The 125th Street rezoning has been controversial and has yet to be approved. The Department of City Planning believes that rezoning 125th Street will bring positive economic changes. I personally believe that these changes would negatively affect Harlem residents and business owners. According to the New York City Planning Commission, the new zoning will bring new businesses and housing. Residents and business owners disagree because they believe this plays a larger role in promoting further “gentrification.” I believe Harlem should be able to preserve its cultural heritage while promoting and changing economic growth. The 125th Street rezoning is frowned upon by people who have lived there and those who have businesses because there would be an increase in the amount of residential development and there are concerns about affordability. If the goal of the post is to make positive changes in Harlem, then neither party needs to be negatively affected. Changing your existing plan, however, could alleviate these negative effects. Harlemites understand that these changes must happen, but they now live in fear of being removed from a place they knew as solid cultural ground. I propose that the following changes to the proposal be made so that local businesses, artists or residents are all positively impacted. Plan Change Bullet PointsI. Recapping the 125th Street Rezoning Plan The plan is to fortify 125th Street. The rezoning would affect the corridor bounded by Broadway, Second Avenue and 124th and 126th streets. The changes would be accomplished by developing luxury housing units, replacing local businesses and adding taller buildings. Rezoning will improve......middle of paper......example, in order to support and enhance 125th Street as a major thoroughfare in Manhattan, plan changes such as creating new incentives for new development , promotion of affordable housing with strict terms and conditions and finally protection of existing size and features, should be added in a new plan amendment. Another recommendation would be directed towards supporting the creation of destinations of excellence in the fields of arts, culture and entertainment. The changes aim to strengthen the mass of gathering places, encourage complementary uses and improve the pedestrian experience. This would help maintain the character of 125th Street. Yes, Harlem needs a “makeover,” but that doesn't mean erasing the culture it already has. New regulations should be imposed on street vendors. New qualifications related to affordable housing should be strengthened. Monuments such as the Apollo s. theater