Philadelphia City Council committee members have voted in favor of advancing the proposal to build a new Philadelphia 76ers arena in Center City to the full City Council, writes Paul Schwedelson for the Philadelphia Business Journal.

The favorable 12-4 vote overcomes a critical hurdle and comes after several delays.

“This is an important next step in building 76 Place,” a Sixers spokesperson said in a statement.

The latest version of the legislation includes a $10 million increase in the Sixers’ community benefits agreement, bringing it to a total of $60 million.

The committee vote was delayed as the Sixers and City Council negotiated the terms of the community benefits agreement. While the Sixers previously agreed to a $50 million agreement, City Council had proposed $100 million.

Rue Landau, one of the four City Councilmembers who voted against the arena legislation, said she did so because she believes the community benefits agreement is inadequate.

“We need to have displacement protections and enough money to secure affordable housing in Chinatown,” Landau said. “If not, it’s just going to force everybody out.”

The $60 million approved includes $17.5 million for an arena special services district and a $5 million business disruption fund.

Read more about the latest chapter of the 76 Place negotiations in the Philadelphia Business Journal.

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