During its first decade, the small staff at Hands - which has always been countable on fingers - followed the ordinary path of community developers.

Taking account of community developers' orientations.

And for the troubled ones, he put in place a social service staff that includes 18 community developers who work, almost live, in the buildings.

Either I've been an activist, community developer or elected official.

But some community developers who want to revive Central Harlem say landmarking would hurt rather than help.

As of September 8, 2000 the community developers sold 204 houses, including 34 of the 43 estate houses.

The name is derived from Llewellyn A. Nares, the community developer.

We're grass-roots community developers; we work hands-on to reduce crime, to foster economic development and the well-being of our neighbors.

"I'm a community developer," said Mr. Vargas, who dresses in suits but spends little time behind his desk.

The effort will provide community developers with initial financing as well as low-interest loans for up to 30 percent of the development costs.