76 Place project: Philadelphia City Council hearings begin on proposed 76ers arena in Center City

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — The Philadelphia City Council launched a series of hearings Tuesday for the proposed 76ers arena in Center City.

Officials from Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration were still answering questions about the plan Tuesday afternoon.

The project, called 76 Placeis in the first phase of possible approval.

A total of eight days of hearings are scheduled to discuss the proposal between now and December.

Councilman Mark Squilla, who represents the district in which the arena would be housed, introduced the legislation last month.

Parker has already done that expressed her support for the controversial project, which opponents say would negatively impact surrounding communities, including neighboring Chinatown.

Some of the questions on Tuesday morning focused on topics such as the economics of the deal.

The proposal includes an economic opportunity plan, or EOP. The goal would be to give women, minorities, and businesses and communities with disabilities an equal opportunity to benefit from the project.

They also discussed issues like the traffic a new arena in Center City could create, saying that to be successful, about 40% of people attending events would have to take public transportation.

Legislation introduced for proposed 76ers arena during rowdy meeting

Administration officials also say the Sixers will pay for cleanup after events.

“We negotiated a union support agreement with SEIU, Unite Here, for construction workers and carpenters. We have also focused on maintaining and strengthening Chinatown as a guiding principle, including by responding to long-standing challenges that have emerged over many decades,” said Mayor Parker’s Chief of Staff Tiffany Thurman.

However, many residents are concerned about the impact of 76 Place on the culture and affordability of neighborhoods like Chinatown.

Chinatown supporters gathered to protest at the arena on Tuesday.

“I don’t think Chinatown can co-exist with the arena. I think the impact would be devastating to Chinatown,” said Seth Anderson-Oberman, executive director of Reclaim Philadelphia.

There will be no public comment at Tuesday’s or Wednesday’s meeting, when Sixers officials will testify and answer questions.

The public will have the opportunity to have their say during five hearings from November 19.