Philadelphia City Council is set to vote on a package of bills that could pave the way for the construction of a new Sixers arena in Center City. The vote, scheduled for Thursday, comes after a city council committee overwhelmingly approved amendments, including a $60 million Community Benefits Agreement to address concerns from impacted communities.
Philadelphia City Council will vote Thursday on a package of bills that could authorize the construction and operation of a new Sixers arena in Center City . City Council will vote on 11 of 26 bills introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents the Center City district. The bills must be voted on by all 17 members of council and receive a majority approval to pass.
The council meeting is expected to include public comment on all legislation up for final passage and speeches from councilmembers. If the Sixers arena legislation passes, demolition of parts of the Fashion District would start in June 2026. Construction would start in the summer of 2028, and the 18,500-seat arena is planned for completion in the summer of 2031. The vote comes a week after a city council committee overwhelmingly passed amendments, including a $60 million Community Benefits Agreement paid for by the Sixers to help Chinatown and other communities impacted by the arena. Mayor Cherelle Parker, who has advocated for the Center City arena plan, called last Thursday's vote a 'monumental action' that 'extends far beyond basketball'. The council committee passed the series of bills 12-4, ahead of the full council vote. Protesters flooded council chambers during last week's vote, yelling and chanting in opposition of the arena. The vote was scrubbed four different times before they reconvened to pass the package of bills last Thursday morning. Community groups, including representatives from Chinatown, have expressed fear of being displaced as others opponents criticize the project for being rushed, claiming decisions were made behind closed doors
Sixers Arena Philadelphia City Council Center City Community Benefits Agreement Construction
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