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Chinatown Boston Lead Section
Chinatown, Boston is a neighborhood located in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. It is the only historically surviving Chinese area in New England with the demise of the Chinatown in Providence, Rhode Island after the 1950s. With a high population of Asian Americans living in this area of Boston there is a high abundance of Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants located in Chinatown. First settled by Anglo-Bostonians this City became a home to an abundance of diverse population of immigrants, each succeeding the previous it is now home to many Chinese Residents. One of the most densely populated residential areas and the center of Asian-American life in Boston, Chinatown today is home to 70% Chinese residents as compared to the overall 9% represented in Boston. With easy access from the Orange line, Chinatown is a highly populated and tourist attraction area. With easy access and a stop on the Orange Line, which is located on the south side of this district. As well Interstate 93 and the Massachusetts turnpike are also in close proximity to Chinatown. The Tufts Medical Center is a major part of this are for medical treatment. The South Cove Community Health Center also operates in Chinatown, which provides health care for Asian American residents. There are many community organizations in Chinatown including the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, which has serviced Chinatown and other Asian residents for over 40 years. Also widely noted is the annual Oak Street Fair in Chinatown every Autumn, which is aimed at families, children, and bringing the community together. Being a home and a gathering place for many immigrants Chinatown has a a diverse and very cultural population. With more white residents moving into Chinatown in Boston and other places as well there is the worry of gentrification. One of the major worries is these historic towns and places becoming more touristy and less cultural. Between Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, Boston has shown the highest increase in non Asian residents moving in non family shared households with a 450% increase from 1990 to 2000. With the worry of gentrification the idea for Chinatown is to provide more affordable housing to make it seem less gentrified, since there are already a number of projects that have been worked on and are still being built. A major part of Chinatown and the culture and history of this City is the culture that is enclosed and celebrated by the people who live here. As the Chinatown community celebrates our ancestor's culture. There are many other community programs and events held in Chinatown annually, but always the most noted are the New Years celebration, the Lion Dance Festival, and the August Moon Festival. One of the major parts of Chinatown is the economy and coming seeing how from immigrants to today how the job market has grown along with how these immigrants made a life for themselves.

History
In 1870 the first Chinese were brought from San Francisco to break a strike at the Sampson Shoe Factory in North Adams. In 1874 a lot of these immigrants moved to the Boston Area. As History and tradition refers to it many Chinese immigrants would set up what today is now known as Ping On Alley. On what is now Harrison Ave in Chinatown the first laundries opened. In 1875 as laundries were becoming more and more popular the first restaurant began to open "Hong Far Low" In the 1800's and the 1900s for many Chinese immigrants they came to Boston looking for work and new opportunities. Due to the Exclusion Act of 1882, which halted immigration for Chinese immigrants and made the population of Chinatown for Boston mostly men. In 1930 more women and children were immigrating to Boston's Chinatown once the Exclusion Act allowed for more women to immigrate. Once World War 2 was over in the 1950s Chinatown saw a major increase in the population once the Exclusion Act was abolished. Construction in the late 1950s in Chinatown what is known as the "central artery" underwent construction affecting many homes and businesses in chinatown. With the Mass Pike construction in the 1960s took away a lot of land from Chinatown for businesses after construction was done affecting many businesses and homes. Despite this the population continued to grow by at least 25% in Chinatown. During the late 19th century manufacturing plants began to emerge in Chinatown for the garment stores that were emerging. This became known as the the historic garment district in Boston. This however only lasted until the 1990s due to rising prices of rent, property sales, and the removal of homeowners.

