Tonight's review will focus on the aesthetic and design aspects of the proposal, but a review of a draft Environmental Impact Study (identifying potential environmental impacts and alternatives) is also ongoing which included public meetings last Friday and this Thursday, and a period for filing written comments closing September 30th. Comments received from the public will be addressed in the final Environmental Impact Study for the proposal. City Staff have identified a number of potential issues that need to be addressed in the 750,000 square foot proposal which calls for the demolition of 8 existing buildings in the Seattle downtown.

The latest design for the proposal was submitted in advance of tonight's meeting.

The Seattle Arena cleared a hurdle last week when the Washington State Court of Appeals ruled the City and King County had not violated the State Environmental Protection Act when they executed a Memorandum of Understanding that contemplated the allocation of up to $200 million in public funds for the arena project. The Court found that the City and County were not bound under the Memorandum of Understanding to accept the Hansen proposal when the required environmental review was completed. Since that lawsuit was filed, a revised Memorandum of Understanding has been signed that envisions an 'NBA only' scenario, which would see only $120-145 Million in public funds invested in the project.

It appears neither the developer, the City, nor the NHL has completely given up on an NHL Franchise eventually locating in the Emerald City - of course, with the relocation of the Phoenix Coyotes off the table, where that team would come from is a matter of speculation.

It may just be too early in the process for the NHL to rule anything out, especially if closing the door completely now results in a final arena that can't take on a franchise if one becomes available down the road.