Philadelphia City Council began tackling the 76ers new arena project last week by introducing a bill focused on construction projects. Earlier this year, the city of Philadelphia was locked in a battle for the arena, as nearby New Jersey also offered the NBA team a site for their new home. However, leadership in Philadelphia finally landed on a space on the edge of Chinatown, leading to passionate protests from locals back in September.
The protests continued during the city council meeting as opponents and supporters gathered inside and outside of the meeting and disrupted proceedings. The meeting had to be stopped for nearly ten minutes while protestors and supporters shouted.
Related: Philadelphia's Proposal for New 76ers Arena Location Met with Protests
Among the protestors were Chinatown locals and business owners, and they faced construction trade workers and 76ers fans who support the new arena. All was peaceful in the meeting until the clerk introduced the construction bill, then one shout from the protestors started the 10-minute-long interruption. The protestors held signs that said, “We Talkin’ Bout Billionaires.” And “Sixers Property Tax Bill = $0.” Some of the protestors were forcibly removed from the council meeting. Meanwhile, the supporters outside held signs that said, “Let us go to work.” and “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.”
Council member Mark Squilla told Fox29 Philadelphia, “The opposition has really led us, and the concerns that we’ve heard from the opposition has led us to this point. We get to hear what their concerns are and how we as council can mitigate these concerns.”
Squilla also said that the bill includes provisions for affordable housing and protections for small businesses in the area, but it appears these assurances have done little to ease protestors’ concerns. Now that the bill has been introduced, it will go to committee for testimony with the goal of being approved by the end of the year.
In a statement following the city council meeting, the Philadelphia 76ers said in a public statement, “One step closer with a lot of work to do."
