Hundreds packed the inside of the Convention Center in Philadelphia on Wednesday for a meeting about the proposed 76 Place Arena, and just as many could be seen outside in a long line around the building. If approved the arena would stand on the border of Chinatown and developers say it wouldn’t disrupt the neighborhood. NBC10’s Brian Sheehan has what the mayor had to say as well as those that oppose the plan.
The fight over the proposed 76 Place in the heart of Chinatown continues.
There was a lot of interest in Wednesday night's meeting which was just announced days ago.
Several overflow rooms at the Convention Center were packed with people. Many coming to tell Mayor Cherelle Parker they do not want an arena in Center City.
“Before you decide whether our community live or dies, will you come on a tour of Chinatown with us? Will you look into our neighbor’s eyes and see their futures?” high school senior and Chinatown resident Faye said.
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Hundreds of people packed the main venue and overflow rooms while others waited in a long line outside of the building.
“My roots and everything that make me 'me,'”' come from this community of people who resisted and fought for young people like me to thrive," Point Breeze resident Cynthia explained.
Mayor Parker's office organized this event. The mayor has yet to take a firm position on the project.
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“Whatever decision we ultimately make, I need you to hear me: Chinatown, Washington Square West, Market East, you all matter to me and all of Philadelphia matters to me," Parker said.
The project has the support of many union members who spoke about the positive impacts the arena could have on the city while preserving Chinatown.
“Me being an African American, we were chased out of South Street. I don’t like it. I’m not gonna let you get chased out of Chinatown," Ryan Boyer, of the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, said.
Before the town hall, the Save Chinatown Coalition held a press conference to explain why they think this town hall is not enough to save the neighborhood.
This comes less than a week after thousands of people rallied against the proposed arena in Center City on Saturday, Sept. 7.
If approved, 76 Place will stand on the border of Chinatown at the site of the current Fashion District.
Those who oppose it though say it will cause congestion, indirect displacement and gentrification.
