Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Warren Stewart [mailto:wstewart@metisassoc.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 14, 2004 2:56 PM
To: Comments
Subject: re:Community Reinvestment

I strongly 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.

I can’t imagine why this proposal is being considered, since there is a documented history of banks excluding low-income communities from services, and tradition of discrimination as well. These communities require access to support new businesses and to maintain and improve the housing stock in their neighborhoods. This change would be an impediment to improvements in disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Sincerely,

Warren Stewart