Bubble Wrap

Face-off along 125th Street

Crain’s reports on the upcoming rezoning battle between the Bloomberg administration and the community groups opposing changes that would bring 20 story office towers and 2,000 market rate residential units to 125th Street.

The city’s overtures have not quelled many residents’ fears that gentrification will destroy Harlem’s unique character. And they are not convinced that development will lead to jobs. Many residents insist that they need better schools and job training, not rezoning, to improve their economic status. They note that many Harlem residents are shut out of office jobs available elsewhere in the city, and they don’t see how adding positions nearby will help.