The city council's approval is still missing, but the Sixers can still breathe. Since they received the official support of Cherelle Parker, the mayor of the City of Brotherly Love, the franchise's leaders know that they still have every chance of validating the construction of their new arena in Philadelphia.
And after the announcement, The mayor presented in detail whydespite the opposition of some residents, she decided to validate this project, “76 Place at Market East”.
The first argument is that the $1.3 billion arena will be fully funded by Josh Harris and the Sixers owners. No public money will be required, while the franchise will also pay $6 million annually, for 30 years, to the city, to help local businesses and residents.
Chinatown residents angry
For Cherelle Parker, the construction of this new arena, which could be inaugurated in 2031 if the work begins on time and does not fall behind schedule, is also an opportunity to revitalize Market Street, a major historic axis of the city. All while ensuring that the Sixers are kept in town until 2061, at least…
However, this is not enough to win the support of the residents of Chinatown, the neighbouring district.
“It is absurd for the Mayor to unilaterally attempt to force through a deal for a project that has not undergone even the most basic studies on housing and rent costs, impact on small businesses, livability, and access to transit – issues that will impact the city for years to come, between the many years of construction and the long-term damage to traffic and access to emergency health care. We are united in our opposition to the room and the rushed and haphazard process surrounding it.”responded Vivian Chang, head of the opposition of the residents of the Chinese quarter, in a press release. “Mayor Parker continues to refuse to meet directly with Chinatown residents, and city meetings have been devoid of facts and accountability, an embarrassing example of lack of diligence. We urge the City Council to exercise its authority and delay any legislation until we have a process that respects the needs of the city and its residents, at least as much as the whims and greed of the billionaires behind this venue project.”
