Chinatown Partnership to Host DRI Building Upgrade Fund Community Launch and Meet-and-Greet

Informal community gathering to introduce the fund, outline the application process, and connect prospective applicants with upcoming technical-assistance opportunities

NEW YORK, NY — Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation (CPLDC) together with the Community Advisory Committee is hosting a Building Upgrade Fund Community Launch and Meet-and-Greet on Friday, July 17, at 3:00 p.m. at 129 Walker Street.

This informal gathering will introduce the Building Upgrade Fund, announce that applications are open, outline the application and review process, and introduce members of the Community Advisory Committee. Members of the press are welcome and will have an opportunity to ask general questions about the fund.

The Building Upgrade Fund is supported by New York State through the Chinatown Downtown Revitalization Initiative. CPLDC thanks Governor Kathy Hochul, the New York State Department of State, and New York State Homes and Community Renewal for their investment in Chinatown and their continued partnership in advancing the neighborhood’s revitalization goals.

WHAT

Building Upgrade Fund Community Launch and Meet-and-Greet

The gathering will include:

An introduction to the Building Upgrade Fund

• An introduction to the Building Upgrade Fund
• An overview of the program’s purpose and application process
• Information about the application timeline and available resources
• Introduction of the Community Advisory Committee
• General questions from community members and the press
• An informal meet-and-greet with the program team and community representatives
• General questions from community members and the press
• An informal meet-and-greet with the program team and community representatives

Applications are currently open and will be accepted through September 7, 2026

Program Goal

The Building Upgrade Fund is designed to support eligible improvements to building exteriors, storefronts, and commercial spaces within the program area. The fund seeks to address property owners and businesses address building needs while strengthening the appearance, accessibility, safety, and functionality of Chinatown’s built environment.

This program represents another important step toward the broader community goal of creating a safer, more accessible, welcoming, and economically resilient Chinatown while preserving the neighborhood’s distinctive cultural character.

Questions and Technical Assistance

During the event, CPLDC and available New York State representatives may respond to general questions about the Building Upgrade Fund, the application timeline, program contacts, and the Chinatown Downtown Revitalization Initiative process.

Because this is a community launch and meet-and-greet—not a technical workshop—the program team will not evaluate individual proposals or make determinations regarding project-specific eligibility during the event.

Property owners, commercial tenants, and prospective applicants with detailed technical or case-specific questions will be encouraged to:

• Attend an upcoming Building Upgrade Fund information session. Our first session is on
  July 29, 2026 at 49 Madison Street.
• Review the official program guidelines and online questions and answers
• Register for future office hours to receive individualized assistance
• Submit questions to chinatownDRI@chinatownpartnership.org
• Details about information sessions and office hours will be posted on the program website.

When

Friday, July 17, 2026

3:00 p.m.

Where

129 Walker Street

New York, NY 10013

Who

• Wellington Chen and Rosie Derong Li, Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation

• Building Upgrade Fund Community Advisory Committee:
  • Matt Axel – Art Beyond Sight; ADA compliance expert
  • Brian Chin – Vice Chair to 5th Precinct Community Council, Property Owner
  • Matthew Chua – Architect
  • Steve Dadourian / Alexandra Dadourian – Property Manager
  • Jeff Kwan – Store Owner; Real Estate Manager; Former NYC Small Business Advisory Member
  • Tina Lee – CPLDC Board Member
  • Ammy Lim Cuccia – Edward J. Cuccia Law Firm; Property Owner; Little Italy and Malaysian Chinese Community liaison.
  • Harry Trinh – Head of Creative & Cultural Programs of Welcome to Chinatown
  • Shing Wah Yeung – Principal of Yeung Real Estate Development
• Celeste Frye, Public Works Partner
• Available representatives from the New York State Department of State and New York State Homes and Community renewal.

Media

Members of the press are welcome to attend. The program team will be available for general questions and interveiws during the gathering.

Program Information

For application materials, program guidelines, upcoming informaiton sessions, office-hour announcements, and other updates, visit:

https://chinatown.nyc/downtown-revitalization-initiative/

Media Contact

Rosie Derong Li

Chinatown Partnership / Chinatown BID

Phone: 212-346-9288

Email: dli@chinatownpartnership.org

Program Inquiries: chinatowndri@chinatownpartnership.org