“ The idea seemed great at first: 'Why not have it nearby?' (But) the more we learn, the more it seems like a bad idea. » Like other Philadelphia residents, David Kurkowski, president of the Washington Square Citizens Association, is opposed to the construction of the new Sixers arena.
Announced with great fanfare a year ago, this future enclosure should cost around $1.5 billion and come out of the ground in 2031. But the obstacles have been multiplying for months. Starting with the opposition of the local population, and more specifically the residents of Chinatown and those of Washington Square, neighborhoods close to the future work, respectively to the north and south.
Frustrated by the lack of positioning from the local civic association, residents of “Wash West” formed a new group, “No Arena Washington Square West.” The new entity has collected around 700 signatures on physical and online petitions. Traffic, parking and even litter, resulting from increased crowds in the area, are among the concerns expressed.
“ In a way, we should be very grateful to the Sixers for doing this. Because otherwise, what do we have here? A struggling shopping center where not much is happening and not much promise for the future », replies Casey Kuklick, another resident of the neighborhood, interviewed by the Philadelphia Inquirerwho firstly sees this project as a way to revitalize the area.
A business-friendly project?
“ Cities are supposed to be lively, crowded, bustling, noisy places. A stadium will bring that to the neighborhood and the city. This is a good thing », Continues this member of the board of directors of the neighborhood civic association, while surveys within Chinatown have indicated opposition to the project which can climb up to 90%.
Same optimism on the Sixers side, who claim that the 18,500-seat hall would only improve its environment, by attracting consumers, encouraging business development and pedestrian traffic. “ I spoke to local residents who are excited about the increase in traffic and how it could support local businesses », Reports David Gould, a manager at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, owner of the franchise.
We will understand that the battle continues to rage both behind the scenes, between billionaires, and on the ground, among the population. A long “process” therefore seems to await this new room.
