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‘Who do you work for?’: Opponents of Sixers arena proposal bring fight to City Council
The $1.55 billion development requires enabling legislation for demolition and construction to start. The team says it needs those approvals by the end of the year.
What you need to know
The 76ers have proposed moving to a new $1.55 billion arena near Chinatown called “76 Place”
The proposal has drawn swift condemnation, excitement, skepticism — and plenty of buzz
Black Clergy of Philadelphia has endorsed the project, while a majority of Chinatown businesses and other community members have voiced their opposition
Amid competing interests, the arena’s future remains uncertain
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The push to defeat the Sixers’ arena proposal is heating up.
Opponents gathered Thursday outside City Hall to denounce the development as part of a broader effort to persuade City Council to oppose it. The Sixers need lawmakers to pass enabling legislation before demolition and construction can start on the $1.55 billion project, including zoning and streets-related ordinances.
“Our question for City Council and Mayor Parker is this: Who do you work for? Do you work for the people of this city, or do you work for the billionaires who own the Sixers?” said Chinatown resident Jenny Zhang.
