These organizations are more likely to succeed if they have multiple purposes rather than focusing solely on crime. Their combined effects of strengthening the neighborhood's social fabric, improving physical conditions, increasing confidence, encouraging neighborhood stability, and promoting targeted anti-crime efforts work together to develop safer and less fearful communities, as shown by a study by the Citizens Committee for New York City. The committee's Block Booster study found that active block associations substantially reduced the fear of crime among residents, even though no direct connection was found between the existence of a block association and overall crime rates. The reduction of fear in crime resulted from the active building of community, in both the physical and the social sense. The full benefits accrue only to the active members of the associations, however. Thus, a crucial task for those seeking to encourage crime control through community development is to find ways to increase and retain members. In addition, efforts targeted against drugs require careful planning and organizing, because they are difficult and inherently risky. Photographs and 5 reference notes.