Sunday, July 15, 2012

Chris Hansen's Sodo arena plan: Seattle Storm should be more than an afterthought | Opinion | The Seattle Times

Councilmember Godden,
The responsibility of what happens to and in Key Arena is the city's responsibility. 
As I am sure you are aware, the lease the Storm has with the city regarding Key Arena makes the city responsible for making the Storm whole due to remodeling/alteration to the facility.
As chair of Libraries, Utilities, and Seattle Center I am a little puzzled that you chose to have this policy discussion in the newspaper. 

It seams like a great policy discussion for your committee to have now, and could have to deal with in the future. 

Although, I guess, Mr. Hansen would probably have to have some indication that discussions about the Storm would have a purpose. He doesn't even have an approved MOU, and you seem to imply in your newspaper article that he is late to approach the Storm.

Some opponents of the arena might actually view meeting with the Storm as presumptive.

Your advocacy on behalf of professional basketball in Seattle is great to see. I am sure your oversite in your committee will ensure a resolution that both helps the Storm and protects the city's finances.

(ref Storm Lease, city compensation due to remodeling) 

XXVII. REDEVELOPMENT 

A. Redevelopment Impacts 

The City will keep WBCOS reasonably informed of the City's efforts to redevelop KeyArena or have an NBA or NHL team as a tenant at KeyArena. The parties acknowledge that it is not feasible to redevelop KeyArena without impact on WBCOS, including some potential negative impacts; however, in the event of redevelopment, the City will use its best efforts to minimize negative financial and operational impacts of renovation and construction projects on WBCOS, subject to the City's other financial and policy considerations. The parties recognize that a redeveloped KeyArena and additional tenants can be beneficial to both parties, and share the goal of a successful long-term tenancy for WBCOS. 

B. Comparable Premises After Any Redevelopment 

Should any significant alteration or redevelopment diminish the City's ability to provide a portion of the Premises provided to WBCOS herein, upon completion of the alteration or redevelopment, the City shall provide the WBCOS a portion of the renovated premises with equivalent operational value. 
http://tinyurl.com/73z8qap 

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