{"id":1197,"date":"2023-09-28T18:12:07","date_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:12:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/76place.com\/?p=1197"},"modified":"2023-09-28T18:12:08","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:12:08","slug":"phillymag-you-ask-76ers-answer-community-benefits-of-76-place","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/76place.com\/phillymag-you-ask-76ers-answer-community-benefits-of-76-place\/","title":{"rendered":"PhillyMag: You Ask, 76ers Answer: Community Benefits of 76 Place"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

76 Place at Market East<\/a>, the 76ers\u2019 newly proposed arena, aims to serve as a model for equitable, inclusive community development. The 76ers have been on a listening tour and conducting research to better understand both the needs, concerns and opportunities of the communities surrounding the proposed site, as well as solutions that will help ensure the project is a win for everyone. Input from community stakeholders has already informed updates to the proposal and will continue to inform the structure of a $50-million Community Benefits Agreement \u2014 the largest in Philadelphia\u2019s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During recent information sessions, questions were asked regarding community impact and benefits. Here are some of those questions and responses to provide clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the \u201ccommunity listening tour,\u201d and what is that information being used for?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 76ers have had more than 75 meetings with community groups, local businesses, neighborhood associations, and cultural organizations. These meetings have provided critical feedback. In response, updates have been made to the site\u2019s proposal since it was first announced, including raising the arena up one floor to provide space for ground floor retail and adding a residential building that will add affordability and activity to the area. Both the retail and residential additions will bring more people to the area, supporting local businesses and ensuring the site is active and vibrant year-round\u2014two priorities that have been consistently voiced by community stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Will there be a community impact study?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes. The City of Philadelphia is currently undergoing a community impact study. The City has selected the consultants for the study and will manage the overall process. The 76ers provided the funding for the study to avoid the use of taxpayer dollars to review their proposal, but the team and its ownership were not involved in the selection of the consultants and have no sign-off on the studies\u2019 contents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will be included in the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA)?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 76ers have committed to investing $50 million for a legally binding CBA to support priorities of communities around the site, ensure economic opportunity for communities of color, and address community concerns. Based on community feedback, the CBA for this project could include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n