This week, Philadelphia City Council held more hearings on the proposed 76ers arena, and public comment sessions were decidedly against proceeding with the building of the structure, as they have been since the beginning of the process.
This week brought further legislation advancing the project forward in the form of two bills:
Bill No. 240963
An Ordinance amending the existing Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District, being the area generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 8th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west, and Market Street on the south, to remove certain portions of such property generally bounded by Filbert Street on the north, 10th Street on the east, 11th Street on the west, and Market Street on the south from such District, and approving the amended project plan of the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development for the redevelopment of the Gallery at Market East Tax Increment Financing District and making certain findings and declarations, all in accordance with the Tax Increment Financing Act, being the Act of July 11, 1990, P.L. 465, No. 113, as amended, and authorizing the Director of Finance and other offices of the City to execute documents and do all things necessary to carry out the intent of this Ordinance.
Bill No. 240964
An Ordinance authorizing the City of Philadelphia to organize an authority to be known as The Arena Services District Authority, pursuant to the terms of the Pennsylvania Municipality Authorities Act, all under certain terms and conditions.
Sabrina Maynard, the incoming Budget Director, explained the TIF (tax increment financing) legislation as an amendment to an already existing TIF, established in 2015, to remove the 100 block of Market Street. This parcel of land would be added to the boundaries of the arena area and subject to PILOT and other negotiated payments as part of the arena plan.
TIFs are a mechanism used across the commonwealth to fund revitalization projects by issuing bonds, whose debt will be paid by the increase in tax revenue generated from the improvements.
Mike Carroll, Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, acknowledged the many concerns around the project as “legitimate.”
“At the same time,” Carroll said. “ Mayor Parker asserts that the challenges associated with building and operating the 76ers Place arena should be put in perspective, and the administration and the proponents of this project should be allowed to address those concerns in good faith.”
Saying passage of the legislation would be “an auspicious step towards tacking community concerns and promoting both the quality of life and a welcoming business environment in the context of construction and operation of the arena,” Carroll said creating the authority would make the city and developers accountable to the community.
Other concerns remain, as the council still has not received an actual plan regarding public transportation. Despite flex funding approved by Governor Josh Shapiro that will meet SEPTA’s immediate needs, the long-term fiscal health of the public transit agency is still in doubt.
When asked by Councilmember Quetcy Lozada what the two biggest community concerns were regarding the project, Carroll answered traffic and quality of life issues.
“I think the perception is that it’s going to be a madhouse,” Carroll said about traffic concerns during events at the arena. “(The perception is) there are going to be a lot of security issues, that there’s going to be litter, and that it’s going to diminish the feel of the existing neighborhoods.”
Citing investments meant to alleviate these concerns, such as new lighting and cameras and the implementation of the Arena Services District, Carroll believes these issues can be mitigated.
Regarding traffic, Carroll said the situation “required focus,” but the proposed arena is not analogous to the bigger city arenas. Carroll said there would also be no tailgating, which would keep most activity inside the arena and not disrupt the surrounding neighborhoods.
Arean hearings in the Committee of the Whole will continue next week. The council has added an extra stated meeting for December 19th, which would allow for the final passage of the entire legislative package before the end of the calendar year.
Our reporters sit through hours of city council meetings, dig through piles of documents, and ask tough questions other media overlook. Because we’re committed to addressing Philadelphia’s poverty crisis — and challenging those who sustain it. If you think this work is important too, please support our journalism.
We’re counting on readers like you.
