Sixers arena: Residents react after approval of controversial new arena
PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia 76ers are moving to Market Street.
Philadelphia City Council passed a series of bills Thursday, approving the team’s controversial new arena in Center City, despite a contentious council meeting.
While the plan is moving forward, a lot of people are still divided.
"I feel like it’s not going to work," said Dijon Moise.
Doubt remains about the future of Center City near Chinatown even with the Sixers getting final approval from City Council to build a new arena in the Market East area.
Sixers arena: City Council approves Sixers' Center City arena plan
Philadelphia City Council approved 11 bills that approved a plan for a new Sixers arena in Center City. Construction of the 18,500-seat arena won't begin until 2028, and won't be completed until 2031.
"It’s a lot of traffic. You can look around right now. Having an arena here with a bunch of people coming back and forth, it is going to make it an easier opportunity for robberies after games and it is really going to be just too much going on," said Moise, standing near 11th and Market.
Kara Wilson, her kids, mom and mother-in-law were headed inside Hard Rock Cafe at 12th and Market Thursday evening. They are a huge sports family. They live in Ardmore and mom says having the arena in the city will be a plus for them, with easier access to the train line from the suburbs.
"We come into the city often on the train. I think we would easily come in especially for an earlier time or a seven o’clock. Especially as they get older and their bedtime is later. They really enjoy sports events and my husband is a super big Philadelphia sports fan," said Wilson.
The vote today did not happen easily.
"This meeting has come to order. We are asking everyone to please clear the floor," said Council President Kenyatta Johnson. Police and sheriffs took away in cuffs protesters allegedly interfering with the process in council chambers. The bills passed 12-5.
The most vocal opponent, the Chinatown community, was visibly upset about losing a nearly two-and-a-half-year fight against the arena plan with concerns they will be forced out of their historic neighborhood nearby. The mayor stood firm on the decision.
"The City Council has taken momentous action on this $1.3 billion economic plan for Philadelphia, that extends well beyond basketball," said Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Meanwhile, as word spread on the street, the harsh reality set in.
"They already approved it so there’s nothing we can do about it, as a people," said Moise.
Unions also packed the chamber for the vote. They have been supportive of the project with an interest in construction jobs.
In a statement, the 76ers thanked the mayor and other city officials, saying they recognize how important this project is for the revitalization of the city.