harlem

We just went into contract on a place in the Mt. Morris Park area. Also moving uptown (currently in Carnegie Hill). The neighborhood is great. Can't wait to move.

Glad your are also moving up there too. Hopefully we can start a new comers group there and figure out ways to make it even better. We almost bought in 2002 Fifth Ave. another nice building on The Park.. Ellen

There's an existing Yahoo group.

what is the name of the Yahoo group on Harlem?

http://finance.groups.yahoo.com/group/harlemhome/

As a professional couple, we have bought and are moving into a new development in Spanish Harlem. Neighborhood feels safe (after numerous visits during the day and night) and speaking to local businesses. Plenty of new condos in the area. Needs more amenities and upscale cafes and restaurants, but those will come in time.

One nice addition will be Harlem Park to be located on 125th Street and Park Avenue. Oh there's a Stone Cold Creamery opening up on 5th Ave btwn 125th and 126th street too. Good Luck!

I thought that site is now going to be offices (Time Warner Cable), not residences.

HI, Glad to hear all the great feedback. We do need to form a group to make this the BEST area in NY to live. Its important to start to spend as much money as you can in the area when possible. Visit the shops that are kept up really nice too. I have a Harelm blog on goggle bloggers and I will add updates and "finds" constantly. I also use www.newnewyorker.com for info too. Lets all share info and maybe do a "get together" I plan to see what the neighborhood association does and needs, its a good start.

#13 Yeah I think it will be class A office space and retail primarily.

I was wondering if anyone knows why The LENOX GRAND at 381 Lenox Avenue, is completely dead, no one lives there, the bldg is NEW and yet its been shut tight. They said people would move in about january yet its still closed. We had bought there but took our money back after learning they weren't even ready to commit for an April then May and then June move in date, all they do is lie. so we pulled out, I do want to know the truth.

Who knows...I've heard so many stories. One possibility could also be that theya are holding out for the rezoning of 125th street which is in progress and will surely drive up prices.

HI, I had no idea of the rezoning. Can you explain it to me and what it entails? It sounds like a good thing but this is the first I have heard of it. I can also be reached at this smae name on aol. Thanks for sharing...

Yeah, 125th street will be rezoned to allow for larger scale developments and a certain amount of space will be allotted to community based organizations. It is said that the corner of 125th street and Lenox avenue may be anchored by Macy's, Bed Bath and Beyond and/or some other major retail chain. In addition I think there are two hotels that are said to be going up along 125th street...I think one of them will be going up next to the Apollo and there's a W Hotel going up on 124th street and 8th avenue/Fredrick Douglas. Harlem Park which will be approx. 21 stroies tall will provide class A office space....the word is that Nike, Time Warner, BET, and a number of other coimpanies are looking into anchoring the development. The link below is to an article that speaks to some of the plans for Harlem:
http://www.urbandigs.com/2007/07/why_harlem_is_hot_hot_hot.html

There are also a few new stores in the neighborhood...coldstone creamery and the sushi joint called Charlies, just to name a few.

We just closed on a place in the Mt. Morris area. I think my wife would cry tears of joy if a BB&B opened on 125 & Lenox. LOL. Sorry that your deal cratered elsuhi.

This is so wonderful to hear. We just movedto THE LENOX on Lenox Avenue and 129th so we really want to help to make a difference and make it GREAT up here, as it already is but we want more fun things up here and to really grow with the neighborhood. I also have my new website www.newnewyorker.com and we are planning to have a newcomers club with interesting things to do and see. Maybe even a fun softball team too. I am going to ask at the Harlem Tea Room if we can have meetings there. I can be reached at ELSUSHI921@aol so please let me know if you hear anything,

thanks,
Ellen

I am trying to do a harlem Blog too but I can't figure out how a person gets recognition on it! It would be fun to exchange restaurants and shopping info also.

Ellen

#22 There's definitely power in numbers and I applaud your enthusiasm with regards to improving the area. Setting up a network of residents from a couple of the developments in the immediate area might be feasible and certainly beneficial. I myself will be moving into 50 West 127th Street soon. Welcome to the neighborhood!

