While most Philadelphians spend their holiday season ice skating in Dilworth Park or shopping on Chestnut Street, Council members engage in the public hearings regarding a monumental decision: the proposed Philadelphia 76ers arena near Chinatown. On Dec. 12, they will vote on the plan referred to as 76 Place, a $1.3 billion arena in Market East for the Sixers. The largely divisive proposal was endorsed by Mayor Cherelle Parker in a video posted to X on Sept. 18.
Mayor Parker proudly calls her agreement with the Sixers “historic” and “the best financial deal made by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena.”
NoArenaPhl, Asian Americans United and Students For The Preservation of Chinatown are a few of the many groups opposing 76 Place. Their demonstrations represent the majority of Philadelphia voters. The Save Chinatown Coalition conducted a poll revealing that only 18 percent of Center City residents approved of 76 Place.
“Disruption is the short-term effect. Gentrification is the long-term effect,” says Ming Chu Hyunh, president of the Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association.
She worries that rent will rise in Market East and that Chinese residents will be forced out of Chinatown. Hyunh, of Chinese descent, admits that she rarely visits Chinatown, simply because of the “constant traffic jams” and fears that the creation of 76 Place would worsen congestion.
Unlike Hyunh, Deborah Wei, co-founder of Asian Americans United, is optimistic, as her attempts to protect Chinatown have previously succeeded. The Sixers announced their current plan in July of 2022 and the fight against it has not stopped since. Wei was pulled out of an October council while urging Councilman Mark Squilla (D) to join the ‘no-arena’ side. Squilla is the representative for the 1st district, which encompasses East Market.
“The 76ers can actually join a new city and I’m dead ass. They’re not good enough to have an arena displace Philadelphians-no sports team is,” Wei posted to X.
“No cost for Philly taxpayers” is a phrase repeatedly highlighted on the 76 Place website. David Adelman, Chairman of 76 Place, and his team consistently seek to remind Philadelphians of the several positive outcomes of the project. According to their website, the execution of the arena will create over 9,100 construction jobs, generate $1.5 billion in tax revenue and increase commerce for local businesses.
Mayor Parker excitedly agrees with these benefits, calling this an “unprecedented revival of Market Street.”
The Sixers have also outlined their community benefits agreements, which would result in $6 million being allocated to local businesses in Chinatown. Hyunh considers these economic benefits to be shortsighted.
During a telephone interview, Hyunh briefly mentioned the trauma she experienced while living in Chinatown, New York, during 9/11: “I watched from where I worked. I watched them burn down.”
She worries about what terrorists could do under the new presidency and rejects the idea of any largely condensed groups of people, particularly near Chinatown. Hyunh suggests that the Sixers utilize the acres of land in North Philadelphia rather than encroach upon the existing Chinatown and Fashion District.
The Sixers are the oldest franchise in the National Basketball Association, and Philadelphia’s Chinatown is one of the last remaining in America. Therefore, it is no surprise that the stakes feel high for both proponents and opponents alike. As the history of each respective side fights to be preserved, council members will continue to seek negotiation. The members’ pressured decision will be finalized by Dec. 19.