Category Archives: Community

‘Central Harlem has experienced a revival’

Mar 7, 2011 @ 11:00
By HarlemGal
These days one can’t swing a bat without hitting the words “Harlem and real estate” together! By that, I mean Harlem is constantly being covered by the main stream press. Searching through my clips this past weekend, I came across another flattering article about Harlem. The Wall Street Journal reports “Central Harlem has experienced a revival. New businesses have moved in, ranging from upscale restaurants and wine bars to cutting-edge boutiques. Dozens of condominiums have sprouted around the neighborhood…”

It’s great to see these articles about my Harlem from the traditional press. However, I am getting to the point when I see these write ups is shouting “tell me something I don’t know.” This article re-hashes what’s already been printed. Come on mainstream press! There are a ton of other positive angles to cover about Harlem. For example, I wish they would profile some of the people who decided to choose Harlem as their home, what was the rationale? Profile those that have new or existing businesses in Harlem. How has this revival impacted local businesses? How are schools affected now compared to years ago? What’s the ratio of families versus single people moving to Harlem? And of course, the money trail is always a good one to follow. A story always arises from the money and paper trail!

These ideas come to mind for me. I’m sure there are more. What other positive angles do you think the mainstream press should cover about Harlem? Tell us!

Jet Income Tax opens in Harlem, next door to Franz James Floral Boutique

Mar 7, 2011 @ 9:00

By HarlemGal
The tax deadline for filing 2010 income taxes is about six weeks away! Have you completed filing your taxes? If not, there is a new business in the area that can assist!

The good folks over at Jet Income Tax have contacted us saying they are open for business at 2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd. and are available to assist with your tax preparation needs! During tax season, they’re open from Monday through Sunday from 9 AM to 8 PM. According to Marisa Louis, the owner, Jet offers an array of services for the Harlem community, such as bookkeeping for small businesses, financial advice, tax audits, and state sales tax and payroll tax preparation.

So if you’re looking for help in dealing with the tax man, here is one resource in Harlem to consider!

Jet Income Tax
2112 Frederick Douglass Blvd.
New York NY 10026
Office: 212-932-3200
Fax: 212-932-3290

Harlem’s bier international applies for sidewalk cafe

Feb 25, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
I walked by bier international last night and I couldn’t help but notice there was a sizable sign taped to their window informing passersby of a public hearing on April 6, 2011. The subject line gives an address of 2099 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. Hmmm, that’s confusing since bier is located at 2099 Frederick Douglass Blvd. However, it is the words right next to APPLICATION that are key! Apparently, bier international has applied for sidewalk cafe status, which would include 16 tables and 34 seats. If you look back at the renderings of the Harlem hot spot, they have always planned for some degree of outdoor seating. This request should come as no surprise. The owners are simply following through on their vision for the place. Good for them.

The flyer gives a web address on where you can voice your opinion on this subject. Go there and share your thoughts on the matter or feel free to tell us right here on HCL what you think about bier international applying for and potentially receiving a sidewalk cafe!

Opening of Levain Bakery Harlem store delayed

Feb 22, 2011 @ 15:49
By HarlemGal
A follower on Twitter informed me today that Levain Bakery is delaying their opening of their Harlem store by one week. I think this photo says it all. I guess the cookie dough is not ready yet!

Free coffee in honor of Best Yet Market in Harlem turning one

Feb 17, 2011 @ 7:00

By HarlemGal
The good folks over at Best Yet Market in Harlem notified us yesterday that they are giving away a free small cup of cappuccino or a latte on Thursday (February 17) and Friday (February 18) to shoppers  in honor of the store turning one-year old. The grocery store opened up February 4, 2010 at West 118th Street and Frederick Douglass Blvd. in Harlem.

So how does one get the free cup of coffee? Show this ad pictured above on your smart phone to the cashier in the bakery section and this person will give you your free cup of java. Also , you can find the ad on their Twitter or Facebook page as well.

Best Yet Market said they were offering this special “to extend their gratitude to Harlem, New York for welcoming them to this exceptional neighborhood.” Well said!

