Philadelphia City Council is beginning the process of approving the newly proposed Sixers arena.
Council members passed the first of two resolutions related to the arena, which would allow it to be built on city-owned land.
However, five council members voted against the resolution after receiving a letter from the No Arena Coalition on Thursday morning.
The letter requested that the council postpone any votes on arena-related legislation until after the public hearings on the project, or that they vote “no.”
The public hearings are scheduled to start on November 12.
The letter also urged the council to exercise its authority to ask questions before leaving the decision up to Mayor Cherelle Parker for final approval.
Council members Jamie Gauthier, Rue Landau, Nicolas O’Rourke, Kendra Brooks, and Jeff Young Jr. all voted against it.
“Today’s vote shouldn’t be seen as opposition to the proposed 76ers arena. Councilmember Gauthier will decide whether to support or oppose the arena after the council’s hearings,” a spokesperson for Gauthier stated to NBC10. “She has several important questions that need answers, particularly regarding the insufficient CBA and EOP. Until she receives clarification on these issues, she cannot support any actions that advance the proposed arena, even if they are procedural. This process should not be rushed.”
This follows a tumultuous city council meeting where the arena legislation was introduced and disrupted by protesters opposing the arena.
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