Critics blast Darrell Steinberg for hooking up Sacramento Kings with special arena bill
“The proposed Kings arena received an unusual—but not unexpected—Kevin Johnson-worthy assist from Darrell Steinberg this past week: Sacramento’s state senator is poised to score with an eleventh-hour bill that would fast-track the proposed downtown arena’s environmental review and allow construction to begin sooner.
The pro tem’s pitch would also help the city with its eminent-domain proceedings against owners of the Downtown Plaza Macy’s property.
If the bill wiggles its way through the Capitol during these final days of session and the governor signs it, arena construction could get an eight-month head start. This is good for the Kings owners, as the NBA has threatened to take control of the team if a new arena isn’t built by 2017.
Critics worry that beginning construction before exploring matters such as traffic impacts could end up costing Sacramento millions of dollars.
A contingent of regional lawmakers voiced support of Steinberg’s plan last week. He insists the bill doesn’t cut corners.
“This bill still demands a full public environmental review and … delivers a quicker resolution of any legal challenges,” he said in a press release.”
Miller, Nick. News Review 5 September 2013.