Options Weighed For Future Of Natomas Arena Site

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) -- Natomas residents and business leaders debated the possible future options of the site of the Power Balance Pavilion in the event that a new Sacramento Kings arena is built in downtown Sacramento.

The town hall meeting, organized by the Think Big Sacramento committee, laid out a number of different options for local leaders to pursue on the 180-acre site if the Kings move to a new location, including:

- A hospital and medical center.
- A high-tech business campus.
- A commercial office park.
- A higher education campus.
- An auto mall.
- An amusement park.

The idea of a health care center immediately proved popular for many of the meeting attendees, thanks to the strong potential for jobs amid a growing medical industry. The proposals for an auto mall and an amusement park gained little enthusiasm.

A federal moratorium on building within Natomas due to flood risks likely won't have a huge impact on construction plans, according to councilmember Angelique Ashby.

"The moratorium is not permanent," Ashby said. "Yeah, the finish line is moving on us a little bit, but I'm not going to stop and hold still just because there's an obstacle in the way."

Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's office is planning to release a report by September 8 showing potential revenue sources for a new arena at the downtown railyards.

NBA commissioner David Stern has said the Sacramento Kings will likely move if the city does not have an arena plan in place by March 1.