Activists call for diverting money for Safeco Field to affordable housing

SEATTLE — A mile from the diamond at Safeco Field, activists known as the Raging Grannies gave the King County Council a new take on an old ballpark song.

"King County is paying these billionaires, with my tax dollars it just isn't fair," they sang to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."

As the region struggles with homelessness, affordable housing advocates are taking aim on a proposal by County Executive Dow Constantine to use between $177 million and $190 million of hotel tax revenue for maintenance at Safeco Field.

"The Mariners are a $1.4 billion successful for-profit business who can and should pay for their own expenses," said King County council member Dave Upthegrove, who wants to spend the money on affordable housing instead.

Mariners Executive Vice President Fred Rivera says the tax revenue would pay for things like plumbing and HVAC systems needed by the public facilities district (PFD) that owns Safeco Field. 
KIRO 7 asked Rivera if the team really needs the money.

"The PFD needs the money. Again this is the PFD's building and the money will go to the PFD so it can pay for these capital improvements," he answered.

Rivera says the team will pay for improvements like a brew pub, kicking in $600 million of the $800 million expected to be needed at the stadium in the next 25 years.

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The team has supporters on the council.

"We've been through this process before, we almost lost this team, I don't want us to get into a nose-to-nose battle," said council member Pete von Reichbauer.

The Mariners say if they don't get the money, they might sign a shorter lease to start, but the team is issuing no threats.

"We've made clear we're not leaving Seattle," Rivera said.

The hotel tax revenue will be available in 2021, after debts are paid off at CenturyLink Field. 
State law already requires about a third of the future hotel/motel tax revenue go to affordable housing, which will generate about $476 million.

Housing advocates say the county must go beyond that minimum.

The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 29.

Cox Media Group