The potential that the 76ers will pay more is an indication the team is willing to do what it takes to get the project approved by Council before lawmakers adjourn for winter recess on Dec. 19.

Councilmember Mark Squilla would like to see the Sixers go a step further and provide passes until 40% of people are taking SEPTA and PATCO to games and events.

Residents on both sides of the issue now wait to learn whether the proposal is about to enter a new phase or see the beginning of its demise.

Chinatown leaders have long resisted negotiating over the Sixers’ plan for a downtown arena to avoid the suggestion that they might endorse the project under certain conditions. But at the request of City Council members concerned about the neighborhood’s future,

Deep divisions erupted Monday night during the final public comment session on the Philadelphia 76ers' proposal to build a $1.3 billion arena in Center City.

Philadelphia City Council wrapped up another hearing​ on Tuesday on the controversial plan for a downtown 76ers arena. It was the final scheduled hearing featuring testimony and the Sixers were back at City Hall.

As city leaders push to meet a possible end-of-year deadline to approve the Philadelphia 76ers proposal for a new arena in Market East, opponents once again demanded City Council vote no.