By Genevieve Long Belmaker 
In the New York City neighborhood of Harlem at 125th Street, the NY City Council has been undertaking a controversial zoning and rezoning project. The plan was finalized and approved in 2008. After two years of development and change, were the fears that changes would disrupt the patchwork of unique local businesses and landmark spots like the Apollo Theater unfounded? Or has the impact on Harlem’s main street--which was named one of the nation’s 10 greatest in 2007--negatively affected the area's unique characteristics?
I am a freelance journalist and photographer based in New York City with over 5 years of experience working in a variety of mediums to communicate stories from around the world, including news and opinion writing, blogging, photography, and radio broadcasting. My work is regularly published by various media in print and online, including The Epoch Times, Quill magazine, and the Foreign Policy Association.
I propose to produce a reportage project that includes a photo essay accompanied by audio interviews and a written story that examines the current state of the area of Harlem targeted for zoning and rezoning. Through my reporting on site in Harlem, I will investigate the impact, both positive and negative, on the neighborhood two years after the plan was approved by the City Council. Through interviews with residents, local business owners, the Harlem Tenants Council, New York City Council, and the National Urban League, I will gather various perspectives on how the changes have impacted the area and its people.