Community Resources
In 2006 Mayor Menino of the city of Boston opened up an area formerly owned by the BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) and will be a new home and nonprofit organization to the AACA (Asian American Civil Association, and the KKCS (Kwong Kow Chinese School. This new project will be a new education center with these two groups teaming up. With this new addition of the Education center this will include a day care center, a community room, classrooms, and office space. In the year 2014 The Boston foundation donated nearly 500,000 to many supports in the Boston Area. This was targeted towards summer programs and activities for the greater Boston Area. One of the many organizations that was funded during this time was Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center. There are many more organizations included, but not limited to the following in the Chinatown area of Boston. Some of these places include the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC), which helps preserves the Chinatown culture, youth development, and economic development. Another on the Chinatown programs is the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC), which helps provide child care, bilingual education, and youth recreation programs. There are many other programs and places in Chinatown, which provide community outreach and resources such as the Wang YMCA of Chinatown, the Chinese Progressive Association, and even the Asian American Civic Organization.

There are many Grassroots organizations in Chinatown as well such as the CPC (Campaign to Protect Chinatown, BCNO (Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Council, and more as well. With over 75 organizations in Chinatown and most being ethnically based and one of the major ones being the ACDC (Asian Community Development Corporation. The ACDC was established in 1987 and since then has worked on housing development, including the 2002 notable big dig construction to gain back a piece of land lost due to urban renewal called the Parcel 24. Even when Chinatown first came to Boston and was a cluster of merchants and shops, but slowly became one of the most culturally diverse areas. Even in the 1930's Chinatown focused on organizations for the youth such as the YMCA, Marching Band, and even Boy Scouts. in the 1930's there was a major development for culture and support for women in Chinese American girls.

Some of the other organizations, which are helping the community in Chinatown is the CPA or (Chinese Progressive Association). Some of the many programs, which they have and support are the Chinatown Stabilization Campaign, which helps Tenant organizing to keep people in their homes and community. Working for community-driven planning and development. Coalition-building for policies that stabilize working class neighborhoods and reclaim our right to the city.These projects all work towards improving the community life in Chinatown and also to help fight off gentrification as well. Other organizations include the Chinese Youth Initiative, which is the beginning of a grassroots operation to help youth become involved in their community as well as understanding their culture as well. As mentioned by the CPA "if given guidance, opportunity, and experience in making a difference, many youth would want to better understand our society and create positive change in their communities. We empower youth through education, leadership skills development, and taking action!"

Demographics
Being a home and a gathering place for many immigrants Chinatown has a a diverse and very cultural population. The total population in Chinatown is 4,444 according to the 2010 census data. this was an almost 25% increase since 2000, where there was only a population of 3,559. The white population rose 241.7% from 228 in 2000 to 779 in 2010. The African American Population rose from 82 in 2000 to 139 in 2010 showing an almost 70% increase. The American Indian population dropped 75% from 2000-2010, going from 8 to 2 residents. The Asian population grew about 7.5% from 3,190 in 2000 to 3,416 in 2010. People who identified as another race grew from 18 in 2000 to 30 in 2010, which is an 66.7% increase. For those who identified as more than one race that grew from 32 in 2000 to 77 in 2010, which is a 140.6% increase. With more white residents moving into Chinatown in Boston and other places as well there is the worry of gentrification. With the population being 70% Asian in 1990 that has dropped to 46% in 2010. One of the major worries is these historic towns and places becoming more touristy and less cultural. Between Boston, New York, and Philadelphia, Boston has shown the highest increase in non Asian residents moving in non family shared households with a 450% increase from 1990 to 2000.

As of 2010 the population of white residents in Chinatown has increased almost 4 times from 213 in 2000 to 752 in 2010 showing an 253% increase. The African American population above 18 has increased from 49 in 2000 to 102 in 2010, showing an 108% increase. The American Indian/ Alaskan Native population above 18 has shown a 75% decrease going from 8 residents in 2000 to 2 in 2010. In 2010 the Asian population has shown an 11% increase from 2,643 in 2000 to 2,939 in 2010. The total housing units in Chinatown has increased by 54% from 2000 to 2010. Chinatown went from 1,367 to 2,114 housing units. There has been an almost 50% increase in the occupied housing units in Chinatown from 2000 to 2010, going from 1,327 to 1,982. As with the increase in occupied housing units there has also been a 230% increase in the vacant homes going from 40 in 2000 to 132 in 2010.

