These problems of violence, guns and drugs are the same that have plagued the neighborhood since the 1960s, said Jacquie Adams, a member of the Cambridge Housing Authority who lives in Area 4. Adams described how over the years drug dealers had operated out of different street corners, but had always been in the neighborhood.

City councillors discussed how violent crime is related to other factors such as drugs, employment, guns and even poor street lighting, and how city services can help prevent people from turning to crime.

Councillor Anthony D. Galluccio said that young people need to be a greater focus for city employment services so they do not end up engaged in dangerous criminal activities.

“These are our kids who are out there,” he said. “They’re not hard-core kids. They’re average kids.”

Adams disagreed, saying that most of people dealing drugs on the street were not known to anyone in the community.

After the council meeting last night, people gathered in Central Square in the rain to demonstrate community unity in the face of violence. School committee member Richard Harding Jr. organized the rally.

—Staff writer Stephanie M. Skier can be reached at skier@fas.harvard.edu.