NYT: Chinatown and Family Associations

A fruit stall in Chinatown.

Today’s New York Times featured a story about family associations in Manhattan’s Chinatown. On one hand, the associations’ membership as well as the physical buildings that the associations call home are both rapidly aging. A few of the buildings in particular are in urgent need of capital investments for necessary repairs. On the other hand, the associations – because of their long history in Chinatown – have amassed incredibly valuable real estate portfolios that would be in high-demand if they ever become available, leading to the possible transformation of one of the last few neighborhoods which have not yet undergone gentrification.

This is definitely a timely topic, not least because of the current cultural conversation about NYC, the Asian-American experience and our heritage as part of the city, and as we head into AAPI Heritage Month in May. It’s a fascinating article, and features a quote from Think!Chinatown’s Amy Chin, whose idea for a piece about family associations sparked my imagination for a soundwalk that highlights these fascinating organizations hidden in plain sight as you walk around the neighborhood.