Philadelphia Chinatown leaders and other community voiced their opposition to the proposed 76ers arena at a City Council hearing on Monday, FOX 29 reports.
The Sixers plan to build a new $1.3 billion arena near Chinatown. Business owners on Monday told the City Council that the six years of construction alone could kill their businesses.
Leaders also criticized the plan’s Community Benefits Agreement, developed as a way to include community concerns.
“You look at the CBA and it doesn’t reflect any of the conversations we’ve had about Chinatown’s need for protection,” Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation President John Chin, said per ABC 6.
The Sixers want a decision to be made by the end of the year, but Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents Chinatown, says it is unlikely.
“I think the last council session is December 12. I don’t think this can, in my opinion, I don’t see it passing by December 12,” he said per ABC 6.
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