Last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker made a bold statement by throwing her support behind the 76ers’ arena proposal on Market Street. This decision has sparked controversy, with Chinatown activists raising concerns about the potential impact on local businesses and residents. The plan is set to go before the Philadelphia City Council during the upcoming fall legislative session.
While Mayor Parker has taken a clear stance on the issue, the position of the legislature remains unclear. The approval of at least nine out of the 17 council members is required for the arena construction bills to move forward. As of now, most council members have not publicly expressed their support or opposition to the proposal.
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During a public meeting last Wednesday, Mayor Parker revealed that drafts of the proposed ordinances related to the arena construction had been posted on the city’s website. These bills are expected to be introduced during the council’s meeting on October 24th.
As the debate over the 76ers arena continues, let’s take a closer look at where each elected representative stands regarding the plans. This article will be updated as council members announce their positions or if there are any changes.
| Support arena plan | Oppose arena plan | Uncommitted/No response |
| 1 | 3 | 13 |
Mark Squilla
1st District | Democrat
Councilmember Squilla, representing Chinatown and parts of Center City, holds a key role in the process. He has pledged to share any legislation related to the arena with community stakeholders before it is presented to the council. While he has not taken a definitive stance on the plan yet, he remains a crucial figure in the decision-making process.
“We have not seen the legislation yet, therefore CM Squilla has not yet taken a position,” a spokesperson for the council member stated.
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