The name Harlem is synonymous with African American culture, art and the Harlem Renaissance. But, today this eclectic community is poised to change with the effects of gentrification. An increased demand for affordable real estate is changing Harlem into an in-demand neighborhood. Plans to rezone the area along the street are already developed that would allow a huge investment of new building for shops and living spaces. Now, as development and revitalization gain a new foothold, the neighborhood seems ambivalent to the change. Some welcome the positive effects of gentrification while many long time residents fear the loss of their homes and the unique culture associated with Harlem as a result of it. Not only is gentrification present in Harlem, but throughout New York City. Globalization, and the growth of large corporations are responsible for many chain-stores popping up in Harlem, specifically on 125th Street. This jump in commercial enterprises gives the real estate high value, and the locally owned businesses can't afford the prices of new leases. This directly correlates to how as the cost of housing rises, the African American families who have lived in Harlem for generations are being forced to move out of their homes.
Upscale Men's Salon in Harlem
Specifics of gentrification in Harlem include:
The movement of the 125th St. vendors to an enclosed space called the Shabaaz Market
Establishment of academically rigorous charter schools such as the Success Academy
Plans to rezone large portions of Harlem 125th St. to make way for more residential apartments and businesses.
Plans for an extension of the Columbia University campus into 125th St. displacing homeowners and businesses into West Harlem. [1]
Establishment of businesses such as Starbucks, high rise condominiums etc.
The average sale price of an apartment in the last quarter of 2007 was 93% higher than in the same period of 2006. [2]
While the class as a whole went on a walking tour of Harlem, residents shared their opinion of the recent gentrification with us.
New high rise Condominiums
We talked with a non-Harlem resident who had bought and was currently renovating a house in Harlem about what he was doing. He saw that he was doing nothing wrong, that he had just as much of a right as anyone else to own property in the community. As an immigrant from Georgia to the United States, he was proud to be a homeowner, even though his new neighbors alleged he didn't have a right to be there.
Some feel that Harlem is being discriminated against by the “dollars bills.” The capitalist economy overrides the culture and the inherent vibrancy of historic Harlem. Long time residents and independently owned small buisnesses are being pushed out in favor of multi- million dollar contractors and companies.
There is an overwhelming sense of resentment against the new rich arrivals who displace the poor who have known Harlem as their only home. Harlemites currently residing there have a strong sense of solidarity and proprietorship of the black capital of the world.
Friction between arriving affluent African Americans and the established, poor African Americans- Some poor see the new arrivals as an incursion on their territory while some of the rich feel guilty and attempt to help Harlem and its people. [3]
Expression of relief at the lowering crime rates and illegal drug usage due to gentrification. [4]
Many are angry that Harlem is not accepted and appreciated for all the legacies that it contains - they don’t want to see such a cultural landmark get turned simply into an extension of downtown Manhattan.
“Change is good, and progress is inevitable.” But the feeling is, ‘What are we going to do? Where are we going to go?" [5]
Harlem residents have passionate views on the gentrification issue. Diego was able to interview Chandra Ursule from the Hue-Man Bookstore.
