Crucial City Council vote on controversial 76ers arena pushed to Thursday

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A crucial Philadelphia City Council vote on the controversial 76ers arena has been delayed until Thursday morning.

The final Committee of the Whole meeting was set to vote on eight of the 13 bills and resolutions concerning the arena on Wednesday morning.

The vote was pushed back several times Wednesday as crowds gathered in the council chambers. Philadelphia City Council President Kenyatta Johnson says the meeting will take place at 8:30 a.m.

City leaders are still working with the 76ers to raise the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) from $50 million to $100 million over 30 years. The money will go to the city, school district, small businesses and nearby neighborhoods.

Council is also trying to work with other members to get enough votes on the bills.

Action News has learned that there may not have been enough votes Wednesday morning.

Those who are against the arena called the delay a victory.

"We're here today -- postponed hearings four times because the City Council members also recognize that legislation that was presented to them is a failure," said John Chin with Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation.

Councilmembers have been in negotiations with Sixers officials since December 3 to address concerns expressed by councilmembers and the public during their previously scheduled hearings.

"We're having conversations with the Sixers and members how best to proceed to move forward. We want this deal to work. We think it's good for the city of Philadelphia. We have to also address the concerns of all the stakeholders, but we want to get a deal done," said Johnson after the vote was delayed.

While this is a crucial stage, it isn't the final vote. The bills will first have to advance out of committee and then Council will be able to make a final decision at a later time during a full regular meeting.

The Sixers have said that the arena, called 76 Place, would need to be approved by the end of the year to stay on schedule. The team plans to open in 2031 when its lease expires at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia.

They want to open the new arena on Market Street in Center City where the Fashion District mall currently stands.

City leaders spent the month listening to intense public testimony both for and against the proposal.

As it all continues to unfold, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and her administration continue to make their rounds holding community meetings across the city.

Parker stopped in the city's Bustleton section on Tuesday night to detail how she believes the arena will lead to a positive economic impact.

"A $1.3 billion private sector investment in the city of Philadelphia has to be a benefit to the entire city, not just one community," Parker said.

The No Arena Coalition released a statement arguing that Council is rushing into what they call a reckless deal, accusing billionaires of trying to take advantage of the situation by making a land grab.

Two of the 13 bills and resolutions have already been fully approved.

The hearing is open to the public Thursday but no public testimony will take place.

Protesters say they plan to be in attendance.