I am so happy to hear from you. I just need a places to put up flyer so lots of people will know where and when we are meeting. Your building is a great building too. I just can't wait to get started. I want to work with everyone and keep the Harlem feel and let that expand. I'd love to see art galleries of local artists and then great places for jazz, make this a better destination than New Orleans even.... I'll post it on here when we can have our first New Comers meeting from newnewyorker.com

Thanks,
Ellen

Just interesting to read these comments about a neighborhood that has been around for many years and has such an amazing history of writers, singers, musicians and artists of all kinds. A neighborhood long known for it's food and commerce of many kinds. And yes, a neighborhood also known for crime and poverty in certain parts. And all these "new comers" want to go and make it just like any other neighborhood in America..could even imagine you're in Peoria!
I just don't get it.

HI,

I so disagree, we are here because it does feel different to us than Sutton Place, its alot friendlier and the architecture is amazing. I would love to see Harlem be all it can be, and bring back the days of Puttin on the Ritz. I do think that it does need some revival, there are too many empty stores and boarded up buildings that is not good for anyone living up here. New businesses create jobs. I would love to see East Harlem be like OLD SAN JAUN and have it be a destination place for visitors, we are a melting pot so why now make each neighborhood the best it can be? When we go to Brighton Beach it feels like going to Odessa in Russia, when we go to Astoria it feels like Greece, all this will make NYC even more special and have even more tourists coming here and spending money...

Ellen, I got what you are trying to say. Improving a neighborhood does not necessarily mean Peoritizing it. I think your attitude is great, and hope that your efforts are successful. I plan to do my part by patronizing all the local places. I know that the wine shop on Madison between 117th and 118th already counts me as a good customer. LOL.

Daniel, I also try and spend our money up here too. Once the new bank on Lenox and 126th is open for business we will open an account. When I find places that are kept up nicely and the people are friendly I definitly go there. Let me know if you want to join the group I am putting together. my email is Elsushi921@aol.com Also if you find great restaurants too let me know.

Take care,
Ellen

Although we haven't moved in yet (so don't know all the places) we've had good experiences at Settipani on Lenox and 120th, Boma coffee on 126th & Fifth and Piatto D'Oro on 118th between Fifth and Mad. Next on the agenda are Ginger, Harlem Tea Room and a couple of the places on Lenox that looked interesting.

I will check them out, I know some of them. Try Dinosaur and Hudson River Cafe, both amazing. I'll let everyone know when the newcomers club begins it should be FUN stuff.

Ellen, it sounds wonderful what you want to do & you seem like a very nice person. One thing I would like to add, though, is please don't forget the people who are already there/
longtime residents; that way you can include them & take them along with you & not create a balkanization, us vs. them, "effen gentrifiers" feel. Good luck - & it already sounds like you're having fun!

Try Zoma, a great ethiopian on 113th & 8th.

And Native (118th and 6th) has improved recently.

Piatto D'Oro is one of the most authentic little italian restaurants in the city.

Hi, We are planning to have a neighborhood block party to meet the people that have lived on the street for years, so that will be nice too. Also SD I will try Zoma and the other places you said as well. I will review these places for my website www.newnewyorker.com

Thanks everyone, its been so helpful and I'll let you know when we are ready for the new comers meeting and also other fun events...

Ellen

whos bringing the crack pipe?

so what exactly does that comment mean? I am not sure how to take it...

It's nonsense Ellen. Meant to be ignored. Stay happy.

Whoops, almost forgot. On my way to the new place to check on renovations earlier today, I spotted a sign on a window on 118th and Madison announcing a new Italian place. It's called Giovanna's or something like that.

thanks I really apprciate your toughtfullness. stay in touch,

Ellen

that is FABULOUS... I will go there too when its open and review it. I just want to get my HARLEM BLOG up and running too. I really don;t want anyone to think I am out to make Harlem like just another neighborhood, we moved here because it is special and beautiful and I want to be a part of making it the best it can be and how it once was.

Major kudos to Ellen and to constructive dialog/activities. I would like to join the newcomers club (will send an email). I recently purchased at the Langston and am totally loving it.

Hi,

So glad everyone up here is so happy and wants to be back to being a part of a neighborhood again. We'll make it happen...

Ellen