The Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled plans for a new $1.55 billion downtown arena, aiming to revitalize the East Market Street corridor. However, concerns have been raised about potential impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.
Here are some key questions being asked by city officials, commuters, and residents as they evaluate the project:
Where is the proposed arena located?
The arena site is on Market Street, between 10th and 11th Streets, replacing a portion of the Fashion District mall. The team believes this downtown location will boost consumer spending and economic growth.
What about pedestrian traffic control?
The development plans include multiple entry and exit points around the arena to manage foot traffic efficiently, considering the locations of transit stations and garages.
What are the parking options?
The development team estimates that 40% of fans will drive to the arena, with numerous public parking garages within walking distance. Fans can also prepay for parking when purchasing tickets.
How will traffic be impacted?
The new arena's location in Center City raises concerns about traffic congestion, especially during peak hours and game days. A traffic impact study suggests potential delays at nearby intersections.
What about rideshare services?
The arena plans to have designated rideshare zones nearby, accommodating a significant number of cars. However, managing crowds and traffic flow in densely populated areas like Center City remains a challenge.
Will there be road closures?
The development team initially planned full road closures on certain streets post-events but revised the plan following community feedback to avoid limiting access to emergency services.
How accessible is public transit?
The arena's proximity to regional rail, subway lines, and bus routes encourages the use of public transit. The Sixers plan to include transit costs in ticket prices for season ticket holders to promote public transit use.
The updated plans will be reviewed in the next Civic Design Review meeting, considering community input and traffic impact analysis.
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