"Controversy Surrounds Sixers' Downtown Arena Proposal and Funding Comments"

Chinatown advocates are criticizing Councilman Mark Squilla for seemingly reneging on a pledge to ensure that the proposed 76ers arena in Center City does not use taxpayer subsidies. Squilla initially committed to no public financing, but now says he can only promise no city funding and cannot control state or federal subsidies. The debate over the arena's impact on Chinatown and its potential use of public subsidies is intensifying as Council prepares to consider legislation enabling the project.