Blackbottom

Since the 1950s, Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority has had its eye on the territory that makes up Chinatown. The many plans and attempts of “renewal” in the area has only proved that Chinatown is not sees as a community, but merely as land in a commercial district of the city. The city has targeted Chinatown for government projects and it has been impacted by the Vine Street Expressway, Independence Mall IV, Gallery I & II, the Commuter Rail Tunnel, Federal Prison plans and Convention Center.

Federal Prison:

In 1992, a federal prison was proposed to be built in Chinatown at 8th and Callowhill Streets, which would greatly affect the community. With the help of the PCDC, after a two year battle, Chinatown saved their community and the plan was thrown out.

Vine Street Expressway:

In the mid- 1960s PENNDOT announced plans to build a $50 million six-lane expressway on the northern border of Chinatown. With Vine Street bordering the North, Chinatown encompasses a nine-block radius between Arch and and Vine and 7th and 9th Streets.

In 1973, PENN DOT and the PRA threatened Chinatown with the proposal to demolish a building on 10th and Vine St. The plan soon included the demolition of Holy Redeemer Catholic Chinese Church. The church was built in 1941 and has served as a place of worship, school, recreation center and community organization. By demolishing the church, the foundation of the surrounding community would be torn, as well.

Many Chinese Americans gathered in protest to preserve their community. When the machinery arrived to begin work, as many as 20 youths climbed in front of the machines to stop the destruction. The protest was significant in prolonging the building of the Vine Street Expressway.

Stadium:

In 2000, Philadelphia Mayor John Street proposed building a baseball stadium in Chinatown stating it would be located in a blighted area, would bring business to Chinatown, it was a good location due to the many restaurants.

Chinatown had been rallying for years for basic services like a public school, a library, a community center and health services. A stadium would bring none of those benefits to the area.

However, the location for the stadium was not in a blighted area, but where Chinatown had publicly stated intent to develop residences and businesses. Additionally, the stadium would bring more traffic and real estate speculation in an already congested area. Additionally, the behavior of rowdy fans would greatly impact the lives of the families and children who reside in the community.

The residents of Chinatown united on the issue and opposed the stadium. Dozens of Chinatown organizations formed a coalition to stop the stadium and promote a health Chinatown community.
Gallery Casino: Sugarhouse, Foxwoods

The plans to build a Foxwoods casino in The Gallery at 8th and Market Streets has been praised as a great step toward redevelopment. But the residents of Chinatown are left to again fight for survival and their livelihood.

“The end result may not be satisfactory to everyone. But it is the best option, I believe, that we have on the table today,” City Councilman Frank DiCicco told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Legislation to turn the former Strawbridge & Clothier department store into a “commercial entertainment district” will be introduced Thursday by DiCicco, which is one step closer to building the casino in Center City, according to the paper.

Foxwoods plans to build the casino on the second and third floors. The first floor would house restaurants and retail, the Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust told the Inquirer.

The casino will be located outside of residential neighborhoods such as Chinatown, and is a more favorable option than South Philadelphia, where the casino was to previously be built, DiCicco said.

But, DiCicco is accused of allowing Foxwoods to pick their location, according to Ellen Somekawa of Asian Americans United. DiCicco fired back saying the state approves casino locations.

The city and Foxwoods also have not been providing the community with enough information, Somekawa added.

Zoning legislation will be considered Tuesday by the City Planning Commission and a public hearing will be held May 7.

During a prior hearing, Lai Har Cheung screamed for the board to deny the petitions of both casinos. She said her parents were gambling addicts and had mistreated the family.

“There are so many people with gambling problems,” she sobbed.

But the issue for most protesters about Foxwoods is the location.

Some neighbors feel like businesses a few blocks away in Chinatown will suffer and that a casino is just not the right fit, economically, philosophically, or for the sort of urban lifestyle protesters covet.

“A casino near Independence Hall?” one lady yelled. “The founding fathers will be turning over in their graves!”

Mayor Michael Nutter backs both plans for the same reasons. He says the new casinos will infuse hundreds of desperately needed jobs and money into the local economy. If Foxwoods and SugarHouse requests get approved by the Gaming Board, both could be open in 2010.

As of April 23, 2009, it seems as though the casinos will be built as planned.

–Information compiled from NBCPhiladelphia.com.