Broad Street Brief: Arena or Research Hub for Center City?

City Hall

City Council Returns From Summer Recess

The Philadelphia City Council returned today after a summer recess, with all eyes fixed on the future of the proposed Sixers arena in Center City and potential developments regarding business tax cuts based on the upcoming Tax Reform Commission report. During Thursday’s meeting, the City Council committed to investigating the reliability of regional area median income as a metric for housing affordability, evaluating the City’s progress toward its Vision Zero goals and preparedness for multiple major events in 2026, and identifying the steps necessary to close the City’s detention center, among other priorities.

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New Law Revamping Nonprofit Contracting Processes to Take Effect

A new law requiring nonprofits to undergo the same bidding process as other firms for City contracts will take effect next July, despite being  returned to City Council by Mayor Cherelle Parker unsigned.

City Leaders Propose Safety Improvements for Cyclists, Pedestrians

Mayor Parker, members of City Council, and other Philadelphia officials are responding to recent cyclist and pedestrian fatalities by proposing safety improvements such as protected bike lanes and new curbside policies. They are also engaging in legislative efforts at both the city and state levels to implement long-term infrastructure changes aimed at making streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

Around Town

New Comcast Spectacor Proposal Envisions Fashion District as BioMed Research Hub

A new proposal by Comcast Spectacor would convert Philadelphia’s struggling Fashion District mall into a biomedical research hub rather than a new Center City arena for the Sixers. The plan was presented to a community group last week and envisions the mall’s transformation to support both medical research and retail.

PPA Increases Residential Parking Rate, Limits Permits Per Household

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) announced that Philadelphia’s residential parking permit rates will increase to a flat $75 per permit, with a new limit of three permits per household. Temporary parking permits will also see price hikes, and the process for obtaining them will move online. The changes are intended to give residents a fairer chance at finding parking and to reduce the number of vehicles in these areas.

Philadelphia Gas Commission Restricts Public Involvement in PGW Budget Process

The Philadelphia Gas Commission approved new rules last week that limit third-party involvement in the Philadelphia Gas Works’ (PGW) budgeting process, aiming for greater efficiency. The new regulations will undergo review and could be revised based on public feedback.

Police Misconduct Lawsuits Cost Taxpayers $60M in 18 Months

Philadelphia taxpayers have spent $60 million on police misconduct lawsuits in the past 18 months, primarily due to wrongful conviction cases. This spending surge is expected to continue as more cases are pending, potentially costing the city over $120 million.

Temple Reports Significant Drop in Crime

As Temple University begins a new semester, the institution is also reporting a significant drop in crime alongside new security measures, including license plate-reading cameras and advanced training technology.

Election Update

National Constitution Center Prepares to Host its First-Ever General Election Presidential Debate

The National Constitution Center, no stranger to serving as the venue for significant political events on the national stage and promoting civil dialogue, will add another feather in its cap next week when it hosts its first-ever general election presidential debate. Both candidates have agreed to the debate rules, including muted microphones, despite contentious negotiations between their campaigns.

The Eagles Have Not Endorsed VP Harris for President

A fake political ad featuring Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia Eagles gear was removed from several city bus stops Tuesday morning, with the Eagles and the ad company stressing that the ads were unauthorized and do not represent their endorsement.

Suburban Spotlight

NJ Doubles Down on Efforts to Bring Sixers Arena to Camden

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy proposed up to $400 million in tax incentives for developing a Sixers arena in Camden, alongside a broader redevelopment project. This move intensifies competition with Philadelphia’s ongoing debate about a new arena, with both cities vying for the team’s potential relocation. Mayor Parker responded by emphasizing that keeping the team in Philadelphia is a priority.

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