Op Ed: Mayor Parker Endorsement of Sixers Arena. What Now?

Since its release in 2022, the Sixers Arena proposal in Market East has faced significant backlash from several community groups, especially representing Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Opponents of the arena contest that its construction would significantly increase downtown traffic and threaten the lives of hospital patients in Market East; furthermore, they contend that the existence of an arena would fail to achieve its goal of reviving the area and only increase nearby rent prices. Thereby, threatening Asian residents and businesses in Chinatown, similar to the effects of D.C.’s Capital One Arena, the Sixers Arena could stand to devastate Philadelphia’s Chinatown. The fight against the arena development has ramped up in the past month, with a march and rally at City Hall, followed days after by a community meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker at the Convention Center. A week later, on September 18th, the mayor issued an endorsement of the proposed Sixers Arena, emphasizing the supposed economic benefits and novelty of the legislation. Parker even addressed the Chinatown community directly, “To the people of Chinatown, please know that I hear you.” This statement came as a disappointment to many, as a majority of Philadelphia voters do not support the construction of the proposed Sixers Arena. 

In an attempt to convince the public of the projected benefits of the new arena, the Sixers issued several impact studies from four independent consultant companies to share with the public. On August 27th, the impact studies were finally released and offered a mixed prediction of the benefits and drawbacks of a proposed Sixers Arena. Businesses in the food, hotel, and entertainment sectors, which comprise 20% of the area’s commerce, would see increased revenue and tax revenue. However, rent would increase, harming the 75% of small business owners in Chinatown who rent their spaces. The report also confirms that the arena would cause gentrification in Chinatown, which would displace the residents and small businesses that preserve the area’s rich heritage today, a main concern of those protesting against the arena. 

The Sixers believe that the report is largely positive, arguing that their traffic and parking goals are achievable and that the increased job opportunities and tax revenue from the arena, as well as the affordable housing units they argue the arena would create, outweigh any possible negative impacts. They also emphasized that the arena would create jobs for the Black community in particular. While some argue that this is only a distraction from the fact that the main benefits of the plan fall to large corporations, members of the NAACP and the Black Clergy of Philadelphia support this view. 

However, the studies released in August were not convincing enough to many Philadelphians that the city would benefit from the arena. A poll from Cornell Belcher, commissioned by the Save Chinatown Coalition, shows that 69% of Philadelphia voters oppose the arena when presented with the potential impacts. Only 18% of voters support it. Vivian Chang, executive director of Asian Americans United and a Save Chinatown Coalition member said that the analysis, even with its dubious predictions, failed to fully anticipate the financial impact the arena would have on Chinatown: “As we continue carefully reviewing these documents in the coming days, it is clear these are not the studies the community asked for or the city needs.” In response to these concerns, many Philadelphians are taking action to oppose the arena.

On Saturday, September 7th, a crowd, spanning the entire north side of city hall gathered to uplift voices in opposition to the Sixers Arena. Among the speakers included several first-generation Chinatown residents, state representatives pledging their solidarity with the community, a Jefferson medical student concerned over the harmful effects of traffic congestion on nearby hospitals, as well as a school district teacher sharing their students’ love for Chinatown. Their testimonies made it clear that the construction of a Sixers Arena is both an attack on culture and the larger scope of politics.  Many opponents of the arena point to interest groups “lining the pockets” of city politicians to prioritize an arena over the lives and perspectives of working-class Philadelphians. Rev. Greg Edwards, executive director of POWER Interfaith and a member of the Save Chinatown Coalition, stated: “Let's be clear: Billionaire developers will benefit the most from 76 Place, and these studies are window dressing to obscure that fact. Don't fall for it. The truth is 76 Place won't pay any property taxes.”

At around 2:30 pm, a heavy downpour began, and protesters sought shelter under the confines of City Hall; others huddled around strangers’ umbrellas. As an attendee myself, I was touched by how so many communities showed up to unite under the single message—No Arena in Chinatown. For young people especially, Chinatown is a beacon of culture and solace. While other spaces in Center City, such as the Fashion District Mall, bar adolescents from entering after 2 pm, businesses in Chinatown welcome young people. Sabrina Leong (11-3), a junior at Masterman and life-time resident of Chinatown, says that her family first moved to the neighborhood in the 1980s. Her family has had the honor of watching the community transform and expand into the vibrant place it is today. When asked about proposed Sixers Arena and its the potential effects on Chinatown, Sabrina expressed her disapproval, “In my head, it has always been home. I wouldn't want to see it change in any way.” Sabrina worries about the harm that gentrification could pose on the Asian businesses and residents in Chinatown, “The same thing happened to Washington D.C.'s Chinatown (after the construction of the Capital One Arena). They have an arch, but that's basically it. It’s not a Chinatown. The people cannot afford to live there.” Like many others, Sabrina attended the rally and march in support of Chinatown that Saturday. She recalls, “Being at the march was empowering. It wasn't just one demographic there, but people of all races, ethnicities, and ages supporting us.” 

While the mayor has expressed her support of the arena proposal, a majority of city council members must also vote in favor of the proposal in order to pass it. The city council has pledged to hold a vote no sooner than October 24th, 30 days after the public has had a chance to review the legislation in question. That means that there is still time for local political engagement to turn the tide of this decision. There is still time to call your representatives. There is still time to amplify the voices that have long been ignored. There is still time to save Chinatown.