Urban Policies
One of the major difficulties facing Boston's Chinatown as well as other ones such as in New York as well is the issue of gentrification. The idea of changing housing and repairing housing to make it kept up to date is often done, but the prices are raised leaving more without homes. With property prices rising this changes the demographics of many areas and this is part of why even Chinatown is seeing more and more non asian, and more white residents. One of the major things that needs to be worked on and fixed in Chinatown is the upkeep of houses, keeping trash off the streets, and keeping the place up to date and new. Wish parts of Chinatown looking like they are falling apart it almost implies a historical long battle struggle for survival. According to Kairos Shen who is a planner for the BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) "he fact that so many Asians — roughly 5,000 residents, according to U.S. Census data, with the vast majority of them Chinese —– still call Chinatown home is no accident, resulting from a decades-long effort by the city to find a right balance between providing affordable housing and encouraging development projects aimed at revitalizing the neighborhood". This idea for Chinatown is to provide more affordable housing to make it seem less gentrified, since there are already a number of projects that have been worked on and are still being built. Along with this there is the issue of construction and people who have lived here for a long time maybe losing their homes. One of the main goals with the urban policies is to make and keep sustainable business in Chinatown so residents have a place to work. In 2010 Chinatown was granted $100,000 This new development hopes to partner the BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) and the AACA (Asian American Civic Association) hopes to address many issues Chinatown is facing. Some of these include "project to help Chinatown businesses address the issues of rising energy, water, and solid waste management costs by providing practical and affordable solutions to help business owners save money and reduce environmental impacts, while building long term sustainable business expertise capacity in the community". Also to note is the community involvement and programs to help jobs and community organizations as well. As of Oct 2014 many Boston residents including Chinatown residents received aid for jobs and support. As referenced by the BRA (Boston Redevelopment Authority) "All told more than 200 Boston residents will receive job training under these grants". Many places and Businesses in Chinatown received funding through this grant. The Asian American Civic Association (AACA) received $50,000. The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) received $50,000. Also the YMCA: Training In, which many Chinatown residents use received $50,000. Many projects have been and are still in works in Chinatown, such as "the 120 Kingston St. development (240 units), the Hong Kok House at 11-31 Essex St. (75 assisted living units), Kensington Place at 659-679 Washington St. (390 units and retail space), and Parcel 24 on Hudson Street (345 units), among others". However not all of these units will be affordable and Asian American aimed as well. "Tunney Lee, a professor of architecture and urban studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said he sees Chinatown maintaining its ethnic and economic character well into the future. “In-migration is still strong and keeping Chinatown vibrant,”. This allows and can make the culture and liveliness of Chinatown come back. These types of projects on housing aim to solve the issue of affordability as well as gentrification as well, which would keep pushing out Asian residents, but these types of projects hope to stop that. Also mentioned by Tunney Lee "The various developments now under way in the area, while welcome and a sign of economic vitality, are “putting pressures on the neighborhood” and will lead to an influx of more non-Asian residents, Lee added. “But I think the number of Asian-Americans will stay constant as the total population goes up.”

Community Events/Celebrations
A major part of Chinatown and the culture and history of this City is the culture that is enclosed and celebrated by the people who live here. One of the many festivals is the August Moon Festival, which is one of the biggest held throughout the year. This festival is one that many tourists flock to every year for the festivities. As mentioned by WYGK publishing on Chinatown on this event: "hey offer vendor booths for handmade items, culture and traditional items, food, desserts, and other items of value for the tourists and resident to purchase. They offer Chinese dough art for anyone who wants to partake, and learn the art. If you would like to see one of the best Chinese shows around, they also hold a Chinese Opera. Talent is also spread around at the festival with children’s Chinese folk dancing, martial arts performances, and lion dancers from around Chinatown and throughout the world who come just for the festival" This festival is often held in the middle of August and lasts usually for the entire day.

