The Planning Association of America has declared 125th Street in Harlem as one of the 10 best streets in America, The main reason: the street has managed to attract national chains like Old Navy, Starbucks, and The Body Shop, without driving out small business owners. They also cited the fact that 125th Street in Harlem has retained some of its distinctive architecture and flavor — eg. The Apollo Theater.

And it’s true. I have been up there several times, and I am impressed at the way I felt as safe as I would feel shopping in my Queens neighborhood. I predict that it won’t be long before Harlem gets Whole Foods on 125th Street, for those who consider Fairway a bit out of the way. Of course, Harlem’s gentrification always threatens to push out the poorer long-time residents, and that is a inus. It really makes me wonder about what could possibly be the next neighborhoos to gentrify, and my vote goes to the South Bronx.