April 24, 2009 by willng24.

A recent article in the Globe points to three businesses on Kneeland St. which have been forced to close because of the horrible conditions.  Kim’s Fashion Design, Oki Hair Studio and Pho Thien Thien Restaurant, which are located on the block of 12 Kneeland St. in Chinatown have all been shut down due to water leaks from kitchen of the Empire Garden restaurant above.  In a recent incident the ceiling actually caved in on these businesses forcing them to shut their doors until further notice.These tenants have been trying to convince the landlord to perform repairs for years.  The owner of the building, who is also the owner of the Empire Garden restaurant was actually interviewed on NECN.  To view the report, follow this link.  For the entire article follow this link.

I’ve been all over Chinatown and the situations are all about the same.  A landlord who has failed to maintain the building for a tenant.  Now there are obvious reasons why such conditions have been tolerated.  First, the tenant would complain about the conditions and the landlord will respond that major renovations will require an increase in rent.  Thus, tenants are reluctant to pursue the matter.  Second, complaints are never addressed by the landlord, which is the case here.I love Chinatown and the nostalgia of the old buildings.

However, tenants who are the victims of a slumlord just piss me off.  I’ve had my share of dumpy apartments, but the landlord was very diligent in maintaining any safety concerns with the property, so i consider myself lucky.These businesses have been tenants of this property for years, but I’ve never seen any improvement to their locations.  Actually, I’ve seen more fires here than anything else.  Keep in mind that these stores are out of commission until renovations are made….whenever that will be. A last thought, why would the landlord even waste a moment interviewing with NECN? I would have avoided any cameras like the plague.

Posted in AROUND C-TOWN | Print | 1 Comment »

April 24, 2009 by Chinatown Blogger.

Third Suffolk State Representative Primary Candidate Forum
(Chinatown, Leather District, North End, and South End)

A special election will be held this spring for the Third Suffolk State Representative. The seat was formerly held by Sal DiMasi. This forum will give voters an opportunity to hear where the candidates stand on certain issues. There are 6 candidates running for office. (Download the announcement here 3rd Suffolk Candidates Forum April 28th)

When: April 28, 2009
Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pm
Where: Josiah Quincy Elementary School Cafeteria, 885 Washington St.

Remember these dates
Voter Registration deadline for Primary Election: April 29
Primary Election Day: May 19
Final Election Day: June 16

Forum is sponsored by:
Asian Pacific American Agenda Coalition
Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center
The Chinatown Coalition
Chinatown Resident Association
Chinese Progressive Association
Friends of Chinatown Library
Leather District Neighborhood Association

Posted in CHINATOWN CALENDAR | Print | No Comments »