The rezoning of 125th street has been a topic of controversy and has yet to be approved. The Department of City Planning believes rezoning of 125th street will bring positive economic changes. I personally believe that these changes would negatively affect the residents and business owners of Harlem. According to the New York City’s Planning Commission, the rezoning will bring new business and housing. Residents and business owners disagree because they believe this plays a bigger role in promoting further “gentrification.” I believe that Harlem should be able to keep its cultural heritage while still promoting and modifying economic growth.
Rezoning 125th street is frowned upon the people that have lived there and the people that have businesses because there would be an increased amount of residential developments and there are concerns about affordability. If the mail goal is to provide positive changes to Harlem, then there is no need for any party to be affected negatively. Modifying the existing plan, however, could alleviate these negative effects.
The resident of Harlem understand that these changes need to occur but now they live in fear of being removed from a place they knew as solid cultural ground. I propose that the following modifications to the proposal should be made so that local businesses, artist or resident are all positively affected.
Bullet points of the modification to the plan
I. Recapping 125th Rezoning Plan
The plan is to fortify 125th street. The rezoning would affect the corridor bordered by Broadway, Second Avenue and 124th and 126th streets. The changes would be done by developing luxurious units of housing, replacing local businesses and adding higher building.
The rezoning will enhan...
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...xample, in order to sustain and enhance 125th street as a Manhattan main street, modifications on the plan such as creating new incentives for new development, promoting affordable housing with strict terms and conditions and finally protecting existing scale and character, should be added in newer modification of the plan.
Another recommendation would be directed towards supporting the creation of premier arts, culture and entertainment destinations. The modifications would be, to strengthen the mass of venues, foster complementary uses and improve pedestrian experience. This would help keep 125th street’s character. Yes, Harlem does need a “makeover”, but that does not mean wiping out the culture it already has. New regulations should be imposed on street sellers. New Affordable housing qualifications should be enforced. Landmarks like the Apollo theater s
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"Building Partnerships to Revitalize America's Neighborhoods." HBCU Central (Winter 2002): 1-6. Winter 2002. Web. 2 May 2012.
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