County awards $75,000 grants to 26 Chinatown businesses

Clark County has approved 26 businesses to participate in the Inspiring Spring Mountain Corridor Improvement Grant Program in the Chinatown area. The county received 38 total applications for the funding initiative. A county representative stated that this grant represents the first major investment the county has made in Chinatown.

The program allocates $1.5 million in total funding. Approved applicants may receive up to $75,000 in matching funds for specific improvements. The grant operates on a reimbursement basis, meaning businesses are paid after completing the work. Eligible projects include exterior upgrades, security cameras, and LED lighting for parking lots.

County records indicate that nine of the approved businesses have already begun their project scope of work. Seventeen other approved businesses are currently finalizing their vendor information. The remaining applicants are expected to start their projects in the coming weeks. The funding aims to address issues such as petty crime, including car break-ins that have affected local merchants.

Michael Lee, owner of Palette Tea Lounge and Dim Sum, is one of the 26 business owners who received approval. Lee said the funding allows the business to afford improvements it could not otherwise manage. He noted that the restaurant experienced six break-ins in a single day in the past. Lee stated that such incidents have decreased recently due to a heavy presence from Las Vegas police. His business plans to use the grant to add artwork to its exterior.

Shanghai Taste, located in Shanghai Plaza, was one of the businesses that did not receive approval. The owner applied with plans to serve street food outside the restaurant. He said he submitted the application but never received a response. The owner noted that the building owner of Shanghai Plaza was approved for the grant. He described the situation as positive on a personal level because the restaurant does business in the building.

The Shanghai Taste owner expressed hope that future investment will reach other older plazas in the Chinatown area. He described the district as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Las Vegas. Recent Clark County data shows that Chinatown visitation is surpassing Fremont Street and the Arts District. The grant program is part of the county's efforts to improve the infrastructure and appeal of the Spring Mountain corridor.

The county will continue to process the remaining applications and coordinate with approved businesses on project timelines. The $1.5 million allocation will be distributed among the 26 approved properties. Each business must complete its specific scope of work to receive reimbursement. The program is designed to enhance the physical environment and support local economic activity in the area.