Philadelphia's roadmap to host a new home for the Sixers took a decisive turn as the City Council's Committee of the Whole voted to favorably report from committee legislation that would greenlight the development of a $1.3 billion arena in Center City. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker lauded the committee's decision, which she believes represents a significant milestone in the city's economic development history. She emphasized that the project went well beyond the parameters of basketball, marking it as a transformative economic endeavor for Philadelphia, according to the city's official website.
In her statement, obtained by phila.gov, Mayor Parker expressed her gratitude to the council members, “I first want to commend City Council for all of the due diligence and hard work that it brought to this process before it voted in the Committee of the Whole to report favorably from committee the key legislative pieces necessary for the arena project to move forward." Parker's focus was on the Council's diligence and collaborative spirit in the run-up to this pivotal vote.
The legislative process saw active participation from several council members, with particular acknowledgment directed towards Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Mark Squilla. Mayor Parker praised Johnson's "stewardship and management of this complex process" and acknowledged Squilla's contributions and open communication throughout. In her statement, Mayor Parker noted, "They’ve been accessible and willing to communicate at all times, and I thank them for all of their intergovernmental collaboration," as noted by phila.gov.
Additional council members were also commended for their affirmative votes, with Mayor Parker showing appreciation for their legislative leadership. Among those thanked were Councilmembers Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Isaiah Thomas, Cindy Bass, Curtis Jones Jr., Mike Driscoll, Quetcy Lozada, Anthony Phillips, Brian O’Neill, Nina Ahmad, and Jim Harrity. Parker stated, "I am grateful to each of them for their legislative leadership." This step forward illustrates a continued effort to firmly establish not only the economic infrastructure but also to revitalize the cultural vibrancy of the city through the projected arena, as per the City's website.
