Broad Street Brief Special Edition: City Council Passes Arena Legislation

December 19, 2024

On Thursday, December 19, the Philadelphia City Council approved an 11-bill legislative package that will permit the Philadelphia 76ers to construct a new $1.3 billion arena in Market East. The bills include zoning changes, land transfers, and the creation of a special services district for improved public cleaning and safety near the arena, as well as a $60 million community benefits agreement and an economic opportunity plan. The majority of bills passed by a 12-5 vote, with the exception of a bill that authorizes the creation of a new Chinatown Overlay District, which passed by a 14-3 vote. A summary of votes follows:

Aye on All Bills

  • Council President Kenyatta Johnson (D-District 2)
  • Councilmember Mark Squilla (D-District 1)
  • Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. (D-District 4)
  • Councilmember Mike Driscoll (D-District 6)
  • Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (D-District 7)
  • Councilmember Cindy Bass (D-District 8)
  • Councilmember Anthony Phillips (D-District 9)
  • Councilmember Brian O’Neill (R-District 10)
  • Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson (D-At Large)
  • Councilmember Isaiah Thomas (D-At Large)
  • Councilmember Jim Harrity (D-At Large)
  • Councilmember Nina Ahmad (D-At Large)

Nay on All Bills

  • Councilmember Jeffery Young (D-District 5)
  • Councilmember Kendra Brooks (WFP-At Large)
  • Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke (WFP-At Large)

Mixed Votes

  • Councilmember Jamie Gauthier (D-District 3): Nay on all bills except bill 241062-A
  • Councilmember Rue Landau (D-At Large): Nay on all bills except bill 241062-A

Mayor Cherelle Parker, who publicly endorsed the project in September, actively advocated for the project’s approval. She emphasized its potential to revitalize Market Street, create jobs, and make Philadelphia a destination while affirming the City’s commitment to protecting Chinatown and ensuring the project benefits the broader community.

The bills now head to Mayor Parker’s desk for her signature. With this final legislative hurdle cleared, the arena is expected to be completed in time for the 2031 NBA season. Demolition of the western third of the Fashion District mall is slated to begin in 2026, with construction set to start in 2028.

Authors

About Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies

Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies, an affiliate of the international law firm Cozen O’Connor, is a bipartisan government relations practice representing clients before the federal government and in cities and states throughout the country. With offices in Washington D.C., Richmond, Albany, New York City, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Chicago, and Santa Monica, the firm’s public strategies professionals offer a full complement of government affairs services, including legislative and executive branch advocacy, policy analysis, assistance with government procurement and funding programs, and crisis management. Its client base spans multiple industries, including healthcare, transportation, hospitality, education, construction, energy, real estate, entertainment, financial services, and insurance.

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