Philadelphia mayor's town hall on proposed 76ers arena garners massive turnout
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Outside of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Wednesday evening, crowds gathered for another rally opposing a proposed arena for the Philadelphia 76ers in Center City.
"We know this project will displace our Chinatown and destroy our town. This is a cultural center for us. We expect the mayor to focus and understand the concern from Chinatown people," said Wei Chen with Asian Americans United.
Right across the street, union workers in shirts that read, "Pro-Jobs, Pro-Union, Pro-Arena," gathered in support of the massive project.
"For us, it's all about jobs and opportunities for Philadelphians. Anytime somebody wants to build a $1.5B arena we're gonna be in support of it," said TJ Lepera of IBEW Local 98.
READ MORE: Findings released for 4 impact studies on proposed 76ers arena in Center City
"Twenty-eight out of 30 NBA teams have a downtown arena so this is not a new concept. They've figured this out in other cities and we can figure it out here in Philadelphia," Lepera said.
These competing demonstrations preceded a city-wide listening session of stakeholders assembled by Mayor Cherelle Parker.
"I wanted you to have an opportunity to hear exactly what I heard and what each of them communicated to me," Mayor Parker told a ballroom filled to capacity inside the convention center.
City, community and business leaders, union leaders and members, and those who conducted research and impact studies on the project, were all in the room. The meeting started late due to hundreds of people showing up. A line to get inside wrapped around the building and overflow rooms were available.
Once things got underway, dozens of speakers, including young people, spoke passionately against 76 Place.
"Our schools don't have air conditioning, libraries or playgrounds. Why should the city let a billionaires' playground destroy Chinatown?" a teenage girl asked.
After those opposed to the project had spoken, union representatives took to the podium to show support.
"A project of this magnitude will be a powerful job creator that the working class of the city of Philadelphia desperately needs," one union leader told the crowd.
Many also felt Philadelphia cannot let New Jersey be a serious contender for a new Sixers arena. Leaders there recently submitted a proposal to the team for a new facility in Camden.
"Why should we give New Jersey all of that revenue and jobs when we so desperately need it in Philadelphia," asked 32BJ SEIU member, Barbara Cherry.
New Jersey has offered the Sixers $400 million in tax credits and outlined plans for a sprawling mixed-use waterfront development.
A decision for the Center City arena ultimately lies with city leaders.
"Whatever decision we ultimately make, I need you to hear me, Chinatown, Washington Square West, Market Street East, you all matter to me and all Philadelphia matters to me," Mayor Parker said.
Following Wednesday's town hall, the Save Chinatown Coalition released a statement saying in part:
"Tonight, Mayor Parker heard the impassioned pleas from our community-immigrants, small business owners, families, and longtime residents-who spoke from the heart to save our community and our city. In September 2023, January 2024, February 2024, and March 2024, we extended multiple invitations to Mayor Parker to meet with us and visit the Chinatown community, and every time she has declined or ignored that request ... Philadelphia wants Mayor Parker to take decisive action against 76 Place and save this precious neighborhood."
There was no new comment from the Sixers Wednesday but their most recent statement on this issue said in part, "We have worked tirelessly for the past five years to build an arena in Philadelphia and negotiations remain ongoing with city leadership regarding our proposal at Market East."
An impact study recently released by the city shows that while the proposed arena could have economic benefits, area residents and businesses could be priced out.
