Tag: New 76ers Arena

Xu Lin, a restaurant owner, said that after the Philadelphia 76ers unexpectedly announced their plan to build a sports arena adjacent to the neighborhood, he was worried that the safe space might erode. He is one of many Chinatown community members, business owners and organizations that formed a coalition to speak out against the proposal, which they say was developed without their input.

Critics say the project threatens to gentrify the enclave, bringing economic pressures to the community and negatively affecting the surrounding environment long-term. Frustrated residents add that they have repeatedly had to fend off similar projects that failed to include their voices. And given the financial strain the area has had to shoulder due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent waning of the economy, some worry that the arena could serve as a final tipping point.

A spokesperson for Mayor Jim Kenney said that it was “exciting” to hear about the arena proposal. They added that they are “looking forward” to the development team’s community engagement process. However, City Council member Helen Gym, whom the 76ers said they had contacted for input about the project, said she was given less than 24 hours’ notice before the proposal was announced. “They would be wise to be in concert with Chinatown and to actually have Chinatown drive the project,” Gym said. “Not the other way around.”