Here’s a great idea for reducing crime in the city. Build more open spaces, more coffee shops and above all, more libraries.  Why?  Because, as Eric Klinenberg writes in his book, Palaces for People, with so many eyes on the scene, these areas become safer places. (“Come Togethe

When I owned my home, I was an activist in my neighborhood.  I organized 4 blocks surrounding my property as a neighborhood-watch-group and, together, we managed to eject a prostitution ring from the area.  I also joined the city’s emergency network and trained to be a responder i