The billion-dollar arena complex the Clippers want to build in Inglewood "took another step forward" with the "release of the draft environmental report for the project," according to Nathan Fenno of the L.A. TIMES. The report found that the privately financed Inglewood Basketball & Entertainment Center "might create a 'large number of significant and unavoidable transportation impacts,' but would add almost 1,000 full-time non-construction jobs in the city, and won't contribute to gentrification or impact the viability of competing arenas in the region." An 18,000-seat arena, featuring a "sweeping roof that is designed to evoke the diamond shapes in a basketball net, anchors the development." Plans for the surrounding area "include three parking garages, a practice facility, team offices, sports medicine clinic, hotel, retail space and a plaza." Murphy's Bowl LLC, the Clippers-controlled company behind the complex, "hopes to start construction" by July '21 and "complete the project" in time for the '24-25 NBA season. The L.A. Stadium & Entertainment District, which includes SoFi Stadium, is across the street. The concentration of major venues "fueled concerns about the project's impact on traffic and transportation" (L.A. TIMES, 12/28).
PUTTING A PLAN TOGETHER: Inglewood Mayor James Butts Jr. said that he is confident in the city's "ability to handle any problems" caused by the Clippers' proposed arena. Butts said that the draft report will be an "incredibly useful tool as Inglewood and the Clippers work together 'to safeguard Inglewood's quality of life.'" In California, Jason Henry noted the Clippers and Inglewood "released a traffic mitigation plan Friday alongside the report." A program will be "established to encourage the use of shuttle services and mass transit." MSG Co., which owns The Forum, is "expected to challenge the environmental impact report." According to a statement Friday, MSG is still "reviewing the voluminous documents" (PASADENA STAR NEWS, 12/28).
