PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia City Council on Wednesday heard from more stakeholders at a fourth day of hearings on the 76ers’ proposal for a Center City arena. Testimony included endorsements of the project from a diverse cast of business leaders. And Council began taking public testimony, as well, with opponents testifying in greater numbers than supporters.
That opposition was clearly organized. Many of the witnesses sported red “no arena” t-shirts and sounded common themes, mainly the threat to neighboring Chinatown — for example: “This is not just disruption. This is not just construction. This is destruction,” and “This would decimate today’s vibrant Chinatown.”
Running through the day’s testimony was also a thread of distaste for the owners behind the project — for example: “We do not welcome billionaires,” and “Do not try to play poker with these oligarchs.”
Though they were definitely in the minority, those there to show support for the project championed the anticipated economic impact.
“This arena will provide jobs during the construction — after the construction is finished. Also, this arena will spur growth on East Market, which desperately needs it right now,” said one.
“Keeping this iconic team in Philadelphia is not only a win for the city’s sports fans but also a bold step toward driving economic growth,” said another.
Regina Hairston of the African American Chamber of Commerce said the organization’s support for the arena came after negotiations with the 76ers, in which it secured an advisory role for every bid on arena business.
“My board members were called. They were threatened. So it wasn’t easy to do this, but the 76ers have been a good partner in this,” Hairston said.
“This is what we’ve been fighting for, right? Black businesses to be at the table.”
Other business leaders endorsed the project as a boon for the hospitality industry.
Parking magnate Rob Zuritsky sought to assure Council there is adequate space for cars in the surrounding area as he urged approval of the plan.
“This arena will be the newest, most high-tech, best fan experience in the world when it opens,” Zuritsky said. “It can act as a catalyst to encourage businesses to consider moving and keeping their businesses in town.”
Four more stakeholder hearings are scheduled, with three more public testimony sessions to be included, as well, before a vote expected in early December.