City Councils Advance Funding and Zoning for Four Major Chinatowns

Vancouver City Council voted to send proposed zoning amendments for southern Chinatown, which would cap new towers at 90 feet, to a public hearing before any final vote. Los Angeles City Council voted to use eminent domain to purchase a 124-unit Chinatown apartment building and seek a loan of up to $45.7 million. Edmonton City Council unanimously approved increasing the Chinatown Vibrancy Fund to $500,000 annually for the next four years while requesting reports on street cleaning, housing incentives and the 97 Street bridge. New York City Council voted 43-5 to approve a revised SoHo/NoHo/Chinatown upzoning plan that lowered height limits and commercial size allowances.

Vancouver zoning process and upgrade funding

The zoning amendments now move to a public hearing, after which council will hold a final vote. Separately, council unanimously approved nearly $1 million for Chinatown upgrades, broken down as $390,000 for cleanup, $210,000 for graffiti removal and $110,000 to staff a neighborhood office for six months. These allocations provide concrete resources for immediate maintenance and coordination in the neighbourhood.

Los Angeles purchase and Edmonton fund increases

Los Angeles council’s eminent domain action targets the 124-unit building to protect tenants amid rent increases, with financing to come from a loan request of up to $45.7 million. In Edmonton, the annual $500,000 Chinatown Vibrancy Fund commitment runs for the next four years, accompanied by requested reports that will inform further council actions on street cleaning, housing incentives and the 97 Street bridge.

New York plan approval and remaining concerns

New York’s 43-5 vote locked in the revised upzoning plan with reduced height limits and commercial allowances. Critics continue to warn that displacement risks to residents and historic buildings remain, even after the changes. The approved plan now proceeds under the lowered parameters set by council.

Key decisions ahead

Vancouver residents and stakeholders can participate in the upcoming public hearing on the 90-foot tower cap before the final vote. Los Angeles will advance the eminent domain purchase and loan request for the 124-unit building. Edmonton council will review the requested reports on street cleaning, housing incentives and the 97 Street bridge while disbursing the new annual funding. New York’s revised plan takes effect with its adjusted height and commercial limits in place.