BROOKLYN, NY / ACCESS Newswire / October 26, 2026 / Brooklyn's 8th Avenue officially received its new co-name, "Brooklyn Chinatown," on Friday, marking a milestone for the Chinese American community that has called the neighborhood home for decades.

The street sign was unveiled by NYC Council Member Susan Zhuang at 8th Avenue and 60th Street, where residents, business owners, and community leaders gathered to celebrate.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso joined the ceremony, along with Speaker Julie Menin, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Assembly Member Simcha Eichenstein, Sam Sutton, District Leaders Joyce Xie, Nancy Tong, and Tony Ko, Joey Cohen-Saban, Dr. Larry He, and other community representatives.

For many residents, 8th Avenue is more than a shopping destination. It is where immigrant families opened their first businesses, raised their children, and built a community that has become an important part of Brooklyn.

Tony Ko: "Today Is History, but It Is Also a Starting Line"

Tony Ko, a two-term volunteer District Leader, spoke about what the new street name means for the community and the work that still lies ahead.

"Today is history, but it is also a starting line. A street designation protects memory, but our job now is to protect the future - fighting for affordable housing so seniors can stay, fighting for better schools so kids can thrive, and fighting for public safety for small businesses.

"I hope when we celebrate today, young Chinese Americans see that civic engagement works. If we show up, organize, and vote, we can make Brooklyn reflect all of us. That's how we go from being designated on one street to being represented in City Hall and Albany."

Ko has served two terms as a volunteer District Leader and continues to work with residents, local businesses, and community organizations.

More Than 50 Businesses Join the Celebration, With Nearly $100,000 in Potential Consumer Savings

Working with NYSFAO, Tony Ko helped bring together more than 50 local businesses to take part in the celebration.

Ko proposed a neighborhood-wide discount campaign through NYSFAO, encouraging participating businesses to offer special savings as a way to bring more shoppers and visitors to Brooklyn Chinatown.

The initiative aims to generate nearly $100,000 in total savings for consumers, while helping local businesses attract new customers and increase foot traffic.

As part of the campaign, participating businesses are offering $5 off purchases of $50 or more, from October 23 through December 23, 2026.

Customers can obtain a promotional voucher by posting about a participating business on social media using #BrooklynChinatown. The offer is limited to participating locations, with one voucher per person and transaction. Additional terms apply.

Participating businesses include Tous Les Jours, VIP Kings Bakery, Paris Baguette, Dun Huang, Mala Town, Dragon Bay Bakery, Wang Ho Restaurant, Lucky Star Market, Guang Ming Grocery, DAFU Grocery, Abby Pharmacy, and many others.

Beyond celebrating the new street name, Ko hopes the campaign will give people another reason to visit 8th Avenue, support neighborhood merchants, and keep more spending within the local community.

A New Chapter for 8th Avenue

Over the years, Brooklyn's 8th Avenue has grown into a busy center of Chinese American life, filled with family-run shops, restaurants, and businesses serving residents from across New York City.

The new "Brooklyn Chinatown" sign recognizes that history and the generations of people who helped build the neighborhood.

For the families and business owners who have spent years making 8th Avenue their home, Friday's ceremony was a moment to celebrate how far the community has come - and to look toward what comes next.

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SOURCE: Susan Zhuang