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Metro Philadelphia: Chinatown leaders urge Council to reject 76ers arena in Center City
By Jack Tomczuk
Chinatown community leaders and business owners pleaded with City Council on Tuesday to vote down legislation authorizing the 76ers to build an arena on East Market Street in Center City.
Debbie Law, whose family runs a shop, Chinese Culture & Arts, in the neighborhood, said her store was forced to relocate after her landlord said an investor was willing to pay more than three times her rent and wait for an opportunity to attract franchises or larger businesses. She blamed the looming arena development.
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Tuesday’s hearing was part of a series that is expected to continue through early next month as lawmakers consider whether to pass a legislative package that would allow the arena project to move forward. The hearing continued into the the evening, after Metro went to print.
A final decision – one of the more anticipated City Hall votes in recent years – could come as soon as Dec. 12. Officials from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment have said they need the bills and resolutions to be approved by the end of the year in order to begin demolition in 2026 and open in time for the 2031-2032 NBA season, when the team’s lease ends at the Wells Fargo Center.
The planned $1.3 billion arena, known for now as 76 Place at Market East, would seat 18,500 spectators and occupy a section of the current Fashion District mall in an area bounded by Market, Filbert, 10th and 11th streets above SEPTA’s Jefferson Station.
In addition to fears about accelerating gentrification and displacement, business owners in Chinatown said they are concerned 76 Place would impact traffic congestion and parking for their customers.
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“We question why this City Council would even consider approving a project with such a stark and disparate racial impact,” Annie Lo, of the Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund, said. “The future of Chinatown depends on your action to save it now.”
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Arena hearings are expected to resume Wednesday, with a public comment session beginning at 10 a.m.
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Read the article here: https://metrophiladelphia.com/chinatown-council-reject-76ers-arena-center-city/