Hi Michelle,

Crime in emerging neighborhoods in New York City have always been deliberately skewed in its reporting.

I've always marveled at the under reporting of crime that occurs in predominately white neighborhoods, as the impression given to the general public is that violent crime occurs disproportionately in neighborhoods of color.

My only advice is that you should visit a restaurant in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn called TINY CUP, on Clifton and Nostrand. It happens to be the meeting spot for a thriving artist community of white resident transplants from super expensive neighborhoods. And they are happy to be there and have embraced the community, as well as the community has embraced them.

The precinct that offered their opinion on the criminality of that community will always see it through one lense ONLY, because its their job. The majority of this city's police officers live on Staten Island or Long Island, having very little engagement with the community outside of the narrow scope of their jobs.

I've lived on a block in Crown Heights, Brooklyn for 11 years and there has been a white family on this block since the 1930's who have embraced the community throughout its transition from a predominate jewish neighborhood to a majority african / carribean american population.

I wish you well in your decision and encourage you to make it according to YOUR criteria, not by those who don't live, shop, eat, play or contribute to the community.

Michael Corley
V.P., Sales and Marketing
Corley Realty Group Inc.

www.CorleyRE.com

Sun Jul 13 2008, 17:19