The African-American population of Harlem, where most of Manhattan's 267,000 African-Americans reside, has dropped nearly 20% in the last ten years. This is simultaneous with recent economic stimulation and development by companies such as Starbucks and Pathmark. Former President Clinton came to Harlem because his yearly office rent of $300,000 is considered "affordable" by Manhattan standards.

According to published reports, it is entirely possible that the sharp drop can be attributed to a poor count. The census bureau has estimated it missed around six million people in the 2000 count. Because people of color are frequently miscounted, it is likely that many of the uncounted live in ethnic strongholds like Harlem. Be that as it may, the supposed decrease in population will result in less government funds for an area that, by all accounts, has much potential.

Proposals for further revitalization of the neighborhood are still under consideration, such as development at 125th through 128th Streets and Second and Third Avenues. Janel Patterson, a spokeswoman for the Economic Development Corporation, said that a developer had not yet been designated as of yesterday, March 19, 2001. Possibilities include a flower market and Kmart.