After years of opposition from the residents and advocates of Philadelphia’s Chinatown, the Philadelphia 76ers’ proposal to construct a new stadium in the Fashion District was shelved in favor of a negotiated deal at their current location. This represents a well-deserved victory for the tireless efforts of those who protested and mobilized to stop the plan. All those involved, regardless of whether they live in or have ties to Chinatown, should be satisfied with this outcome.

The “76 Place at Market East” proposal relied on the inherent assumption that economic revitalization is better achieved through new commercial ventures, rather than by supporting existing ones. This is, simply put, a flawed perspective. There was an undeniable economic benefit to the proposal: The arena could have been a hub of lively commercial activity whenever the Sixers were in town. But the downside — overwhelming levels of traffic and rising property values that would strike at the heart of Chinatown — was too great to justify continuing with the new arena.

Advocates of the proposal argued that the influx of jobs, waves of visitors and commitment by the 76ers to engage with the local community would provide an economic boost that the neighborhood desperately needs. It’s an admirable and necessary goal, but the arena was the wrong approach. Supporting the people and businesses already there, through both public and private investment, is a better solution. Tax incentives for residential development, a robust public transportation infrastructure and patronage from local consumers — among many other possibilities — can be the basis for a more sustainable and equitable future for Chinatown. 

Urban planners may have differing views on how to better approach the problem, but any solution should be rooted in honoring the distinct identity and existence of Chinatown.