Just because my economic status has changed, people feel that I am against those without. This is furthest from the truth. I volunteer my time and money to give back money and an active member of many organizations who goal is inline with these ideas.

I agree that amenities should not come just because people that have money want them. Amenities such as safety and schools are political issue that should be addressed with Bloomberg. Stores on the other had will not come to what is viewed as economically poor neighbors since they only care about how much money they can make at that location.

I also would like to ask Donald what specifics he has in mind when he urges the offering of “something to the community other than the mere satisfaction of your own personal gratification”?

We did not move to Harlem with hopes that its many treasures are “bulldozed.” I will also point out that, like clean streets and good schools, I can’t imagine that *any* Harlem residents wants safety above all else, BBQ-obsessed or not.

Truth be told, I don’t do any more clothes shopping at Marshalls and Old Navy (most of whose profits don’t get reinvested into the community) than I do at Jimmy’s Jazz (whose probably do). But I do enjoy my share of Billie’s Black, Harlem Vintage and Harlem Lanes. What do folks think of the effect of these — admittedly — “bourgie” black-owned establishments on the community? I would like to see more of those kinds of establishments, along with the more essential grocery, take-out, restaurant, bookstore and cafe options someone mentioned above. There are more than enough African braiding salons (there were no fewer than three on our old block) and 99 cent stores to go around for those who utilize their services.

are you so blind and filled with fear and hatred of the white man that when you hear a comment you don’t like coming out of a black man’s mouth your brain just automatically alters reality so you walk away thinking you’re being oppressed by the white man????

That’s sad.

I have no doubt, for many, Harlem’s gentrification will dissolve into this polarization also. I have seen on so many issues, arguments are cherry picked and expanded upon to show the ‘white opressors’ are at it again. Arguments that do not fit the latest conspirasory theory are conveniently ignored and forgotten. How can you learn from the past and build a better future when you choose certain facts and ignore others.

However, having lived in Harlem a number of years I know many locals who regard these conspirasory theories as the same old foolishness, when they hear of the race card being pulled they roll their eyes as if they are so tired of it.

My point, there are many good people of Harlem who do not buy these conspirasory theories and are open to see beyond pulling the race card on everything.

But it seems that the new arrivals are not willing to accept what is and make it better, but rather what to bulldoze what is there.

The reality of the situation is that most of the new arrivals are not there because they LOVE the culture or the Neighborhood or the history and the color as what happened in the village, where a community of artist evolved. The fact is they moved here because of the value and proximity.There is a whole different perspective from generations prior. They are trying to make where they are wherever they came from. THAT is not going to happen. There is no place like Harlem.

Case in point the new structure called SOHA… there is no such thing as SoHa, it’s Harlem.

Do I enjoy Marshall’s,Staples and Starbucks indeed I do. But I enjoyed in greater measure the hat store on the corner where I could see BMW’s purchase hats and Stacey Adams shoes. M&G’s, PAnPAn, Copeland’s, The masonic temple are not the problem.

One problem is the number of methadone, drug rehab clinics within such a small radius.

Lack of Morale’s is not a Harlem problem it’s a problem of America.

However, history is repeating itself. The Harlem of 2007 bears many similarities to the Harlem of 1907 in terms of affordable housing, Black culture, art and the lack of resources available for those intent on developing its communities. Harlemites have had to “make do” with very little support – and have done so.

Case in point: the emergency meeting that Councilwoman Inez Dickens called at Rice High School to discuss the barrage of shooting deaths that occurred within 24 hours one weekend not too long ago. White people’s main concern? “Quality of life” issues (i.e. barbecuing in the park). Who cared about the safety of the neighborhoods and the families of the victims? (And no, lining up a panel of overwhelmingly white police captains is NOT the be all and end all of establishing our safety.) Who cared about the Black business owners who have been here, have taken responsibility for developing their communities themselves with their own personal life investments?

I wish people would actually put their monies where their mouths are. If you want to see something here that doesn’t already exist, create it. Offer something to the community other than the mere satisfaction of your own personal gratification. And, no, that’s not only directed to new residents …

The reality is that many white people (and institutions) still believe in manifest destiny. Harlem, to them, is yet another wild frontier to take over. I’m sick of dancing around this racism as if it doesn’t exist all around us and as if it doesn’t inform decisions that people make about being here.

Perhaps a more constructive question would be : in what ways can new residents work with old residents to achieve common goals like cleaner streets or better schools?

I’m trying not to be “inflammatory”. I was finding it difficult to say the same thing.

My initial response was that some people moving into the neighborhood act as though they are bringing civilization with them.

As though the old residents appreciate/d the substandard services, lack of quality education and substandard housing.

This statement enraged me most:

“I was not born with a silver spoon. However, through determination, I now can be considered a resident that will bring new money into the community.”

My immediate thought was that unlike the experiences of many Harlem residents, I sure the poster’s determination has in no way been hampered by discrimination.