Eighth District Councilmember Cindy Bass joined 11 colleagues Thursday to vote in support of the city’s controversial $1.3 billion 76ers arena project, marking a crucial step forward in one of Philadelphia's most contentious legislative battles since Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council President Kenyatta Johnson took office in January. 

Bass, who represents several Northwest Philadelphia neighborhoods, told the Local on Monday that she intends to vote for the project this Thursday, Dec. 19, when the full Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the matter. The Committee of the Whole's majority vote last Thursday suggests the council is likely to approve the arena, which is projected to open for the 2031-32 NBA season.

Throughout public hearings on the matter, Bass pressed both the Parker administration and team representatives on SEPTA's ability to handle increased service demands, particularly given the transit authority's current financial struggles. The question of how the cash-strapped authority will fund additional trains for post-game service remains unresolved, especially as SEPTA faces potential fare increases and service cuts amid contract negotiations with its union workforce. 

“I still have some concerns regarding the funding required to make SEPTA whole and will continue to work with my colleagues, SEPTA, the administration and the Sixers in this matter,” Bass told the Local.

Councilmember Nina Ahmad, who lives in Mt. Airy and also voted in support of the measure, said her bill to create a land bank for Chinatown – which is part of the arena package – is designed to offset the impact the arena would have on that neighborhood. 

 “Chinatown is a unique cultural and historical community that is part of the fabric of Philadelphia, and we need to do what we can to preserve that cultural heritage,” Ahmad said. 

The proposed 18,500-seat facility, dubbed "76 Place at Market East," would be built above SEPTA's Jefferson Station and occupy one-third of the existing Fashion District mall. 

Following hours of closed-door negotiations, the community benefits agreement now stands at $60 million, up from an initial $50 million proposal, though falling short of the $100 million some council members had sought.

The enhanced agreement includes expanded funding for workforce development, a special services district, and a business disruption fund designed to help small businesses weather the construction period. Additionally, Mayor Parker has made a separate commitment of $20 million for affordable housing programs in the area.

Team officials project that 40% of fans will use public transportation and promise hundreds of new jobs and millions in tax revenue for both the city and school district. The project includes provisions for protecting neighboring Chinatown, including a new community land trust, grant programs for legacy businesses, and special zoning to preserve the neighborhood's character.

The vote has drawn intense attention from various stakeholders. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 98 displayed their position dramatically at their holiday party, hanging a sign showing all 17 Council members with red X's drawn over the faces of those who opposed the project.

The committee vote passed with support from Bass, Mark Squilla, Kenyatta Johnson, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, Nina Ahmad, Curtis Jones, Brian O'Neill, Quetcy Lozada, Jim Harrity, Michael Driscoll, Anthony Phillips and Isaiah Thomas. Council members O'Rourke, Jamie Gauthier, Jeffrey Young and Rue Landau opposed the measure. Councilmember Kendra Brooks was absent.

Opponents argue the project will burden taxpayers, negatively impact Chinatown and create traffic problems in Center City during games. Washington Square West residents have also expressed concerns about the arena's potential impact on the Gayborhood and local businesses.

The final Council vote on Dec. 19 represents the last opportunity for lawmakers to weigh in on the project before winter recess. The arena would give the 76ers their own dedicated home court, moving them from their current shared arrangement with the Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, marking one of the largest private investments in Philadelphia's history.

Tommy Tucker and WHYY contributed to this report.