Seattle's stadium housing plan struck down

Driving the news: The board ruled last week that the zoning change violated state law, finding the city failed to follow public participation rules, skipped a required environmental review and approved housing that conflicted with the city's comprehensive plan to protect industrial lands.

Catch up quick: The Council voted 6-3 in March to approve the zoning ordinance to allow new residential development in the Stadium District — an area long reserved for freight, rail and maritime operations.

• The Port of Seattle and BNSF fought back, arguing the city rushed the vote, failed to give required notice to the state Department of Commerce and skipped a proper environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act.
• The port also filed a land use petition that remains pending.

What they're saying: The port called the decision "the next step in righting the City's missteps" and said it would keep defending industrial land from residential encroachment.

What's next: With Nelson heading out of office, it's unclear whether the incoming City Council will revive her push to open part of the industrial core to housing or let the port's victory stand.