City Council October 24, 2024
Reverend Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke gave the invocation, in part praying about citizens’ ability to speak truth to power and the ability of those elected citizens in power to be guided by truth.
Today’s hot topic was the proposal for 76 Place, the new arena to be built, and the gallery was full to capacity.
Communications from the Mayor included an Ordinance to grant the necessary authorizations for the City of Philadelphia to help facilitate the development, construction, and operation of the new arena of the Philadelphia 76ers professional basketball team and for other uses, including authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, and such other city officials as may be appropriate on behalf of the city to enter into the following agreements and take the following actions.
(1) Acquire fee simple title to all or portions of 1001 through 1025 Filbert Street, 1001 through 1019, and 1025 Market Street to gather the Market and Filbert Street properties,
(2) Acquire fee simple title to the other parcels of land, arial areas, and subsurface areas in the vicinity of the Market and Filbert Street properties, including without limitation those areas reverting to the city or other parties in connection with the striking of certain aerial portions of 10th Street between Market and Filbert Streets, the additional properties, and certain other nearby parcels and areas
(3) Enter into a ground lease agreement with the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development paid under which the city would lease to pave all or portions of Market or Filbert Street properties and additional properties, if any, and other parcels and sub-surface areas the city now owns in the vicinity of those properties, all of which collectively would constitute the arena site. For joining in or consent to a sublease and development agreement, the sublease between paid and either CBL Arena LLC and Arenaco, an entity affiliated with the Philadelphia 76ers LP, the 76ers, or another entity affiliated with the 76ers…etc.
The entire proposed legislative package contains 11 Ordinances and Resolutions, including real estate transactions, neighborhood improvement district areas, zoning, and adjustments to tax increment financing. The project is expected to generate $700 million in tax revenue for the city and school district, creating 1000 jobs in construction and operations. Philadelphia, being the sports town that it is, will be elated that this project, if approved by Council, will keep the franchise in the city for the next 37 years.
Councilmember Mark Squilla introduced 13 pieces of legislation for the project, saying, “I wouldn’t have introduced the legislation if I didn’t think I could vote for it.”
During Interim Chief Clerk Elizabeth McCollum-Nazario’s reading of the Ordinance, the gallery erupted in loud shouts of “Boo and No Arena” as citizens opposing the project (loudly) voiced their opposition. Council President Johnson was patient and appeared calm and composed, striking the gavel several times during the reading of the Ordinance while waiting for the noise to cease as the Sergeant at Arms called for quiet in the chamber. The disruption was quickly quelled by officers of the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office, with disrupters being escorted from the chamber.
Following the disruption, Council President Kenyatta Johnson said, “Listen up. We have a legislative agenda that will allow all of you ample time to come down to Council (several different opportunities) before this bill is voted on to express your opinions, pro or con. The process is open and transparent.”
A Resolution authorizing the appointment of Gary Grandees to the Board of Directors of City Avenue Special Services District of Philadelphia and Lower Merion.
Former Mayor Michael Nutter and former Councilmember Helen Gym were in attendance at Thursday’s Council session.
In closing, I’d say Reverend Councilmember O’Rourke may have struck a chord in the invocation with “Citizens speaking truth to power and citizens in power being guided by truth.”
If nothing else, today’s Council session leaves Philadelphians with a lot to think about. This week’s meeting was informative, with a tinge of drama and business as usual.
For the entire meeting, please visit www.phlcouncil.com. The next Council session will resume at 10 am on October 31, 2024, in the Council Chambers at Philadelphia City Hall.
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