Deep divisions erupted Monday evening during the latest public comment session on the Proposal by the Philadelphia 76ers to build a $1.3 billion arena76 Place on Market East in Center City.
More than a hundred passionate residents stepped to the microphone in the council chamber and were each given one minute to make their voices heard views on the controversial project. More than sixty others were on the waiting list for a chance to speak.
Tensions flared when verbal clashes broke out between speakers, leading councilors to cut microphones during heated discussions.
Opponents of the project, including Chinatown residents, nursesteachers, faith leaders and musicians warned of potential negative consequences, ranging from increased crime and traffic to economic underperformance.
“Building this arena will certainly increase crime in Center City, increase traffic and almost certainly not deliver on its economic promise,” said Alan Silverman.
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Matthew Moskovitz expressed his skepticism about attracting suburban residents to use SEPTAsaying, “Can $3 million in ads convince suburbanites who are afraid of the city to park their oversized pickup trucks at the PATCO station and take the train?”
Third-generation Chinatown resident Shirley Moy said, “The power of the people is greater than the power of the people in power. If 90% of the community and 70% of Philadelphians are against it, the only vote you can cast is NO.”
Meanwhile, supporters, primarily members of IBEW Local 98 and other unionschampioned the project as a catalyst for revitalizing Market East.
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“The city needs this kind of help from 76 Place because we long for change and new development,” said Khadijah Sabir.
Mark Lynch added: “Create jobs, fix the city and look thirty years into the future.”
The Committee of the Whole will meet again on Tuesday, when Council members are expected to deliberate and possibly vote on the Arena bill.
Aziza Shuller
