WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation is in the process of developing plans to build a 23 story mixed-use community center at the Northwest corner of 10th and Vine Streets to support the growing population of Chinatown; and
WHEREAS, According to US Census data the population of Chinatown has almost doubled between 2000 and 2010, now exceeding the average density in Philadelphia of 2.7 thousand people per square mile; and
WHEREAS, Despite its growth, the community continues to face significant challenges where a concentration of deep poverty impacts quality of life and ability to build wealth for working families: three out of five households in Chinatown's core have incomes below $20,000 thereby creating a need for a central location to provide critical services to residents; and
WHEREAS, The Chinatown Social Services Needs Assessment of 2007, conducted by Philadelphia Safe and Sound and commissioned by PCDC, found that youth, parents and key informants were unanimous in their belief that youth development programs were by far the most needed service for the Asian population overall and for Chinatown community specifically.; and
WHEREAS, The mix of uses within the Eastern Tower Community Center will include over 11,000 square feet of retail space, 16,000 square feet of office space, 17,500 square feet of multi-use recreational/event and program space, international trade offices and 143 one and two-bedroom residential units with up to 22% affordable housing units dedicated to households at or below 80% of area median income; and
WHEREAS, The Eastern Tower Community Center will be built on the corner of 10th and Vine Streets at a cost of $71 Million creating over 295 prevailing wage construction jobs and 920 indirect jobs related to construction; in addition, over 212 full time equivalent jobs within the project and 176 additional indirect full time jobs will be created for Philadelphians; and
WHEREAS, Eastern Tower Community Center will provide a variety of services including comprehensive health services, programs for the elderly community members, recreational activities for both youth and adults, and larger community meetings and banquets; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation is the only organization in the Center City area which targets low-income Chinese immigrants and is the city's center of Asian services and culture. Its community programs and services attract a growing population of immigrant youth and seniors from outside its geographic boundaries. It remains critical that Chinatown continue to grow as a safe place with strong adult role models for positive youth expression and identity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia supports the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and their planned development of the Eastern Tower Community Center.
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, further evidencing the support of this legislative body.
End