2. Develop relationships with local police and other authorities—"not necessarily the brass, but the cops who are on the street every day," she suggests. "We used to have a schedule for taking the on-duty officer to lunch at a local restaurant. They were always shocked that we just wanted to thank them."

3. Look for foundation funding for education, prevention, enforcement, and treatment programs. Many cities have funds set aside for nonprofit designation intended to help communities. Corporations also supply grants to local nonprofits dedicated to your needs.

The Ohio City Near West Development Corporation (OCNW) also has a Web site, which is designed more for those interested in development issues and architectural discussions: ocnw.org. You can order the group’s book describing Ohio City's renowned architectural styles, Those Wonderful Old Houses. It uses sketches and expert advice to guide homeowners through historic restorations.

We also highly recommend Kyle Ezell’s Get Urban!: The Complete Guide to City Living, which encourages folks to return to the urban living setting for a more convenient and multifaceted lifestyle. The author meets all tastes as he breaks down the 35 best cities, from postindustrial trendy to historic garden neighborhoods. Suggestions include dealing with the threat of crime, blending in to your community, and rediscovering the joys of walking around your neighborhood. Both books are available ($10 each) by calling the OCNW at 216/781-3222.