Gentrification in East Harlem pt. 3

Shops

East Harlem was once known for the variety of its small neighbourhood “Mom and Pop” shops, many in small spaces on side streets rather than on the avenues. These are now an endangered species as large retail chains sweep in and displace them with glittering glass and chrome. For many residents this is a painful loss, while others welcome the modernization. Note also how store signs are often targeted at incoming, middle class (and often white) customers, rather than the traditional patrons.

Old time barber shops remain but opposite Magda’s old apartment on East 108th Street, a web-based “ghost kitchen” has a new outlet.
Spanish bakery
Cuchifritos (some varieties of Puerto Rican fried foods) remain. But some maintain that they are not like the old shops and the food is not as good.
Low-income residential block in the background, but on the ground floor a new supermarket advertising gelato and sushi rather than more traditional Puerto Rican or African-American specialties.
A new deli, offering a wide range from panini and organic food to shawarma and fried shrimp. Also providing an ATM and accepting EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer – government food aid accessed via a debit card).

Classmates remembered the old Eagle Theater on Third Avenue between 102nd and 103rd Streets fondly. Today, on that spot you can buy shoes in the same building.1
Old sewing supplies store remains while chain sandwich shop and tax preparers move in.
The sign of things to come?
  1. Cinema Treasures, public domain ↩ī¸Ž
1:
Intro
2: Housing
3: Shopping
4: Street party