During a recent government meeting, Sailing Chang, representing the Pingyun Resident Improvement Association (PAIRIA), passionately advocated for the approval of the New Asia senior housing project in Chinatown. This initiative, if approved, would mark a significant milestone as it would be the first affordable senior housing project in the area in two decades, providing over 170 units for extremely low-income seniors.

Chang highlighted the pressing need for affordable housing in Chinatown, where many seniors currently reside in overcrowded conditions, often sharing facilities with multiple families. The urgency of this project is underscored by the long wait times seniors face on housing lists, sometimes spanning years or even decades. The New Asia project aims to alleviate these challenges, offering a vital solution for the community's most vulnerable members.

In addition to addressing housing needs, the project also seeks to restore a crucial banquet hall, which is integral to Chinatown's cultural and social landscape. The pandemic has severely impacted the community, leaving only one banquet hall operational. The restoration of this space is seen as essential for revitalizing the area’s cultural and economic activities.

Chang's appeal to the government emphasized the transformative potential of the New Asia senior housing project, not just for seniors but for the entire Chinatown community. The meeting concluded with a call for support, reflecting the collective hope for improved living conditions and community resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.