Harlem's Main Street To Get A Facelift As Commercial, Retail Hub

April 17, 2008 5:36 p.m. EST

Harlem, NY (AHN) - Redevelopment is coming to the 125th Street, Harlem's main thoroughfare, after the area was rezoned on Wednesday as a 24/7 commercial and retail hub.

The attempt to rezone 125th street was not easy since there were opposition from older residents and businesses who feared they would be asked to leave the place. Also talk went around that the redevelopment would focus on expensive high-rise buildings beyond the reach of its residents.

Under the rezoning plans, 4,000 new housing units would be constructed, with half of the units at affordable rates. There would be a height limit on the new constructions, while developers would be encouraged to include space for non-profit cultural institutions through the grant of incentives.

Planning Commissioner Amanda Burden gave a peek of the new 125th Street to media. "The plan from the beginning was to make 125th Street not only a regional business district but a center for arts and culture and entertainment. It is going to feel like a village both day and night," Burden told Newsday.

During the construction phase, around 70 businesses and thousands of residents would have to move out temporarily and stay in temporary spaces, although financial assistance would be provided them.

The amended plans, notwithstanding, there was still some opposition to the redevelopment. Michael Henry Adams, an architect and historian from Harlem, told the Daily News, "Harlem may still have its black cultural institutions, but it won't have any black audience. There won't be any black politicians and there won't be any black churches because there won't be any black residents in white, rich Harlem."