PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council is hosting Tuesday’s sixth public hearing on the Sixers’ arena proposal. Ahead of the hearing, Mayor Cherelle Parker again shared her support for the project at a community meeting in Mount Airy.
Parker made her case in front of community members at the Mount Airy Church of God in Christ on Ogontz Avenue on Monday. She said the arena, which would be built at the site of the Fashion District on Market Street, would not cost the city in direct funding and would lead to the creation of new jobs and $700 million in new tax revenue for the city and the school district. Residents would also benefit from the $50 million community benefits agreement (CBA) with the Sixers.
“We’ve gotta take care of us and take care of our own, and we can do it with this arena project as a part. Consider it an anchor,” Parker said.
As for concerns about the fate of Chinatown, Parker reiterated her belief that the arena would help, not harm, all communities in the city.
“I want to see it thrive ’cause quite frankly, I think we have the best Chinatown in the nation,” she said.
A number of groups formed the No Arena Coalition to express their opposition to the project. They have made their presence known inside and outside City Hall during the public City Council hearings.
One of the groups in the coalition, Black Philly for Chinatown, released a statement in response to Parker’s meeting on Monday: “Nothing about this arena proposal is beneficial for Black Philadelphians. Low-wage jobs, a billion dollars in tax giveaways, and that pitiful CBA set a dangerous blueprint for future developments to bulldoze Black communities.”
Opponents have also raised concerns about traffic congestion and the impact on getting people to and from Jefferson University Hospital and other medical facilities. SEPTA recently said it would need at least $20 million a year — money it does not have — to expand service and accommodate for the arena.
The fate of the arena proposal is in the hands of City Council. Members are expected to vote on six pieces of legislation next month.