Mayor de Blasio Visits Chinatown, Eats at Wo Hop in Publicity Stunt

Photo: Karlin Chan

Mayor de Blasio visited Chinatown yesterday to push the message that “New York City is open for business (and delicious).”

His publicity stunt included an entourage of six commissioners from various administration posts (Human rights, International Affairs, Consumer Affairs, Immigration, Media, Small business).

The tour began with greetings at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, then moved on to a short walkabout of area small businesses. First stop was the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, then a walk down Mott Street for lunch at the iconic Wo Hop at 15 Mott Street.

Photo: Karlin Chan

Some locals, however, took advantage of the media exposure to protest the de Blasio administration’s handling of the 70 Mulberry Street redevelopment.

“On short notice, I was able gather several Chinatown locals to greet him with our SAVE PS23 signs,” vociferous Chinatown activist, Karlin Chan, told us in a message. “We stood in silent protest at each of his stops, because, though he had announced $80 million in funding for either restoration or rebuilding, the Department of Citywide Administrative Services has not been transparent nor forthcoming with answers [about the future of the 1893 fire-scorched building].

@NYCMayor makes no mention of the mega jail hes about to build in Chinatown a couple blocks from this dine out seating, upon visiting Chinatown. Do noodles taste the same if its served with hypocrisy and lies? @nypost @NYDailyNews @THECITYNY @boweryboogie @NUBCanal pic.twitter.com/J8pdwmhus8

— Jan Lee (@janccrc) August 11, 2020