Urban regeneration in New York: gardens and grocers

This paper focuses on the decay and subsequent regeneration of Harlem, New York. It identifies the importance of retail provision in residential areas, not only in terms of service provision, but also in terms of its social and economic function. Furthermore, it reveals how residents view retailing activity as a health indicator, whereby low levels of retailing provision are signs of unattractiveness and disadvantage and, as such, the increase in retail activity is seen as indicative of regeneration and of affirmation of a community's “worth”. Finally, the paper highlights the high levels of awareness of the community in recognising the processes of decay and regeneration, and its role in arresting the spiral of decay.