On July 17th, Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, Deputy Vice President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Jennifer Sun, Vice President of Government and Community Relations Gigi Li, and Assistant Commissioner of Public Realm at the New York City Department of Transportation Emily Weindenhof jointly held a press conference regarding the “Chinatown Connections” project in New York City. They emphasized the city government’s continued open-mindedness towards the project and hoped to hear different public opinions for the Mayor’s decision on how to proceed.
According to the plan details released by the New York City government in February of this year, the “Chinatown Connections” project involves an injection of $56 million into Manhattan’s Chinatown, with $44.3 million in city capital funding and $11.5 million in New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards. The primary focus is on investing in three public projects, including the widening of Kimlau Square, the construction of a new arch, and beautification of Park Row.
The widening of Kimlau Square involves transforming the five-point intersection into a standard four-way intersection, expanding public spaces, creating shorter pedestrian paths and more direct bike lanes to reduce public transportation accidents. The project is scheduled to commence in 2027 and be completed by 2029, with an investment of $5 million from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards.
The beautification of Park Row includes greening initiatives, installation of signage, and public art installations to transform it into an important pedestrian and cycling route connecting Lower Manhattan, Chinatown, the Brooklyn Bridge, and its arch. The renovation project was initially planned to begin implementation in 2024.
However, this year the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) proposed a “Street Improvement Project” (SIP) for Park Row and its surrounding streets, suggesting the construction of a new bus island and the addition of 15 police parking spaces at the northern end of Park Row. Despite opposition from many residents, the SIP project was approved by a majority vote at the last month’s community board meeting.
The construction of an arch in Manhattan’s Chinatown aims to commemorate the cultural heritage of the neighborhood, attract tourists, and promote local business development. A sum of $2.5 million from the New York State Downtown Revitalization Initiative awards will fund the project, with any remaining shortfall to be supplemented by private fundraising.
Chief Public Realm Officer Ya-Ting Liu, in charge of the “Chinatown Connections” project, mentioned that during the public consultation process regarding the Park Row renovation project, concerns raised by Chinatown residents about the reopening of Park Row have sparked strong opinions from both supporters and opponents. The New York City Department of Transportation is currently conducting traffic studies to assess the flow of vehicles and determine specific actions.
Mayor Adams stated during the “Chinatown Connections” project details briefing on February 9th, “Throughout the entire process, we will collaborate with the local Chinatown community to ensure that the project reflects the community’s expectations and needs.”
Ya-Ting Liu reiterated on the 17th that they are still gathering feedback from all sides to present to the Mayor for the final decision on the project implementation.