Another notable celebration that happens every year in Chinatown is the New Years Parade or also known as the "Lion Dance Festival". The Chinese Near Year Parade marks the biggest annual celebration in Boston's Chinatown and each year a new animal of the Chinese zodiac is celebrated. The name "Lion Dance"came from the costumes worn by those in the parade are often represented as lions and dragons with traditional Chinese culture. The Lion Dance also refers to the traditional Chinese dance done and shown during the parade each year when it happens making this an event, which many flock to and go to see. In China, this celebration begins on the first day of the first month in the lunar calendar traditionally used in much of Asia. It is sometimes called the Lunar New Year, but it is different in Boston's Chinatown based on when spring begins.

Finally there are many other notable celebrations and community programs as well in Chinatown, which brings together the community. Some of the most notable and popular events and celebrations in Chinatown are: Fall Cleaning Day, which brings together the community to help clean up the town of trash and litter and is seen as an almost Earth Day for Chinatown. Also the annual Lantern Festival is held and one of the largest tourist attractions with the lion dancers. This Festival includes Lion Dances, Asian folk dances, martial arts performances, and Chinese traditional singing. As the Chinatown community celebrates our ancestor's culture. There are many other community programs and events held in Chinatown annually, but always the most noted are the New Years celebration, the Lion Dance Festival, and the August Moon Festival.

Businesses/Work/Restaurant
One of the major parts of Chinatown is the economy and coming seeing how from immigrants to today how the job market has grown along with how these immigrants made a life for themselves.From the early markets to the laundries that opened when the settlers first arrived in Chinatown. One of the major buildings that has a historical aspect is the [|Hayden Building]. originally constructed in 1875 the Hayden Building is often a place to visit for history.Originally threatened with destruction this building was purchased by Mayor Menino and the city of Boston in 1993. Located on 681-683 Washington Street this building remains to be one of the last commercial stores for retail in Boston's Chinatown. On March 1st 2013 Mayor Menino along with Historic Boston Inc. teamed up to revitalize, refurbish. and reopen this building. With a contribution of $200,000, which is part of the Boston's and Chinatowns trilogy fund to raise $1 million dollars for 3 projects, one of which is the Hayden Building.The bottom floor or this building has been redone as a Liberty Bank. In future projects costing $5.6 million will be used to turn the upper levels of this building into apartments.

Another notable shopping and food store in Boston's Chinatown is Kam Man Foods market. This store specializes in selling Chinese foods, spices, herbs, and more. Originally founded in 1972 this was the first Chinese supermarket located on the east coast. As mentioned by Business Online "Kam Man Food’s stores carry the widest selection of Asian and non-Asian food products including seafood and meats (freshly cut to your needs), fruits, vegetables, sauces, rice, cookies, candies, snacks, dry and fresh noodles, canned foods, teas and other beverages, seasonings, spices, and frozen foods including dumplings and ready-to-eat items. In addition to food products, Kam Man Food also offers Asian housewares and gift items. In certain of Kam Man Food’s retail locations, one can also find a food court, bakery and bubble tea counter." Located on 219 Quincy Avenue in Boston's Chinatown this shopping store is one the popular and culturally accurate stores in Chinatown serving the residents who live there.

Next another notable and place of business in Boston's Chinatown are the restaurants offered in the town including the New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant.As one of the most popular places to eat and get seafood in Chinatown New Jumbo Seafood Restaurant is an exotic eating experience for many residents of Chinatown with an authentic Chinese cuisine. Many other famous and notable restaurants and places of business for Chinatown include, but are not limited to the following: China King, which offers affordable 3 course meals including peaking duck, Wai Wai, which offers ice cream and roasted meats, the Gourmet Dumpling house, which offers dumplings, and the Ho Yuen Bakery, which offers moon cakes and a variety of other pastries.