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Harlem. Just the name denotes the a sense of history of culture.
Long the home of the Apollo Theatre as well as being the historical capital of black American culture, Harlem is on the verge of a potential rezoning proposal that could change the face of the neighborhood forever.

Harlem's famed 125th Street was named by the American Planning Association as one of the Ten Great Streets in America, in 2007. The Planning Association cited the street's combinatoin of transportation, culture, architecture and destination. The citation states, "It has managed to maintain a strong identity through periods of tremendous population growth and infrastructural strain, disinvestment, and urban renewal. In addition it is a piston of economic, social, cultural, and transit activity for Harlem, with increasingly more walkable and livable places."

At the same time, a proposal to change the zoning of this historical and beloved street and neighborhood is on the table.

HISTORY
Harlem's history dates back over 400 years. First settled in 1626 by African laborers at the edge of the New York settlement, Harlem's history has paralleled that of New York. Its main street, 125th, was laid out in 1811, and runs from the Hudson River to the FDR Drive.

When ex-President Bill Clinton moved his headquarters to Harlem in 2001, he was greeted with cheers as well as jeers from those who feared a "white takeover". Since then, national chains have also arrived, such as Old Navy and Starbucks. The same questions that faced these changes are voiced by the opponents of the current zoning proposal.

Who will benefit from zoning changes?
How will the current resident and retailers fare?

These are the subjects of a great debate going on between developers, long-time residents and retailers, the City Planning Commission, and Community Board 10. Hundreds of people have attended City Planning Commission hearings to voice their concerns about changes to their neighborhood.

THE PROPOSAL
The proposal includes plans for condominiums, hotels, retail space and performing art venues. Four years in the planning, the area will cover dozens of blocks, along 125th St, between Broadway and Second Avenue. It will include 8 million square feet of office and retail, as well as hotel space. Over 2,500 new residential units are planned, which includes 500 designated as affordable housing.

Arts
Understanding the neighborhoods legacy in the arts, the proposal offers incentives for performing artsone square foot of art space for every

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