SHARING A VISION for a BETTER CH

SHARING A VISION for a BETTER CHINATOWN

I. Begins with "OUR YOUTH"

Start with the realization that the future for a better NY Chinatown lies with our youth, for they will grow up to be our future leaders, and dreamers for a strong and better NY Chinatown.

II. Finding the "GOOD" the "BAD" and the "UGLY"

The "GOOD" - these are the people that have good will & good hearts, they are willing to give of themselves to make the world a better place to live, they will sacrifice, they care for others, and are willing to work to make things better without getting personal reward.

The "BAD" - these are people that are either in power or are out for personal gain at the expense of others (their own people). They are willing to share as long as they get their way. They have always been the takers and very rarely the givers. Everything they do ultimately is for their own personal gain. These are the people that say they want a better Chinatown but will do anything to prevent it. They are the one's that say yes with a smile and stab you in the back.

The "UGLY" - these are the people that have no choice. They only care about surviving and they can be bought. Hard times have driven them to being selfish, willing to jump the line and not wait their turn. They represent the sad part of our culture. Thus they remain uncommitted and inactive.

Recognizing these people in our community is very important. Finding the "GOOD" as your allies are key to building a better community. Finding the "BAD" is important in recognizing your opponent and realizing What they are capable of? Knowing and recognizing the "UGLY" will give us insight on Why our community has a hard time mobilizing and Why it is so hard to create effective positive change in our community?

III. Finding a Place to SHARE & GROW as a COMMUNITY

Building and establishing a "Community Center" that can serve our community. A Center that primarily can serve our "Youth" (they need a place to go) and our "Seniors" (they have no place else to go).

Real Estate in NY Chinatown is expensive. There is only one place that we can look at as a possible place for a "Community Center", that place is the Columbus Park Pavilion. The pavilion is in a park, easy to find, has trees and greenery surrounding it, has two bathrooms (lower level), a small community room, and an adequate open area in the upper loggia of the facility. It is a place that has basketball courts, volleyball courts (when set up), synthetic grass (for Soccer and Football etc.) a playground for kids , bathrooms, vending machines, a Park House, and it is all residing in Columbus Park, NY Chinatown.

IV. COMMUNITY CENTER

What can a community center do for our community?

* IMAGINE - CLOSE YOUR EYES AND ENVISION THIS VISION *

1. A place that your kids and grandsons can come to learn, play and meet others.

2. A place seniors can gather and exercise indoors, play games, teach and promote culture, get information, and talk about things.

3. A place that does not discriminate, does not care about skin color or religion, a place that doesn't care about who you know and What you do?

4. A place that people can share their thoughts, knowledge, talents and resources.

5. A place that has a set of rules that "everyone" must follow.

We can have:

* Scheduled movies, shows and performances

* Educational workshops & seminars

* Information/Tourist/Visitors Center

* Relaxation/Concessions (small) area for park users

* Town Hall Meetings (discuss issues affecting our community)/Open Forums

* Display Neighborhood History/Culture/Information

* Station neighborhood tours

V. What needs to be done?

1. The community needs to be able to co-manage the pavilion with the City of NY Parks Dept.. (Give the community the keys)

2, Establish rules and guidelines for running the pavilion.

3. Hire support staff and procure funding.

3. Enclose the upper loggia of the pavilion keeping it free from nature's decay.

4. Put in heating and air-conditioning in the upper loggia of the pavilion so that we can use the building all year round, weekends and evenings.

5. Get political support from our community, the Mayor's office, MBPO and the City Council.

VI. How can you help? What are you willing to do?

** Send me (paulgong1@msn.com) an e-mail

and tell me some of your ideas **