At the site of the shooting, residents say life goes on

and Maureen Tkacik Most residents of the 4200 block of Pine Street heard the gunshot Monday night that wounded College senior James McCormack around 9:30 p.m. And for them, it was unsettling that the serene, well-kept block, which residents said was patrolled by police every 10 minutes after dark, could be the scene of a crime so early in the evening. But yesterday, none of the neighbors seemed to be panicking, with many saying that police and security patrols have been effective in reducing crime. And since the incident occurred, block residents have focused on providing each other with emotional support and maintaining the area's friendly atmosphere. "We said 'hi' before, but I know [my neighbors] better now, since Monday night," said a resident who asked to remain anonymous. The woman, who lives in the building McCormack was leaving when he was shot, added that the block "is really friendly [and] very neighborhoody." Most residents also said they believe the University has done "everything it can" to control crime. University employee Pauline Moslemi, who lives about a block away from the site of the shooting, said she feels comfortable "walking around after dark." "The University has taken the correct step insofar as police presence, especially with these rent-a-cops that stroll around," Moslemi said, referring to the Spectaguard security guards who patrol the area up to 43rd Street. But Moslemi stressed that the University should invest more time and energy in improving the surrounding community in order to reduce crime further. And despite the University's recent security improvements over the past year -- which include additional lighting and guards -- many residents said they still take steps to ensure their personal safety. "I always take the shuttle, and there is always someone here to walk me to my door," said Nicole Walker, a first-year Medical student. Many residents of the block, which is largely populated by permanent residents and graduate students, said they enjoy living in their "friendly" University City neighborhood, pointing to the large number of owner-occupied houses and the "nice flow of people" walking at night. And many described Monday's shooting -- which wasn't fatal -- as a fact of life. "I know I should be scared, but I'm not," 13-year-old Leigh Senderowicz said. "I feel safe. On this block, [shootings] are as rare as they are in the suburbs." Leigh's father, Alee, added that he doesn't "feel unsafe, but I'm more cautious than I was 15 years ago." Although the elder Senderowicz regularly sees University Police officers in the area, he said he doesn't "know how much a police force can do about the problems we have here." His wife, Joan Weiner, said she believes University-sponsored initiatives, such as shuttle buses for students and staff, perpetuate what she described as "abandonment of the streets" -- decreasing foot traffic and safety at night.

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