Community leaders from two lower Manhattan neighborhoods, Chinatown and Little Italy, joined forces Saturday to address what they say are ignored issues that have been detrimental to their communities.

“There’s been public safety issues, community issues, economic issues, stores are closing,” said Bob Fonti, vice president of New York State Italian-America Political Action Commission.

These historic neighborhoods started taking shape more than a century ago, often in competition, and leaders say since Sept. 11, 2001, both communities have been trying to bounce back.

But the COVID-19 pandemic only made matters worse by decreasing foot traffic and causing long time staples, like Alleva Dairy, to close its doors and popular Chinese restaurant Jing Fong to downsize.

The groups plan on launching a marketing campaign together.

“We want to join forces so that we have a louder voice to talk to the government and pay attention to what we need,” said Jacky Wong, managing director of Greater Chinatown Civic Coalition.

They say they hope their combined voices have more influence over elected leaders to deter new homeless shelters from being in the area and a to stop a new jail that’s under construction.

“They’re treating both neighborhoods as a dumping ground for all the jail, single male shelters for the drug centers. All these facilities draw a lot of crime to our neighborhood and we are over saturated,” said Wong.  

The group says they’re focused on finding solutions.

“This is not a group of community leaders that are saying no but saying let’s work it out,” said Fonti.

Business owners Thomas Lo and Rosanna Russo said they are hoping this collaboration yields real results before it’s too late.

“This certainly gives hope. I wouldn’t say I’m 100% optimistic,” said Lo.  

“I feel the enthusiasm from both communities reached such a level today that we can only keep going from here,” said Russo, owner of 173 Mulberry Street.