Letters to the Editor | Dec. 10, 2024
Inquirer readers propose an alternative to the Sixers arena, and offer a call to action for those opposed to socialism.
Better alternative
Should the Sixers stay in the sports complex or construct a new arena in Center City? The Inquirer devoted the Dec. 1 Sunday Opinion section to both the merits and multiple shortcomings of the current proposal. There seems to be momentum toward City Council approving the project, despite lessons from other cities that downtown arenas do not lead to long-term job growth or economic benefits. They cause a multitude of problems, both anticipated and unforeseen.
It is understandable that Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the trade unions that supported her mayoral campaign are in favor of the Market Street arena project. However, there are alternatives that would be better for the city, trade union members, and the children of Philadelphia.
Here are two proposals:
1) The Sixers should stay in the sports complex. They can partner with the other professional teams to upgrade and update the South Philadelphia facility and add retail and residential space. The combined financial strength of the professional teams allows them to fund the project without city or state financial support, and without additional tax breaks. Inga Saffron, the Inquirer architectural critic, should be on the planning committee. This project will provide more jobs during and after construction than the Center City arena — and will not be as disruptive to the city.
2) Support Philadelphia public schools. The sports teams are multibillion-dollar businesses that can afford to give back more to the city. Jeffrey Lurie recently agreed to sell a small percentage of the Eagles at a price that values the team at around $8 billion dollars. A 1% or 2% tax on revenue of all teams and businesses in the sports complex would generate tens of millions of dollars each year that could be earmarked to update and replace school buildings, which average more than 70 years old. Jalen Hurts, whose charity is placing air conditioners in aging schools, would be a wonderful adviser and spokesperson for the school district. Repairing the school system will provide construction jobs for the foreseeable future.
The Sixers are pressuring City Council members to quickly approve the arena project. Wouldn’t it be better for them to take the time to do the right thing for Philadelphia?
Jordan Spivack, Philadelphia
True socialist
To those of you who are truly against socialism, it’s time to stand up for what you believe in.
Stop accepting Social Security and Medicare or Medicaid. Start disposing of your own garbage and sewage. When it snows, only travel on unplowed roads.
Stay away from public parks and libraries. Certainly, don’t send your children to public schools.
If your home is on fire, don’t call the fire department, put it out yourself. Same goes for calling the police or for an ambulance. Deal with those things on your own.
Time to stand up for what you believe in by rejecting all these horrible things that socialism has brought us.
Robert Saettler, Westmont, robsaettler@gmail.com
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