On September 7, more than a thousand protesters gathered outside Philadelphia City Hall to rally against the proposed construction of Philadelphia 76ers basketball arena – 76 Place near Chinatown in Philadelphia.
The rally was organized by the Save Chinatown Coalition, with several community leaders and elected officials present to speak in support of the protest.
The 76ers proposed building a new basketball arena in the city center near Chinatown in 2022, with a budget of $1.3 billion. The new arena is planned to open in 2031, replacing the Wells Fargo Center as the 76ers’ new home arena.
Recently, four analysis reports on the proposed 76ers basketball arena were released. These reports, commissioned by the Philadelphia city government and compiled by independent consulting firms, outlined the potential benefits and negative impacts of the new arena.
From an economic standpoint, the arena is projected to generate $1.9 billion in economic benefits over 30 years, create hundreds of job opportunities, and contribute $390 million in new tax revenue. It is also expected to revitalize East Market Street in Philadelphia, attract businesses, and increase foot traffic. The arena is located near public transportation hubs to alleviate traffic congestion.
Additionally, the project promises to provide $50 million in community benefits, including support for affordable housing and local businesses.
However, opponents point out that the reports indicate the new arena could disrupt small businesses, transportation, and the social fabric of the community. The “Community Impact Assessment Report” warns that the new arena may lead to “a series of indirect impacts” and “potentially cause Chinatown to lose its core identity.”
Zi’ai Zhang, the secretary-general of the Pennsylvania Chinese Chamber of Commerce representing 38 organizations in Philadelphia’s Chinatown, expressed concerns of the Chinese community in Chinatown at the rally. He stated, “If the arena is built, Chinatown will lose its uniqueness.”
Zhang highlighted the 150-year history of Chinatown with over 300 businesses and a cultural home to over 20,000 people. He criticized the developers for false promises made to the community fund and warned that the entire city, not just Chinatown, would suffer due to the new arena. “We will fight to the end with the thousands here today,” he said.
Several elected officials also addressed the crowd, expressing their support for the Chinatown community.
Rick Krajewski, a Pennsylvania State Representative, stated, “We have seen other communities in West Philadelphia disappear as a template for what will happen to Chinatown: wealthy developers view our community as a cash sign, not a community with a rich history and cultural foundation.”
Philadelphia City Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We must stand with the people… Chinatown does not need a new arena.” His speech received enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Christopher Rabb, a Pennsylvania State Representative, emphasized the importance of unity among different communities, stating, “Our destinies are intertwined… Are you standing with billionaires or with Philadelphia?”
Nikil Saval, a Pennsylvania State Senator whose district includes Chinatown, also participated in the rally. Saval remarked, “The plan to build an arena in our city center poses a threat to Chinatown’s existence.” He underscored the historical significance of Chinatown and noted the community’s past resistance to unwelcome development projects.
During the rally, Eileen Ryan, a history professor at Temple University, expressed her views on the new arena. She stated, “Chinatown is an essential part of our city’s culture, and this new arena will destroy it.” Ryan believed the development project would only benefit a few while the city would incur more costs than benefits.
Kim Barbetta, a childcare worker from South Philadelphia, voiced her dissatisfaction with the plan to build a new arena. “I love Chinatown. I think this would destroy a critical part of our lives,” she told Daiji Times.
Jimena Violante, a young musician and Mexican immigrant living in Philadelphia, emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions. She said to Daiji Times, “We know the importance of maintaining our cultural traditions. Let’s save Chinatown and protect it.”
John Carney, the governor of Delaware, and a developer from New Jersey extended an olive branch to the 76ers, proposing considering building a new arena in their states.
Carney suggested an alternative plan to build a new arena in Wilmington, Delaware, highlighting the benefits of more accessible transportation and less community opposition.
Tim Sullivan, CEO of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, proposed constructing the new arena in Camden, New Jersey, citing the success of other sports facilities in the area. Sullivan stated that with the support of Governor Phil Murphy, they were prepared to work with the legislature to provide $500 million in state bonds to help fund the construction of the new arena.
In response to New Jersey’s proposal, the 76ers stated in a statement, “The reality is, if we are to open our new home before the 2031-32 NBA season, time is running out for us to reach an agreement. Therefore, we must seriously consider all possible options, including this one.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker emphasized the importance of keeping Philadelphia teams in the city in comments to reporters on September 4, stating, “The homes of all Philadelphia teams should be in Philadelphia; that is my top responsibility as mayor.” However, she noted that there was a process being followed in Philadelphia and they would let it run its course.