Subject: Notice of Application, Issuance of Determination of Significance and Request for Comments on Scope of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Seattle Center Arena Renovation
September 8, 2017
Dear Interested Stakeholder:
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (Seattle DCI) has received a Land Use Application to allow the renovation of Seattle Center Arena. The applicant for this project is the Oak View Group, and the Lead Agency is Seattle DCI. The main elements of the proposal include: a 10,000 square foot new entry atrium at grade to the south of and below the existing arena roofline; 225,000 square feet below-grade expansion for additional seating, circulation areas, and new interiors located within existing landmark exteriors; and 65,000 square feet for below-grade loading dock, vehicular tunnel, and accessory services. Parking for 450 vehicles will be provided below-grade. The project will include city permits and approvals for the proposed development as well as a subdivision action.
Environmental Determination: The Director of Seattle DCI, as the lead agency under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), has determined that the proposal is likely to result in significant, adverse environmental impacts (a Determination of Significance or DS). An environmental impact statement (EIS) is required under RCW 43.21.030(2)(c) and will be prepared. The EIS will evaluate the No Action alternative, as required by SEPA, and two action alternatives.
Scoping: Seattle DCI has determined that expanded Scoping will be conducted, and has identified the following areas for discussion in the EIS: traffic and transportation; historic preservation (landmarks and archeological resources); light and glare; noise; land use; and public services and facilities (recreation). Agencies, affected tribes, and members of the public are invited to comment on the content and emphasis (the scope) of the Draft EIS during the comment period.
Information Available: Copies of the project application materials and plans are available online at the Seattle DCI webpage: http://web6.seattle.gov/dpd/edms under Permit and Property Records for Project Number 3029061. Information can also be obtained at the SDCI Public Resource Center, 700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000, open from 8am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and from 8:30am to 4pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Questions may be directed to SDCI Land Use Planner John Shaw at john.shaw@seattle.gov, 206-684-5837.
PUBLIC MEETING – NEW DATE: A public meeting will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 at Seattle Center Armory Loft 2 (305 Harrison Street, Seattle WA 98107) to obtain comments on the scope of the EIS, alternatives, mitigation measures, probable significant adverse impacts, and other approvals that may be required. An Open House will begin at 6:30pm, followed by public comments beginning at 7pm. Comment forms will be available at the meeting, for those who prefer to comment in writing. Please consider your transportation options to avoid any traffic congestion from the evening commute and a KeyArena concert scheduled for 8pm. Several Metro bus routes serve the Center, and Seattle Center Monorail provides a speedy connection between Seattle Center and the Sound Transit/Metro Station at Westlake.
Public Comment: Written comments on the proposal will be accepted through October 6, 2017. Comments should be emailed to prc@seattle.gov. Comments may also be mailed to Seattle DCI, PRC, P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA 98124. All comments will be posted to Seattle DCI’s Permits and Property Records web page at http://web6.seattle.gov/dpd/edms.
