The future of Philadelphia’s Market East community in Center City is now crystal clear as City Council has voted to approve a $1.3 billion plan to bring a brand new arena for the Philadelphia Sixers to the neighborhood.

During its scheduled meeting on Thursday, Dec. 19, City Council voted, with a majority of members in support on the legislative package that would make way for a plan that could have a transformative effect on the area. The approval occurred after months of negotiations with developers and meetings with members of the community in every corner of the city as well as protests and outbursts from those on both sides of the debate.