Spanish Harlem consists of about 16 blocks in the upper east side, beginning from about 101st street up until 118 of the East Side. The area is very diverse because of how close it is to the middle of Manhattan, originally an African American dominated area, it is now populated by people from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. As well as groups moving up from the lower east side looking for cheaper rent. This neighborhood is perfect to write about because of its diversity, ranging from food chains competing with small local businesses, to how the different ethnicities identify with each other. There is plenty of easy transportation in regards to buses and trains as well.
In addition, it is so close to midtown that the change is very noticeable from one street to the next, it is interesting to see how residents who have lived here for years are accepting so many new faces in the neighborhood and how it affects their daily lives. There is also a lot of families, who come from other countries seeking to be there temporarily before going back to their original countries, but find themselves there for quite some time and becoming part of the neighborhood’s culture. There’s also been an infusion of franchises such as Macdonalds and Taco Bell who have taken a lot of revenue away from local Caribbean spots, it is interesting to find out perhaps how exactly are these local businesses are responding.
-Abel ramirez
Abel,
Let’s see if you can add specifics to this neighborhood pitch about the changing demographics and the economics of the residents, too. Also, if you were to write specific stories, what would you write about? Not stories on Taco Bell and franchises but stories that speak to the neighborhood’s character and personality. What community services are there in the neighborhood and what is the condition of the local library? Try to dig in and find out more.
I think you have an interesting story here. You can maybe find out what’s causing Spanish Harlem to attract the same kinds of people. What about the neighborhood is drawing people in? The food, the residents, rent, schools, diversity? Good luck!
Great neighborhood to cover. I’ve spent a share of time in Harlem, but usually on the Westside, so I’m interested in reading your take on the East. Hearing that people have been moving from LES to Spanish Harlem for cheaper rent is interesting, and something you should think about covering if any of your future articles will be on real-estate or economic issues. Looking forward to your coverage!
Hello Abel,
Spanish Harlem is a great choice for a neighborhood.
When I first moved to NYC, in the fall of 2008, I moved into the Emerson, a luxury building located at the corner of Third Avenue and 101st Street. The building was brand new, opening up the day I moved in, and I was among its first tenants. It was very interesting for me to see a luxury building situated right next door to a halfway house and directly across the street from low income housing. Even though there was 24 hour doorman service, I remember the front door was always locked. All tenants had to use their key fob to enter the building because the doorman was not allowed to open the door for us. I never quite understood that rule.
Another thing I remember from the neighborhood was a burger joint called, Joy Burger, located on the corner of Lexington Avenue and 100 Street. It’s owned by two brothers, one of them named Roy. I remember Roy is a very friendly guy, willing to talk about his business and the neighborhood when I came in to eat. His restaurant did so well that he decided to open up another location, further down the island, in Greenwich Village, on the corner of 6th Avenue and Washington Place. About a year ago, I ran into Roy and asked him how his businesses are doing. He said that his Spanish Harlem location is still doing much better than his Greenwich Village location. I had expected it to be the other way.
Hopefully, my memory of Spanish Harlem helps you out in someway. I look forward to reading your articles on this neighborhood.
I’ve never been to Spanish Harlem, but the ethnic diversity is something that is very common in a lot of neighborhoods. What is interesting is the conflicts it can create. You addressed a business conflict in terms of competition, but what about the unity that merges those two groups together? Which is more prevalent, the ethnic tension or the fusion of the two to create a new type of culture? Another aspect of the neighborhood you mention are the influx of families immigrating. What type of conflict does this create in terms of overcrowding in the neighborhood? How does this affect the small businesses around the area?
Abel, you mention that many migrate to Spanish Harlem temporarily, but end up staying longer than they expected. Maybe it would be a good idea to find out why these people no longer are going back home, and what they bring to the neighborhood.