PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Members of the Chinatown community say they feel blindsided by Wednesday’s announcement from Mayor Cherelle Parker that her administration had reached a deal with the 76ers to build a new arena in Center City.
“With no warning whatsoever, we got this announcement,” said Mohan Seshadri, executive director of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, which plays a key role in the Save Chinatown Coalition.
“It’s a shame and for us, this really goes to show that this whole process has really been a sham from the beginning,” he said.
Seshadri spent much of his day Thursday in meetings with people and groups who are worried about what the mayor’s decision means for Chinatown.
READ MORE: What to know after Philly mayor strikes deal with 76ers for new arena
Mayor Cherelle Parker strikes deal with 76ers for Center City arena
“What’s going to happen to the ambulances? What’s gonna happen to our small businesses when …