Boston, Nov. 19, 2025, — City Councilor Ed Flynn, who represents Boston’s Chinatown and South Boston, was re-elected with a high vote total in the City Council election held in early November. On November 18, more than 20 community leaders, including current Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England (CCBA) President Felix Lei, former presidents Paul Chan and Hung Goon, and Chinese Golden Age Center Executive Director Ruth Moy, gathered with Councilor Flynn for a dinner at the well-known Empire Garden Restaurant in Chinatown to warmly congratulate him on his re-election.
President Felix Lei said that Councilor Flynn is very approachable and often appears at events large and small in Chinatown, and that he places great importance on public safety and commercial development in the neighborhood. Councilor Flynn thanked the community leaders for their strong support and said he hopes to continue working together to further improve Chinatown.
Strip Club Relocation Draws Attention
An adult entertainment business in downtown Boston with a history of several decades plans to relocate from LaGrange Street to a five-story building at 27–29 Stuart Street. The site is located at the border between the Theater District and Chinatown. As soon as the news became public, it immediately caused strong concern and opposition within Chinatown. Community leaders said that residents and business owners worry that, if approved, one of the city’s few remaining fully nude adult entertainment venues would be moved onto a busy main street, possibly reviving the historical shadow of the former “Combat Zone.”
(L to R)Ed Flynn, David Wong and Paul Chan at Empire Garden Restaurant.
The proposal has already received some preliminary approvals, such as permits related to ground and groundwater renovations, but full operating approval, a liquor license, and entertainment permits still require multiple hearings and reviews. City officials stated that if the application enters full review, there will be a series of public hearings and opportunities for community participation. However, residents and elected officials questioned whether affected communities were adequately notified during the early stages of the process, leading to increased concern.
Councilor Flynn has recently stated clearly on multiple public occasions and at city meetings that he opposes the relocation. He has called for a more cautious and transparent review of adult entertainment facility relocations in downtown Boston. Flynn said residents should have sufficient opportunities to participate and that Chinatown must not return to the image and disorder of a former red-light district. He has submitted requests to relevant review agencies, hoping to delay the process or require more complete community consultation.
Legendary Businessman David Wong Speaks Out
In addition to residents and elected officials, many Chinatown community leaders have publicly expressed strong opposition. The most notable voice is that of respected local businessman David Wong, who personally stated his position, praised Councilor Flynn for defending the community, and reminded all parties not to allow Chinatown to return to its past shadows.
In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, Wong said, “Chinatown’s ability to come out of its past shadows is the result of the entire community’s efforts. Today, we absolutely cannot allow history to go backward.” He called on the city government to place the interests of long-term residents and small businesses first when reviewing any major changes.
(L to R)David Wong with long-time friends Peter Chan and Nasi Huang.
David Wong has deep roots and influence in Boston’s Chinese community spanning more than half a century. He was born in Baisha Town, Taishan, Guangdong Province, studied at Boston University in his early years, and later became involved in local business. For many years, he has operated businesses in restaurants, real estate, and community development. He has supported Chinese-language education, social services, churches, and community organizations, and has initiated or donated to many charitable projects to help vulnerable immigrants integrate into society.
For many years, Wong has invested in and maintained multiple storefronts and properties in Chinatown, providing rental and operating space for small businesses and becoming a stabilizing landlord and supporter in the community. Many long-standing businesses have been able to continue operating partly due to his long-term provision of more favorable rental conditions and assistance.
In education and cultural preservation, Mr. David Wong has long supported the Chinese Education Center, Chinese schools, and cultural activities and festivals, including Lunar New Year events. He has played a key role in fundraising and facility improvements, helping Chinatown’s younger generation preserve language and cultural identity. He has actively participated in and initiated charitable fundraising, supporting healthcare, senior services, and local nonprofit organizations, and has frequently donated or served as an honorary sponsor at large community events, helping to build networks of intergenerational support.
In local politics, Mr. David Wong has long spoken on behalf of the community and acted as a bridge between the government and the Chinese community. In recognition of his contributions, the city government has publicly expressed appreciation at local events and helped facilitate substantive community policy support. A bilingual biography, Boston Chinatown’s Legendary Businessman David Wong, was published last year by Boston Bilingual Media & Publishing Inc, aiming to pass on the history and development experience of Boston’s Chinatown over the past more than 60 years.
Regarding the proposed strip club relocation, Wong emphasized that historical lessons must not be forgotten. He said that any change implemented without broad consultation with residents, consideration of the livelihoods of elderly residents and small businesses, and strict mitigation measures would cause unnecessary harm to the community. He stated that he would stand with the community, help mobilize public hearings and communication efforts, and ensure that Chinatown’s culture and living environment are not eroded.
Relocation Proposal Still Under Review
Experts and observers pointed out that if the city government and law enforcement agencies adopt stricter location and time restrictions, strengthen public safety and neighborhood buffers, and implement measures such as limits on business hours, entrance management, surrounding security deployment, and environmental improvements, conflict may be reduced and compromise may be possible. However, if procedures lack transparency or community concerns are ignored, resident dissatisfaction could intensify and become a focal point of local elections and community movements.
At present, the relocation proposal remains under multiple review processes. Whether it will ultimately be approved or subject to strict conditions still depends on future rounds of public hearings involving city agencies, review bodies, and community representatives. Chinatown leaders and Councilor Flynn have made their positions clear, and the upcoming hearings and municipal processes will be key in determining the final outcome.