According to the developers, the privately financed project will not displace businesses or homes in the area.

Opponents say it will lead to traffic congestion, indirect displacement and gentrification.

The debate about the construction of the arena follows two major recent developments.

The Sixers already have a training facility in Camden, New Jersey.

And now the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, with the governor’s backing, is trying to entice them to build across the river on state land. Their pitch includes $500 million in bond incentives.

“I think there are a lot of other viable options that don’t involve destroying a thriving community. So I think any other place that it goes that can ensure that we preserve something, that we don’t lose something that is very valuable, is great,” said Philadelphia resident Ximena Violante.

In response to New Jersey’s pitch, the team said in a statement: “The reality is that we are running out of time to reach an agreement that will allow the 76ers to open our new home in time for the 2031-32 NBA season, and we must take all possible options seriously, including this one.”

Earlier this week, NBC10 learned that Comcast Spectacor, owner of the team’s current home at the Wells Fargo Center in South Philadelphia, is proposing an alternative plan to transform the Fashion District into a biomedical research center.

“We need to hear more about it. It’s better just by the fact that it’s not going to be a tear-down and rebuild, which is also an environmental nightmare,” said Debbie Wei of the Save Chinatown Coalition.

The Save Chinatown Coalition said Saturday’s rally is one of several planned for the fall.

Comcast is the parent company of NBC10.