Harlem's commercial district will be mainly an affordable shopping destination for locals and tourists while the side streets and historic avenues will have the smart eateries and more custom establishments. For the most part, chains like Blink, DSW, Joe's Crab Shack, or Burlington Coat Factory will provide affordable fare while Whole Foods will cater to the middle class market that has emerged in Harlem. There will be something for everyone but 125th Street will not be the small town shopping corridor that it was sixty years ago for much of it has to be rebuilt by developers who must charge a premium after the work is done.
I like that there will be a heavily commercial district, with smaller boutique shops along the avenues and side streets. Every neighborhood needs a hub. Some of the stores and traffic may seem reminiscent of Times Square or 14th street, but the neighborhood as a whole certainly will not look like midtown. I for one am happy about these changes.
ReplyDeleteOn a side note, I stopped by Harlem Shake this past weekend. Another great addition!
The idea that once 125th is filled with chains that the rest of the hood will retain its unique local businesses in any great number is hugely naive. Ask the long term business owners that have bled out of Times Square once Disney really took hold. Or stand in any part of Union Square and look in any direction. You will see a wall of chains.
ReplyDeleteI agree with anahad oconnor.
ReplyDeleteSo Larvik - which of the unique local businesses of Times Square do you miss?
I suspect a mix of chains on 125th and more unique establishments on the surrounding streets is a robust more sustainable balanced mix, and for the residents, more choices.
ReplyDeleteThe chain store/restaurant quandary is not just 125th St, but all of NYC.
ReplyDeleteThe chain store/restaurant quandary is not just 125th St, AND all of NYC - it's also occurring in the rest of the USA (and beyond).
ReplyDeleteLarge companies can provide cheap quality goods. I don't see the problem here. I don't shop at chain stores, but that's because I can afford to shop elsewhere.
It's sad that we force poor people in Harlem to pay inflated prices for goods because some politicians/social planners think that somehow the cheap prices of chain stores are bad. It's so backwards to me. If there is one store Harlem needs it's Wal-Mart. Shouldn't Harlemites get to buy cheap stuff too??
GM Suggs...i miss the record shops, porn shops, bars, luncheonettes, and small theaters. Is that enough for you?
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