September 21, 2008 by Chinatown Blogger.

Each year the fair is held on Oak Street and the plaza above the Josiah Quincy Elementary School. The fair is organized by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center.

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September 19, 2008 by Chinatown Blogger.

The 24th annual 2008 Boston Build Convention and trade show for design, building and managements professionals will be held November 18-20, 2008 at the Seaport World Trade Center. As part of the convention, there will be tours of the different neighborhoods, including Chinatown.

Two people, both of whom are in the urban design and development profession, alerted the Chinatown Blogger that the Chinatown tour included a discussion of the Archston Boston Common. Below is the brochure description of the Archston Boston Common:

Boston’s Chinatown in the 21st Century
Join us for a tour and lively discussion of the Archston Boston Common, voted #1 high-rise residential complex by the National Association of Home Builders in 2008. The project heralds a new era of luxury rental living in downtown Boston. Evoking a New York City ambience, the elegant two-story lobby features exquisite finishes and intimate fireside seating. The building shape and form are carefully desgined to maximize potential views. With world-class amenities, including an indoor pool and sport club, this high-rise creates a new benchmark for sophisticated urban living in Boston. Both economically and architecturally, the development of this vibrant 24/7 center for living, working, and playing provides a catalyst for the revitalization of Boston’s Chinatown and strengthens the integrity and vitality of the community.

This one paragraph alone has so many clichés: sophisticated, integrity, vitality. What do they mean? Does sophisticated mean only the “intelligent and wealthy” live in Archstone Boston Common? If yes, then does that mean revitalization is in essence the return of capital and wealth into the neighborhood, and Archstone is not there to provide sophisticated urban living to the local working-class residents? How does Archstone strengthens the integrity and vitality of the community? What is integrity and vitality of the community and would the tour guide even know?

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September 17, 2008 by Chinatown Blogger.

The news reported today that Sonia Chang-Diaz won a narrow victory over incumbent Dianne Wilkerson by 228 votes.

The end of Wilkerson’s run could also jeopardize the bilingual ballot bill which the former State Senator had strongly supported in the State Senate. In addition, with Wilkerson’s absence, will Chang-Diaz take the lead to advocate for state funding for Parcel 24 and Oxford Street, development projects that will create low-income and affordable housing for Chinatown? Then, there is also the proposed $120 million Boston Arts Academy school in Chinatown, and which Wilkerson had came out in support during a public meeting in the summer.

Time will tell whether Chang-Diaz will embrace these issues that are important for Chinatown. Until then, congratulations to Chang-Diaz on a successful campaign.

(Disclosure: The Chinatown Blogger is not affiliated with Wilkerson’s or Chang-Diaz’s campaign.)

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September 17, 2008 by Chinatown Blogger.

Oak Street Fair – Chinatown’s Family Festival
Sat. Sept 20. 11 am to 3 pm
Oak Street and Josiah Quincy School Playground
885 Washington St., Boston

Come join us for Chinatown’s annual family festival, featuring games and activities, children performances, community information and health screenings. Wally the Green Monster from Boston Red Sox will be there from 11 am to noon. Sparky the Clown will be there. Compete in the Watermelon Eating Contest. Free Chinese food for children.

Bring your families and friends!

We are also looking for volunteers to help out – do face painting, run games and do arts and crafts with kids. There are 2 shifts: 9:30 am to 1 pm and 12:30 pm to 4 pm. Please contact Mark at marking99@hotmail.com or Chien-mei at cmchang928@gmail.com to sign up.

Oak Street Fair is hosted by the Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, www.bcnc.net and sponsored by many generous corporations.

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September 16, 2008 by willng24.

Hey All!  Miss me?  Sorry I’ve been away for so long, but I’m back and on the attack!!  To see what I’ve been up to visit my other blog at WillNg.com

However, I’m not the only one back on the scene, my favorite Chinatown restaurant has finally reopened its doors.  Royal Palace Restaurant (use to be named Royal Pacific), which use to be housed at the food court on Beach St., has reopened its doors at 70 Tyler St. (the old Cindy’s Planet location).  After 16 long months, I’m now able to enjoy my favorite Salt & Pepper Pork Chop dish at my favorite restaurant.  And to note, it is 2 blocks closer to my apartment…ohh that is way too close for comfort.  Royal Palace opened its doors on August 20th to a crowd of hungry fans.  Follow this link to a review of the restaurant.

Sadly we had to say goodbye to Cindy’s Planet.  I will surely miss the Watermelon drinks during the hot summer months.

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