Kelsey McGovern, Staff Writer

On Sept. 19, Mayor Cherelle Parker endorsed the new 76ers arena to be relocated to Center City, stating, “Our Sixers are staying home” in a video on CBS News. A proposal from New Jersey to move the arena to Camden’s waterfront prompted Parker to prioritize keeping the 76ers in Philadelphia. She views this as a positive extension to the community, emphasizing the influx of tax revenue and the creation of hundreds of jobs in Philadelphia, which will bring in $1.3 billion in private investment, according to CBS News.

The 76ers’ lease at the Wells Fargo Center expires in 2031, making efforts to establish the new arena urgent. The City Council still needs to approve Parker’s endorsement, which gives the Chinatown community hope of preserving their neighborhood. The Sixers have expressed gratitude, stating, “We are grateful to Mayor Parker and her team for their time and diligence in evaluating our proposal and look forward to advancing to the next steps with City Council.”

However, the Chinatown community has actively protested the project, fearing it will harm the neighborhood and lead to gentrification rather than revitalization. The Save Chinatown Coalition has voiced their concerns, arguing that local businesses and residents will be displaced and that traffic will increase. The proposed arena would be located at 10th and 11th streets and Market and Filbert streets, alongside a high-rise building with 395 residential units. Community members worry the arena will alter the character of their neighborhood.

Residents are frustrated that Mayor Parker has not engaged with many Chinatown members to discuss the potential impacts of the project on their daily lives and culture. According to WHYY, the community recently celebrated their Mid-Autumn Festival, showcasing their culture that they fear could be jeopardized if the arena is approved. Wei, the festival’s founder, stated, “The crowds here, the energy, is a testament to how this community sustains culture and sustains identity for so many people in this area.”

The power to fully approve this proposal now lies with the City Council, which will hold public hearings allowing the Chinatown community to voice their opinions. Supporters of the project believe the arena will bring more business to Chinatown, while many residents fear they will be displaced.

On Twitter former Eagles player Jason Kelce has used his platform to support the Chinatown community, advocating for the team to remain at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. Some 76ers fans are strongly against the possible move to Camden, insisting the team belongs in Philadelphia, not New Jersey.