Since the community policing program began in the summer of 1993, Riverside has seen a 25 percent decrease in all crimes, "especially petty crimes like larceny and vandalism," says Metta Finch, a crime analyst for the Cambridge Police Department.

The community has also increased recreational programs for children. Ward says he has instituted a youth program at his church every Friday night.

"People are very interested and trying to bring things back together for themselves and their kid's," Della Morrison, a 13-year resident of Putnam Gardens says.

N. Leon Venable, owner of Leon's Ribs on River Street, says he has fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning a carry out restaurant.

While Venable says local people have been receptive to his "down-home cooking," he also says he has been the victim of two breakins since September.

"People are breaking down the door because they want my ribs," says Venable, whose slogan reads "You need no teeth to eat my meat."

Morrison and other citizens say they fear the end of rent control may change the character of Riverside by allowing nearby Harvard and MIT to purchase large tracts of land and encroach upon the neighborhood.

But Sullivan remains optimistic that Riverside will stay a diverse and vibrant neighborhood dominated by single-family homes.

"It's the best-kept secret in Cambridge," Sullivan says. "We're waiting to see what the next year will bring us. We need some affordable housing to preserve this rich community."

Riverside is the first of thirteen Cambridge neighborhoods The Crimson will profile in its "Harvard's Neighbors" series this year.