The Philadelphia 76ers have released new details about agreements over a proposed arena near Chinatown. The release comes days after community leaders objecting to the arena criticized developers for pushing the project forward secretly.
The 76ers said Thursday that they will buy the land for the arena and give it to the city at no cost, CBS News reports. They have also agreed to remove the arena from a Tax Increment Financing agreement that would run through 2035.
“We always knew that this would be a net benefit for the city, so we’re really excited to share that with all your viewers, the residents and citizens of Philadelphia,” billionaire developer David Adelman told 6ABC.
But many in the community do not share Adleman’s sentiments.
Executives with the 76ers announced the proposal for 76 Place at Market East last July. It was immediately met with objections. The new arena would be located in Center City a block away from Chinatown. Chinatown residents fear that it would lead to displacement and disruption of the Chinese American community.
For over a year, community leaders have lead protests against the arena plans. The 76ers held a community meeting in December 2022 to discuss the arena but protests have persisted.
Last week, Chinatown community leaders and their allies held a press conference asking Councilman Mark Squilla to ensure that the project would only continue with community support as he previously promised.
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