City Council gives final approval for new Philadelphia 76ers arena in Center City
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Over cheers and jeers, Philadelphia City Council members voted to approve the controversial proposal for a new arena for the 76ers in Center City.
The vote happened after police removed a number of people from the meeting.
Protesters delayed the council meeting, which was added to the council calendar last week, by about half an hour.
Those protesters sat on the floor of council chambers, locked arm-in-arm refusing repeated requests by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson for the protesters to either remove themselves or be forcibly removed by police.
Once the meeting did start, councilmembers heard public comment before voting on the 11 measures that compose the arena proposal.
Councilmembers voted 12-5 to approve the plan. The members who voted against the plan were as follows: Jamie Gauthier (D - Dist 3), Jeffery Young, Jr. (D- Dist 5), Kendra Brooks (Working Families Party, At-Large), Rue Landau (D - At-Large), and Nicholas O'Rourke (Working Families Party, At-Large)
Among the supporters were local unions eager for the 9,000 construction jobs and 1,000 operations jobs the arena will bring.
"Not only do we just build buildings but we maintain them as well, so this is generational wealth for everybody," said T.J. Lepera, IBW Local 98 Political Director.
The five councilmembers who voted against the plan emphasize there's still concern over potential traffic issues, expenses for SEPTA, and the fate of Chinatown.
"At the end of the day, we have to protect what makes Philadelphia... and Chinatown is a big piece of that," said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
Mayor Parker, though, says the city will look out for Chinatown, which is near the area where the new arena will be built.
Supporters of Chinatown worry that the arena will destroy businesses, drive up housing costs and gentrify the area.
"I want you to hear me on this one. We will ensure that Chinatown will not only survive but it will thrive," said Parker in a press conference after the final council vote.
Mayor Cherelle Parker and City Council President Kenyatta Johnson counted the vote as a victory for Philadelphia's economy.
"If we would have turned down this particular deal, we would've been fools," said Johnson.
The $1.3 billion project includes a Community Benefits Agreement in which the Sixers will give the city $60 million over 30 years for various initiatives.
Although leaders pitched the plan as one that was being built without taxpayer dollars, last week during negotiations, Mayor Parker pledged an additional $20 million of city money to go towards affordable housing.
She insists the new arena will be a win for the entire city.
"Not just a new basketball arena, but for all of Philadelphia," she said. "All of Philadelphia will benefit from this project."
Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents the area where the arena will be built - and who voted yes on the proposal - says he'll continue to meet with constituents to address their concerns.
The Sixers sent a statement to Action News thanking the mayor and city council. The full statement reads as follows:
Today's City Council vote is a critical milestone in the development of 76Place at Market East and we would not be here without the tireless efforts of so many. We would like to thank Council President Kenyatta Johnson, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and all of the Councilmembers who voted in favor of the project. We would also like to thank Mayor Parker and her administration for their support. The leadership that Council and the Mayor have displayed embodies a greater vision for Philadelphia. They recognize how important this project is for the revitalization of our city. We would also like to give a heartfelt "thank you" to our many supporters and partners over the past two years for championing this project. Although a lot of work has been done to get here, we know there is much more to do. We look forward to pursuing the remaining approvals to make 76Place a reality.- David Adelman
