Philadelphia’s historic Chinatown finds itself once again at the forefront of a battle against encroaching development projects, as plans for the construction of a new basketball arena for the Philadelphia 76ers, dubbed 76 Place, ignite outrage and opposition within the community.
With a rich history spanning over 150 years, Chinatown has steadfastly resisted numerous development endeavors, ranging from highway expansion projects to proposed prisons and casinos. Now, the community stands united in opposition to the $1.3 billion plan to build the 76ers arena just a block away from its southern boundary on Arch Street.
The proposed stadium has drawn sharp criticism from Chinatown residents and their allies, who argue that it poses a significant threat to the cultural integrity and vitality of the neighborhood. Many honorees of Metro Philadelphia’s 2024 AAPI Power Players list have voiced their concerns, highlighting the detrimental impact the arena would have on the community.
Wei Chen, civic engagement director at Asian Americans United, passionately advocates for the preservation of Chinatown, declaring, “No arena – Save my community from the 76 Place arena. Chinatown deserves to live!”
Jasper Liem, executive director at Attic Youth Center, underscores the importance of listening to community voices and actively working to preserve Philly’s Chinatown, one of the oldest in the country. He calls for a reevaluation of biases and the dismantling of the “model minority” concept.
Mary Zhou, artist and communications manager at Painted Bride, echoes the sentiment, urging opposition to the construction scheme for the new 76ers arena in order to safeguard Chinatown’s future.
The proposed 76 Place arena is not the first development project to threaten Chinatown. In 2000, plans were in motion to build a new Phillies stadium in the area, prompting a fierce resistance effort by the community, which ultimately led to the relocation of the project to South Philly.
John Chin, executive director of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation (PCDC), warns of the dire consequences posed by the arena, including the erosion of Chinatown culture, parking and traffic congestion, and the exacerbation of rent and housing displacement.
As Chinatown braces itself against yet another existential threat, the collective efforts of its residents and allies serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of community resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.