The proposed $1.3 billion plan for a Sixers arena in Center City has been causing quite a stir in Philadelphia. After being postponed not once, but twice by the City Council's Committee of the Whole, the fate of the project will finally be decided on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. This comes after a rescheduled hearing that was meant to take place a week earlier.

The proposed location for the Sixers arena is at the intersection of Market and Filbert streets at 10th and 11th streets, and the committee will vote on whether to advance the bills package to be heard before the full council. However, this decision is not without its challenges. The Wednesday hearings on the plan were marred by outbursts from both supporters and opponents of the project, causing disruptions and leading to the postponement of the vote.

The Thursday hearing, which is open to the public, will not include any public comments, as was the case on Wednesday. This raises the question of how much the developers of the Sixers arena plan are willing to compromise on the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

Councilmembers have proposed that the developers double the proposed $50 million that was previously agreed upon to be included in the CBA. Some members have even suggested a higher figure of up to $300 million in order to gain their support for the project. However, the developers have stated that $300 million is not a viable option for them.

In response, the developers have proposed to increase the amount from $50 million to $100 million. According to Mayor Cherelle Parker and Council, this money will benefit the entire city. It remains to be seen whether this compromise will be enough to sway the opinions of the councilmembers.

If the bill is advanced on Thursday, it will receive its first reading later in the day during the City Council's regular meeting. A final vote on the plan is scheduled to take place on Dec. 19, 2024.

The Sixers arena plan has been met with both support and opposition from the public. Proponents of the project argue that it will bring economic growth and job opportunities to the city, while opponents argue that it will lead to gentrification and displacement of local residents. The decision of the City Council will determine the future of this controversial project.

As the hearing approaches, all eyes are on the City Council and the developers of the Sixers arena plan. Will they be able to reach a compromise and move forward with the project, or will it be sent back to the drawing board? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.