Our only take on the blocks above 145th Street is that it appears that more new businesses are starting to open in this region because the blocks further south have much higher rents now. There is not a lot of buzz like South Harlem or Lenox so businesses tend to be open by folks who live in the immediate area. The Sugar Hill corridor on St. Nicholas Avenue just one block over has great potential but not much has happened in the area except Mamma K's Soups and a wine shop. There is a grocery store right there also and the express train gets one to 14th Street in 15 minutes. So basically our opinion would be that the neighborhood is nice enough but those who are patient will probably be the best candidates to invest in this area.
It doesn't need any further development, its fine just as it is. Leave it alone! There should be a moratorium on all this development throughout Harlem. Time to take a breather and let the cranes and jack hammers rest.
ReplyDeleteThe Columbia University Campus extension should also help to benefit this neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteGreg - If development means knocking down historic buildings I'm with you. But if it means putting contextual buildings on vacant lots and more retail in empty storefronts I'm all for it.
ReplyDeleteThis part of West Harlem is a landmark district so not much will happen in new construction. Just waiting for some better dining or shopping options. Fairway in Manhattanville is a trek and not really pedestrian friendly.
ReplyDeleteTotally agreed! We need a Trader Joe's in the neighborhood! The clientele is already here, and growing!
ReplyDeleteHarlem has been the product of redlining and lack of investment for decades. Let us not forget that real services and diversity of business make a thriving community, not shells and abandoned lots.
ReplyDeleteI disagree that a trader joe's is needed. That would be horrible for the neighborhood. Fairway is an easy and pleasant walking distance, but it is true if you get a lot you either need a cart to carry it back, or you need to take a cab. The closer grocery stores increasingly have a selection of good produce and organic fare, but they tend to be overpriced.
ReplyDeleteThere is something going on on St. Nicholas & 145th now where the old hardware store is, but I fear it is nothing interesting. From my understanding that Coop building has high rent.
It would be nice if there were a few more small places like Harlem Public, The Grange, Mountain Bird, etc. that were within similar close walking distance - esp. on Amsterdam above 145th.
hd---Trader Joe's has great products at fair prices....much better prices than Whole Foods and even Key Food,Associated, etc.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. Trader Joe's has a great selection and is moderately priced. I am seeing a lot of new developments with apartments planned for Harlem. Developers should consider that demand for these units will be greatly enhanced with the availability of larger grocery stores and other services like pharmacies etc.
ReplyDeleteThere has been a lot of momentum....Harlem Public, The Grange, Tonalli, Farafina, Trufa, Coccolo, Chipped Cup Cafe, Picante, and most recently Il Cafe Latte II, Mountain Bird, and Amsterdal Social....the demand is there!! Makes sense for a better grocery store to now come in.
ReplyDeleteFood Town has done a good job of adding and diversifying their products, but I fail to see how the addition of something like a Trader Joes would be bad. Convent Ave is a gem. It's quiet, friendly, safe and most reasonable property values have seen an steady increase and will continue to do so. Frankly, Convent Ave. 145-150th is and adjacent streets is a very savvy buy at the moment for those who are liquid, solvent and able to sit tight for 3-5 years. 15 minutes to pts downtown via the A train is amazing. Restaurants and Bars should look to Grange and Harlem Public as EXACTLY what to do to prosper... they focused on offering quality first, and a scene second. I think this neighborhood is so diverse at this point that quality is more of a catalyst than trying to appeal to any one demographic. Upper Convent will develop as a desirable residential area, but it's up to us as locals to support (and walk to) places like Mountain Bird which are "down the hill" etc.
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