Port fights Seattle's SoDo housing plan

• The port also claims the "unlawful spot rezone" disproportionally benefits a single landowner — investor Chris Hansen.
• Hansen owns more than 13 acres in SoDo and previously sought to build another sports and entertainment arena on the site with the aim of bringing the NBA back to Seattle.
• Hansen did not immediately respond to requests for comment through Valiant Capital or Vipond Group.
• The city said it's reviewing the appeal and declined to comment further.

What they're saying: The council discarded long-standing industrial protections to allow a housing project that is an "exceedingly poor fit for the City's industrial core," the petition reads.

• "The harmful impact to maritime and industrial operations ... were not dutifully considered," said port executive director Steve Metruck in a statement.

Flashback: The council approved the plan in March, advancing legislation from council president Sara Nelson to allow residential buildings — including up to 500 affordable units — alongside small manufacturing and arts spaces near Lumen Field and T-Mobile Park.

• Supporters, stadium owners, and some labor groups said the plan will revitalize a long-underused area and help ease the city's housing crisis.
• Opponents, including the port, the Washington Farm Bureau, and other unions, warned it will disrupt freight mobility, increase congestion and drive business to other ports.

What we're watching: If the legal challenge stalls or overturns the city's ordinance and what that could mean for future efforts to bring housing into industrial neighborhoods.