Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation

From: Neighborhood Design Center [mailto:center@neighborhooddesign.org]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2004 9:51 AM
To: Comments
Subject: RIN 3064-AC50

Dear Commissioners -

I am the Executive Director of the Neighborhood Design Center in Columbus, Ohio. I believe that the proposed amendment to 12 CFR Part 345 would have a serious negative impact on the very successful Tax Credit programs which have done so much to revitalize our cities. Bankers have made it clear to me that without the CRA requirements, they would significantly reduce their activities in the areas of our cities that need help the most. The current CRA rules are not a financial burden on banks, but only encourage them to look wider for good loan opportunities. Raising the small bank limit to $1 billion will have a dramatic negative effect on the most vulnerable parts of our cities. Please oppose this change.

Hamilton J. Teaford
91 East Deshler Avenue
Columbus, OH 43206