Harlem, the historic capital of African-American culture, unfortunately seems to be losing its still-rich black culture and sense of community. This is due to the uproar over unfavorable and unaffordable “luxury” housing that has been invested in the community over the past decade. According to Merriam Webster, gentrification is “the process of renewal and reconstruction that accompanies the influx of middle-class or affluent people into deteriorating areas that often displace poorer residents.” Coined by British sociologist Ruth Glass in the 1960s, gentrification materialized following the implementation of post-World War II reconstruction programs where, in London, working-class homes were invaded by the influx of lower and upper middle classes. sign of economic growth. As money flows into a neighborhood, many features of daily life are transformed for the “better.” Buildings and parks are modernized and redeveloped. Jobs are becoming available with increased construction activity and new service and retail businesses. Funding for local public schools will increase as the property tax base increases. The benefits of gentrification are numerous. However, the questions posed by critics of gentrification are: "Do new and old residents share equally in the benefits of economic growth?" » and “Socially, what is the cost of economic growth? These two questions give rise to many others, such as: who benefits most from this growth? What damage will be caused to the cultural and social fabric of the neighborhood with the arrival of new expectations, tastes and demographics? How did Harlem become the “black mecca”? Initially, the end of the civil war brought about an improvement in economic conditions. ..... middle of paper ......, residents. New residents get stylish “affordable” housing and all the expensive accommodations of life in a trendy urban neighborhood (cafes, bookstores, boutiques, club, etc.). Although long-time residents may initially benefit from safer, cleaner streets and better schools, they eventually can no longer buy or rent. Additionally, as new residents impose their culture on the neighborhood, low-income residents become socially and economically marginalized. Even though economic gaps may not be as bad as they seem, a persistent complaint about gentrification is that it damages the “soul” of a neighborhood. The tough character, eclectic spirit and ethnic diversity that attracted early urban pioneers are being overhauled by overpriced brunch menus, iPad-wielding hipsters, chain stores and stroller parking at the corner bar..