WHEREAS, A half-century ago, in 1966, the seed that would become the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation was planted when a town meeting was held and a committee formed in response to the proposed Vine Street Expressway which would demolish Holy Redeemer Church and School, a vitally important religious, education, and recreation center for Chinatown; and
WHEREAS, In the years to follow, Chinatown was challenged by development projects such as the Ninth Street Ramp, The Gallery, The Foxwood Casino, and the Center City Commuter Tunnel; and
WHEREAS, Chinatown lost over one-fourth of its land, housing, and commercial stock; and
WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation was incorporated in 1969, did a Master Study in 1975, and PCDC has been Chinatown’s advocate with city, state, and federal agencies, built 320 units of residential housing and over 24 units of commercial space, together with many other important achievements; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is grateful for the leadership, persistence, and vision of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, and looks forward to its service to Chinatown and the City of Philadelphia with continued excellence for another half-century and more; now, therefore
,
be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes, celebrates, and thanks The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation and expresses the appreciation of the People of Philadelphia for its excellent service protecting and advancing Chinatown’s interests, and thus the City’s interests as well as its cultural diversity, on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary.
FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The Chinatown Development Corporation, further evidencing the sincere admiration and gratitude of this legislative body.
End