed.

Other sites ARE being reviewed, but they are contending that given the MOU pertaining to an arena in SODO that's it essentially all for show and not in good faith. The MOU, of course, is not final approval of the arena, which comes after the EIS, but the ILWU claims that Hansen has already chosen the site and its essentially final. It's really just a messy, illogical argument that rests on the fact that a private investor is willing to spend a pile of money at one site but not others, which is their right, and they contend that fact means the EIS isn't valid. It's nonsense really. It's hard to even explain clearly because it's such drivel. Of course, they're just making noise, unless they really believe the logical conclusion of their argument, which is that any private investor looking to partner with the public would basically have to put up money and just say "you guys pick the best location" in every instance.

Some of the whining has been along the lines of "What gives Hansen the right to choose the site?" etc., well his pile of money that he's free to offer for one site and not for others is one thing. They've also even suggested that sites in Bellevue should be reviewed, in an EIS that pertains to bonding by the city of Seattle.

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It's all about the longshoreman trying to get another exit/entrance to I-5 built (that was promised by the city long ago) to make it easier for the port to do business and the mariners not liking 2 more teams to compete for the sports dollar with. And even as a teamster and union member, the longshoremans union is on the wrong side of this issue.

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Hugh Millen = CBJ minus the cool beard

Thank You Pink

I agree SH, I am a union member too. For solidarity's sake I always try to listen to another Unions argument, but in this case, they are way off base. But part of my question was not answered. That land is man made, there is NO environment. There can be no native flora or fauna that can be harmed. If the port of Seattle need improved access to I-5, they can do the same that the port of Tacoma has done...pay for it themselves. The one thing I think city governments have forgotten, the interstate highway system was created first and foremost for internal defense, to move troops around. Secondly for interstate commerce, which SHOULD have priority over personal use. Very poor city planning and urban sprawl have led to the port of Seattle's current position, that and their unwillingness to mitigate the problem themselves.

I really could care less about the NBA, it would take a earth shattering event to get me to care about them again. But I also knew a good thing when I see it. This arena will only be a benefit to the city and region.

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Downright thuggish.

Well this afternoon we get to see what comes of it, I think the expectations of everyone is that the case is going to get thrown out.

Who knows though, this is Seattle we're talking about.

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"Never Say Never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion" - Michael Jordan

It is kind of BS

The Longshoremen are butthurt that they never got their Lander Street overpass and see this as an opportunity to get some leverage to get the access roads they want.

I don't think all of their arguments are entirely ridiculous, because I do not know what, if any extent other sites are being reviewed. That is the only reason I think that perhaps they may have a point.

But it will all be a moot point in my opinion if the EIS comes back finding that the arena will be ok. And why would anyone expect that it won't be? Won't it be replacing some old manufacturing buildings and stuff? I guarantee that any sort of industrial manufacturing harms the environment more and carries more environmental risk than an arena. That is the freaking stadium district and almost everything around it is industrial. It is a great spot for an arena.

Watching right now, Judge just threw the case out, WE WIN!!

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"Never Say Never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion" - Michael Jordan

It's a dockworker's union. What else does anybody need to know? They will fight any and all change to keep the status quo.