Developers of proposed 76ers arena host 1st in-person community meeting; make changes after input

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The development team for the proposed 76ers arena held their first in-person community meeting Thursday night at the Sheraton in Center City.

Since the announcement in the summer of 2022, developer and Sixers limited owner David Adelman said they've held 100 meetings with various groups.

"We want to give them real answers. All of a sudden people who were unsure become neutral, maybe they can become positive. I'm in this to get this right. I'm in this to make the city happy. I'm in it to make our fans happy," said Adelman to 6abc ahead of the meeting.

The group says the $1.5 billion project will bring more than $1 billion in new tax revenues for the city, state and school district over a 30-lease term, and will lead to 12,000 construction jobs.

SEE ALSO: 76ers announce new details about proposed arena in Center City

Adelman says they've already made changes to the project based on community input. Those changes include adding 80 units of affordable housing in adjacent Chinatown.

The plan is expected to revitalize Market East, specifically the Fashion District.

"Market East used to be the center of commerce in Philadelphia, it used to be nine department stores that were up and down the street," said Adelman.

"76ers game times are during dinner hours, so that's going to affect people coming to the restaurants and delivery services that get the take outs. That's one example, but also we think that if the arena comes here, rents and property values will rise and we're afraid of gentrification," said Mary Yee, with The Save Chinatown Coalition.

Potential traffic congestion was also addressed, including the addition of an entrance to SEPTA at the Jefferson Station stop.

The opposition has come from some, but not all members of the Chinatown Community.

"My biggest worry is that a lot of their assumptions aren't accurate," said Yee. "They're thinking that a whole lot of people are going to use SEPTA and I think that those assumptions have no evidence right now."

The concerns range from doubt over projected tax revenue and skepticism over gathered data.

"If the arena comes here, rents and property value will rise, we're afraid of gentrification," said Yee. "It's a long construction period, too, and the construction effects are sometimes worse than the construction itself."

The meeting at times grew tense when security initially escorted some holding signs in opposition to the project. But later, Adelman encouraged them to return and head to the microphone instead.

Our Action News crew did not see a lot of members from the Chinatown community, but there was a strong showing of union members supporting the projected 12,000 construction jobs.

"We support the arena, of course. Unions work for folks like our members and our sisters and brothers in the trades, but also understand why folks in Chinatown need to be protected from losing their neighborhood," said Daisy Cruz.

An impact study commissioned by the city and paid for the by the Sixers is expected to be completed next month. Developers say city council could potentially be taking up legislation on this early next year.

Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker has said she is waiting for the impact study to be completed before she takes a stance.

The area could open in 2031 if approved.