Opponents of the Sixers Arena bring fight to Philadelphia City Council

One of the studies examines the impact the project could have on communities near the proposed site, including Chinatown, and concludes that the neighborhood's “core identity could be significantly compromised or lost” if the arena were built.

While large companies or corporations in the area could benefit from the project, the study found that only one in five small businesses in Chinatown would see “positive net economic benefits from the arena.” Half of the neighborhood's small businesses could be negatively affected and indirectly displaced, the study said.

Consultants pointed out that Chinatown is car-dependent, meaning additional traffic congestion could exacerbate an existing problem by making the area more difficult to navigate. The study also mentions that most small business owners would be vulnerable to rent increases. Only a quarter of small business owners own the property in which they operate.

“This development would trigger a wave of economic displacement and real estate speculation, displacing the very businesses and families that have kept Chinatown and our city alive for generations,” said Rev. Robin Hynicka during Thursday's press conference.

Other critics fear that traffic could create a safety crisis if ambulances had to fight through the traffic jam to get to Jefferson University Hospital near 11th and Chestnut Streets.

A citywide poll commissioned by the Save Chinatown Coalition found that 80% of registered voters are concerned that congestion could hinder access to Jefferson.

“It is absolutely unthinkable that the city would consider a project that would so severely damage patients' access to health care,” medical student Rhicki Santos said Thursday.

The Sixers expect most fans will use public transportation, take an Uber or taxi, or walk to the new arena. Fans who drive will likely use existing parking garages.

One of the studies released last week concluded that having 40% of fans travel by public transport was “achievable but not a given”. The consultants also concluded that if more than 40% of fans travelled to the arena by car, there would be “traffic congestion at key intersections”.

The Sixers have remained largely silent since the studies were released, saying in a statement that the team “will have more to say when we are able to complete a full analysis.”

“But it is already clear that they support what we have been saying since 76 Place was first announced: The arena is an appropriate use for Center City and will create a lot of new jobs and tax revenue because Philadelphia can support two arenas,” a spokesman said.