The Injustice Files screening at Harlem’s Schomburg Center

Feb 16, 2011 @ 7:40
By HarlemGal
If you’re interested in another free screening, there is one taking place tonight (February 16) of The Injustice Files at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, located at 515 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. The Injustice Files, a TV series, explores three unsolved cases from the Civil Rights era.

Click here to see a sneak peek or better yet, head on over to the Schomburg Center in Harlem tonight to see an entire episode…for FREE!

Alton Weekes trunk show at Studio Museum Harlem

Feb 11, 2011 @ 13:46


By HarlemGal
The good people who work with
Alton Weekes New York have asked us to share information about their trunk show taking place this weekend in Harlem. The well-known and talented Alton Weekes will be available at Studio Museum Harlem, located at 144 West 125th Street, from February 12-13. The trunk show will offer guests and members of the Museum access to Alton Weekes where he will offer tips on stationary for every occasion.

The trunk show starts at noon both days and will end at 6 p.m. Click here for additional details.

To all single and fabulous women of Harlem, you’re invited to a film screening

Feb 9, 2011 @ 14:49


By HarlemGal
Listen up, all you amazing and single HarlemGals. Yes, you! You’re invited to a “girls night out!” HarlemCondoLife.com would like to invite you to a free film screening of Jumping the Broom starring Julie Bowen, Paula Patton, Meagan Good, Angela Bassett, Mike Epps, and more, this coming Monday (February 14th) at the Magic Johnson Theater. Jumping the Broom is about “a collision of worlds when two African-American families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds get together one weekend in Martha’s Vineyard for a wedding.”

In addition to the free film screening, there is an after party for all the awesome women who get to attend the free film screening in Harlem. The after party will include complementary hair styling and make-up application from Empire Beauty School and giveaways from SendHerFlowers.com, Complete Body and Spa, and 8 Minute Dating.

Here’s the details on getting your ticket. Please note, tickets are available on a first come first serve basis!

What: Girls’ Night Out screening of JUMPING THE BROOM
Where: Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem (124th and Frederick Douglass)
When: Monday, Febraury 14th
How: Click on this link to download and print out screening passes! Special instructions are located on the link.

New York Magazine acknowledges, Harlem is hot

Feb 8, 2011 @ 10:30
By HarlemGal
What a difference a year makes?  Let’s reflect! April 11, 2010 Harlem is poorly ranked by Nate Silver for New York Magazine’s Neighborhood Issue. Does anyone remember this article? I certainly do. That article inspired me to write Top ten reason why Harlem is one of the best neighborhoods to live in. Let’s fast forward to today. Harlem and several local establishments are currently featured bright and big this week in a series of articles under the banner The Everything Guide to Harlem in NY Mag. It’s a creme-de-la-creme of articles featuring restaurants, markets, shops and bars in Harlem. My favorite article is The New New Harlem, which is sort of a “Whose In and Whose Out.” In my view, featuring several establishments in this type of format demonstrates the caliber and variety of places located in Harlem. Plus in order to pit two businesses against each other, there has to be plenty of selection. Clearly, Harlem has reached that point.

In closing, I will use soccer terms to describe this Harlem milestone. This article is another G-O-A-L for Harlem. Remember, we won Curbed Cup 2010 too. More importantly, it recognizes (again) what most of us have known all along, and now NY Mag too, Harlem is hot! Adelante!

Harlem businesses come together to ‘Kiss and Tell’

Feb 8, 2011 @ 7:30
By HarlemGal
Tonight, several Harlem businesses, such as Harlem Flo, The Winery, Make My Cake, Tonnie’s Minis, Aloft Hotel and Yatenga, are gathering together to “Kiss & Tell.” Well, not exactly that, but sort of! These Harlem businesses will be on hand Tuesday evening, starting at 6 p.m., to offer gift advice for Valentine’s Day. According to Harlem Flo’s Facebook site, the February 8th event will “feature unique and creative gifts items that you can purchase for your loved ones for V-day and there after.”

So if you need something for your cupid or yourself, head on over to Harlem Flo, second location at 2276 Frederick Douglass Blvd., at West 122nd Street.