Latest news with #ChinatownStitch
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Philadelphia's 'Chinatown Stitch' project threatened by federal funding cuts
[Source] Philadelphia's $160 million 'Chinatown Stitch' project, designed to heal the neighborhood divided decades ago by the Vine Street Expressway, now faces uncertainty as House Republicans propose eliminating billions in federal infrastructure funding. The latest: A House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee proposal aims to cut 'unobligated' funding from dozens of nationwide infrastructure projects — including Chinatown Stitch — as part of a budget reconciliation process pushed by the Trump administration. This would target over $3 billion allocated for reconnecting communities divided by transportation infrastructure. 'We're sort of at their mercy,' Councilmember Mark Squilla, who represents Chinatown, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. 'Nothing is cut at this point — there haven't been any votes — and we're going to continue to move forward.' Why the project matters: The initiative would cap two and a half blocks between 10th and 13th streets along I-676, creating green space and enhancing pedestrian safety in an area disrupted by the expressway's original construction. In March 2024, the project secured a $158 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods program. At the time, former U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Penn.) emphasized the project's purpose 'to reconnect Chinatown decades after residents suffered the consequences of harmful infrastructure decisions.' What's next: Construction was originally projected to begin in 2027, but the timeline now hinges on congressional budget decisions. Despite funding uncertainties, Philadelphia officials continue gathering community input through pop-up meetings. John Chin, executive director of project partner Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, expressed concern about the potential funding cuts. 'All of this is very alarming,' he told Axios, describing it as another challenge 'outside our control' and one that 'reduces our ability to be successful.' Trending on NextShark: This story is part of The Rebel Yellow Newsletter — a bold weekly newsletter from the creators of NextShark, reclaiming our stories and celebrating Asian American voices. Subscribe free to join the movement. If you love what we're building, consider becoming a paid member — your support helps us grow our team, investigate impactful stories, and uplift our community. Trending on NextShark: Subscribe here now! Download the NextShark App: Want to keep up to date on Asian American News? Download the NextShark App today!
Axios
02-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Federal funding in jeopardy for Philly's Chinatown Stitch project
The massive infrastructure project reconnecting Philadelphia's Chinatown is at risk of losing federal funding, which community leaders say could derail the yearslong effort. Why it matters: Chinatown has fought for decades to stitch its neighborhood back together after it was divided by the construction of the Vine Street Expressway. Driving the news: The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee this week proposed cutting "unobligated" funding from dozens of infrastructure projects nationwide, including the Chinatown Stitch. The proposal would slash about $3.1 billion from the projects to reconnect communities divided by transportation infrastructure, per an analysis from nonpartisan advocacy group Transportation for America. What they're saying: Councilmember Mark Squilla tells Axios there's no contingency plan right now if the federal government strips the funding, but city officials will be "putting our heads together" in the coming weeks. "We are at the mercy of the federal government at this point," he says. "We have to go to the drawing board to see what other possibilities there are." Catch up quick: Philadelphia announced last year that it had received a $159 million federal grant to cap I-676, replacing unsightly overpasses with new green space and improving safety for residents crossing the highway. The project is in the public involvement phase, and the city is holding pop-up meetings to get community input before releasing its final design proposal. By the numbers: It's unclear how much Philadelphia has spent on the project so far. A spokesperson for the city's Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems didn't respond to Axios' requests for comment. PennDOT, a principal partner on the project, is shouldering most of the costs for the Chinatown Stitch, with the city expected to receive about $6.3 million in federal reimbursements, agency spokesperson Brad Rudolph tells Axios. PennDOT had already committed $10.2 million to the project's initial study and preliminary design, Rudolph says. How it works: The city and state spend money upfront on the project and then submit invoices for reimbursement to the federal agency overseeing the grant. John Chin of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corp., a partner on the project, tells Axios the possibility of losing federal funding is unsettling for a community trying to heal and spur economic regrowth. "All of this is very alarming," he says. "There's these events that are outside our control that have been thrust upon Chinatown. It reduces our ability to be successful." U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle tells Axios he "fought like hell" to help secure the federal funding for the city. "It is shameful the Trump administration is threatening to rip this historic opportunity away from our city," the Democrat says.
