Port, Unions Voice Opposition To New NBA Arena In Seattle

SEATTLE (AP) — The Port of Seattle, a business association and the longshoremen union are characterizing a proposed new sports arena in Seattle's industrial district as a "land grab" that threatens jobs because it could increase traffic and land value.

The group's comments came Thursday as the city traffic study funded by the private investor concluded that additional traffic brought by events at the arena would not have a major impact on port operations.

The study was presented at a city council meeting.

Hedge-fund manager Chris Hansen has proposed building a nearly $500 million arena just south of Safeco and CenturyLink fields. The plan calls for nearly $300 million in private investment from Hansen's group. The amount of public support would be $200 if an NBA and NHL franchise are moved here.