Warriors Make Local Hiring Promise To Boost SF Arena Proposal
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— San Francisco supervisors took a closer look at the Golden State Warriors financial plan to build an arena in the city on Wednesday, a move Mayor Ed Lee said he applauds after Warriors agreed to hire 25 percent local workers for the arena's construction.
The Warriors organization and the mayor are hoping to win support with their local hiring promise.
Photo Gallery: Warriors SF Arena Development Project
"It is with great pride that we make this announcement, because many of the people in this room are looking for that opportunity from all walks of life," Lee said in a pre-hearing appearance to announce the jobs agreement.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
The Warriors face mounting criticism about the proposed 740,000 square-foot arena's impact on traffic, congestion and housing over plans to build the stadium along the waterfront. Questions are also arising whether or not the deal is good for the city if the Warriors were to leave Oakland.
Warriors President Rick Welts said this is the first time a privately financed stadium has committed to local builders.
"We're thrilled to be a part of this announcement today. We're thrilled to be a part of history, a first of its kind agreement," Welts said.
Critics have said those jobs come at too big of a price; Namely, a promise by the city to pay the warriors 13 percent interest on a $120 million loan for infrastructure improvements related to the arena project.
According to the NBA website, the proposal would have the arena located at Piers 30-32, south of the Bay Bridge and would be ready by the 2017-2018 basketball season.
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