Bradenton neighborhood's unity to fight crime is very uplifting story

I just had to write to say how pleased I was to read such an uplifting article on the front page of the Feb. 28 Herald ("Reclaiming their neighborhood: Parkside Apartments in Ballard Park").

We hear so many negatives about low-income families accused of just wanting to live off the government with payments of unemployment, food stamps, etc. and yet here we have a community that was just waiting for that one pot luck dinner back in November to come together and work towards cleaning up their neighborhood not only from drug dealers and prostitutes but literally fixing their homes and environment.

I want to tell them that they restored my faith in people that amongst all the yelling, name calling and negativity from supposedly the educated and wealthy, you put them to shame! You have shown that you have pride in your community and the people that live there.

Thank you for reminding us all that working together, caring for each other is the key to a happier life. Knowing that you have a true neighborhood and can call on each other in a time of need. Thank you, too, to the Bradenton Herald for reporting on these truly admirable people and encouraging them to keep up the good work. I'm proud of you all for showing us the way.

Susan Hatch

Anna Maria

This story was originally published March 6, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Bradenton neighborhood's unity to fight crime is very uplifting story ."