The proposal to rename the plaza reflects a broader effort to acknowledge the historical and cultural significance of the Chinatown area and the impact of Tony Lee’s work. Lee, an architect, urban planner, and historian, played a role in preserving working-class neighborhoods and influencing urban planning for future generations. His legacy was highlighted by various community leaders, who recounted his deep roots in Chinatown, where he grew up and dedicated much of his professional life to advocating for the community.

The meeting featured testimonies from numerous community members, reflecting on Tony Lee’s impactful contributions. Angie Liu from the Asian Community Development Corporation shared Lee’s journey as an immigrant who always considered Chinatown his home. She recounted his involvement in urban planning, particularly during the development of projects that displaced many Chinatown residents, such as the Central Artery and the Massachusetts Turnpike extension. Lydia Lowe from the Chinatown Community Land Trust echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Lee’s role in advocating for community involvement in urban planning and his work on the Chinatown Atlas, which chronicles the neighborhood’s history.

Councilor Flynn, who is leading the initiative to honor Tony Lee, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to discuss the proposal. He highlighted the significance of transforming Phillips Square from a parking lot into a pedestrian-friendly plaza, complete with plantings, benches, and gathering spaces. This redesign aims to create a more welcoming environment for residents, addressing the area’s historically low open space per capita.

The proposed renaming was supported by various community representatives, including Alice Kane from the Chinese Historical Society of New England, who provided historical context about the plaza and its significance to the immigrant community in South Cove. Kane emphasized that naming the plaza after Tony Lee would honor his personal connection to the area and acknowledge the contributions of Chinese immigrants to the region’s development.

Professor Carolyn Crockett from MIT praised Tony Lee’s contributions to urban planning and his focus on community involvement. She described Lee as a “towering giant of creativity, compassion, and intellectual power” and called for the plaza to be named in his honor. Crockett’s sentiments were echoed by other speakers, who emphasized the importance of renaming the plaza to reflect Lee’s legacy and the community’s cultural heritage.

The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by Chinatown residents, including environmental concerns such as low tree canopy coverage and the heat island effect. The proposed redesign of Phillips Square includes plans to incorporate greenery and cooling features, addressing the neighborhood’s need for accessible green spaces.

In addition to the focus on renaming the plaza, the meeting touched upon broader themes of anti-Asian racism and the historical discrimination faced by the Chinese community in the United States. Councilor Flynn acknowledged the contributions of the Chinese American community to Boston and the nation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these contributions and addressing ongoing racism.

The council expressed a commitment to supporting the initiative to dedicate the plaza as Tony Lee Plaza. The testimonies provided by community members underscored the profound respect and admiration held for Tony Lee and the desire to honor his contributions in a meaningful way.