In a stunning reversal, the Philadelphia 76ers have reached an agreement with Comcast Spectacor to remain at the location of the current arena in the South Philadelphia sports stadium district.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the deal this morning and AsAmNews has independently confirmed a new agreement has been reached.
This means the controversial plan just approved by the City Council to build a new arena just outside of Philadelphia Chinatown is right now off the table.
Our source spoke on the condition of being allowed to remain anonymous saying the mayor and Comcast should be allowed to take the lead on explaining the deal first. A news conference is expected to be held Monday morning.
The arena proposed for Center City area at the Fashion City Mall has long been opposed by Chinatown residents who fear they would be squeezed out by higher rents, gentrification and increased traffic.
Late today, the The No Arena in the Heart of Our City Coalition said “We’re relieved to hear that the nightmare of a Center City Sixers arena will not haunt our city any more. To every Philadelphian who called, marched, testified, and warned City Hall that this was a raw deal: This win belongs to you.”
They are planning a news conference Monday afternoon.
Asian Americans United this afternoon also applauded the new agreement.
“The people of Philadelphia deserve a city that serves ALL communities,” the group said in a statement quoted by WHYY. “Our work continues and remains cautious to protect precious neighborhoods from exploitative development, but for now let’s celebrate together.”
The Philadelphia Building & Construction Trades Council told NBC Philadelphia the team plans to demolish Wells Fargo Center to make way for a new arena.
“We actually get more jobs. For the building trades, this is good news,” said Ryan Boyer, president of the Trades Council.
Councilmember Mark Squilla represents Chinatown and introduced the original proposal to the council. He told the Inquirer he had nothing to do with the new deal but is not upset about it.
“This might end up actually being the best-case scenario. We can reimagine Market Street without an arena, have people committed to … investing in it and still have a new arena in South Philly.”
However, not everyone supports the new deal.
“I’m so livid right now I don’t even know what to do,” said Jimmy Harrity, one of the councilmembers who supported the Chinatown arena, said to the Inquirer “I feel as though I was used as a pawn.”
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For those living in Philadelphia, Keep tabs on the council members who supported this plan.