Coalition says 76ers CBA proposal is a “slap in the face”

A coalition of organizations in Philadelphia, including Chinatown-based groups, are criticizing a Community Benefits Agreement proposal from the Sixers. The NBA team is hoping to build a new arena near Philadelphia’s Chinatown.

The Sixers hope that the $50 million CBA in their arena proposal will be enough to community concerns. But community advocates say it’s a slap in the face. They’re calling on the Philadelphia City Council to reject the deal for a new arena unless the CBA reaches the minimum $300 million that several city council members originally proposed.

“The real needs of Philadelphians are not being met by this woefully inadequate and inappropriate $50 million,” Romana Lee-Akiyama, Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation said per a press release. “We urge all of Council to join with those who recognize that there is room to break the artificial ceiling of $50 million.” 

Community groups have been voicing their concerns about the new arena since it was proposed. Chinatown leaders noted that new arenas have historically not contributed to the neighborhoods they are in.

The CBA is an attempt to address the damage the new arena could do to Chinatown. It is a contract between the Sixers and community groups, where the Sixers make commitments to the neighborhood in exchange for community support for the arena.

In a recent hearing, CBS News reports, representatives from the Sixers told the city council that $300 million is “far beyond what we could do.” However, advocates say that the minimum must be upheld- $50 million is not enough.

“$50 million isn’t a benefit, it’s a robbery,” said Winfield Thomas, of the Brewerytown Sharswood Neighbors Coalition, in a press release. “This arena proposal affects us all including North Philly. We need Council to stand up and fight for the people of Philadelphia and negotiate a real investment.”