PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia Board of Ethics has fined a firm associated with the 76ers for failing to disclose that it was lobbying to promote a new arena in Center City.
CBL Real Estate, the lobbying arm of 76 Devcorp, which hopes to put an arena in the Fashion District, agreed to pay a $4,000 fine.
According to a settlement with the board, CLB Real Estate documented meetings with the mayor, managing director, director of planning and development, City Councilmember Mark Squilla and Council President Darrell Clarke in the summer and fall of 2022 — but omitted the purpose of those meetings in mandatory disclosure forms that it filed last year.
At the request of Ethics Board Executive Director Shane Creamer, the group has since amended the form to show the purpose was the proposed development of 76 Place.
“It’s important that everyone who’s subject to the lobbying code complies with those requirements,” he said.
Disclosure forms from this year show the meetings have continued, including discussions about financing, parking, utilities, tourism, transportation, public safety and taxes.
76 Devcorp issued a statement on Tuesday, calling the ethics case an administrative error and saying it’s pleased to have the matter resolved and it looks forward to continuing to educate the public about the benefits of a downtown arena.
The proposal has drawn strong opposition from Chinatown residents and businesses. Groups like No Arena PHL say 76 Place will harm the city and widen economic disparities. The Chinatown community has organized a “No Arena in the Heart of Our City” march and rally for Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. at 10th and Vine streets.
76 Place became a hot topic during the mayoral campaign. Democratic nominee Cherelle Parker did not take a definitive stand. She notes the project would create thousands of jobs but also agrees that community members should have a voice in development.
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