“Harlem To Become America’s Largest Free Wi-Fi Hotspot” via @Gothamist

Harlem will soon become the United States’ largest free wireless zone.  The now five-year-old plan being rolled out in three phases, eventually giving over 80,000 Harlem residents (13,000 public housing residents) access to the internet.  

I feel that this is nothing short of incredible.  WiFi or access to the internet is something so many of us take for granted today.  Granted it isn’t fun paying the $50/month, but I would not have it any other way.  Simply put, we are living in a world where you must have internet access.  For better or for worse, we have reached a point where internet has become a basic human right.  So much so that this WiFi hotspot is actually just compliance with U.N. law.  Whether it’s our phones, pcs, tablets, watches, clocks, TVs, lights, or basically any other 21st century product, internet access has an important part to play.  

Hopefully this pilot program can be expanded to cover the entire city.  In a world where cities are in fierce competition for attracting young, smart, and talented citizens, the right to internet access would certainly build a competitive edge.  Not only will individuals be attracted to a WiFi city, the very residents themselves would be guaranteed access to a tool used in every form of business, education, etc. today.

For the entire Gothamist article, click the link here.

GENTRIFICATION: Harlem Welcomes Three Story Red Lobster

 

Red Lobster is planning another New York City location in Harlem, next door to the historic Apollo Theater.  The chain already has restaurants in highly trafficked areas such as Times Square and Atlantic Terminal.  Signage is already up along the quickly gentrification 125th Street corridor.   Plans call for a THREE story restaurant set to open November 11th of this year.   Red Lobster is just one of many large retailers taking over the formerly downtrodden neighborhood.  

Revamping the 125th Street corridor has been a leading force in the drastic changes seen in Harlem.  For the first time in almost a century, the neighborhood is no longer primarily black.  The New York Times reported the decline of black culture in the neighborhood as a steady stream of young professional move in.  Rents have risen seen more than a 10% increase in housing prices over the past year alone (MNS).   As other neighborhoods continue their upward climb, Harlem is becoming more attractive.  

The neighborhood will continue to develop and shows promise for those looking to invest.  I highly recommend my clients look into Harlem.  “Central Park North” as I will announce in an upcoming article for the Huffington Post, will take a deeper look into the changes taking place.  Landlords are seeing higher rates of return in this neighborhood than in any other in Manhattan.  If you are looking to buy, check out the changes happening here.

 

(Photo: New York Daily News)