Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Chalmers Hardenbergh [mailto:editor@atlanticnortheast.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 1:36 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Oppose Efforts to Weaken CRA RIN number 3064-AC50

Chalmers Hardenbergh
PO Box 941, Yarmouth ME 04096
Yarmouth, Maine 04096

October 20, 2004

Federal Deposit Insurance Commission
,

Dear Federal Deposit Insurance Commission:

PLEASE do not weaken the requirement of community re-investment. From a
religious perspective, all faiths call on us to help our neighbors. The
Community Reinvestment Act requiresw the banks and thrift institutions
that provided the loans, services, and investments to build new homes,
businesses, and community facilities to look to their communities. BUT
they may no longer have the impetus to do so if the FDIC raises the
comprehensive CRA exam threshold.

This proposed change would have a devastating effect on affordable housing
and community development investment throughout the nation, particularly
in rural areas.

Please rescind your proposal.

Sincerely,

Chalmers Hardenbergh