Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ

From: Sims, Gerald [mailto:gsims@lsmnj.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 4:26 PM
To: Comments
Subject: Community Reinvestment -- RIN 3064-AC50

Having worked in the community development and affordable housing field for over 25 years, I have seen the positive results of mandating the involvement of large lending institutions in those areas where they are doing business. In addition the larger financial institutions should be held to a higher standard of participation and community development. Therefore, I oppose the FDIC's proposal to allow banks with assets above $250 million to be examined as small banks under the Community Reinvestment Act. this policy would reduce lending, investments and services in low-income communities.

Gerald O. Sims
Director, Housing Development
Lutheran Social Ministries of NJ
6 Terri Lane, Suite 300
Burlington, New Jersey