In August DPD will issue two draft studies related to siting a basketball arena in the Duwamish Industrial area. These studies were specifically called for in the agreement among the City, King County, and the arena representatives.
One study will make recommendations about changes to the current regulations about the uses and densities allowed in the Stadium Area Transition Overlay. The overlay was adopted in the late 1990s as a way to improve the pedestrian experience between the baseball stadium and downtown. The other study will include recommendations about ways to protect industrial and port operations in the Duwamish Manufacturing / Industrial Center.
Some of the recommendations from these studies could lead to amendments in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. DPD will be aiming to produce final recommendations in time for submittal to the City Council in December, so that Council can consider them as part of the annual Comp Plan amendment cycle in early 2014.
The draft studies will be available on the Department’s website by the middle of August. You will be able to find the studies on our Stadium District Study and our Duwamish Industrial Lands Study websites.