In Precinct 25, Manhattan's El Barrio, the number of murders rose by 400 percent over the past year, and crimes connected with gang activities also increased by 52 percent.

Gunfights are so much the order of the day that last weekend alone four people were wounded in two separate incidents.

The lack of safety in the streets is so alarming that in a community meeting on Wednesday, a 9 p.m. curfew was proposed for anyone under 18.

One of those who support the idea of a curfew is Henry Calderón, president of the East Harlem Chamber of Commerce.

"We are meeting here tonight to deal with the question of the gangs, which are affecting El Barrio, so we have to look for a solution," said Calderón. "The problem starts after six in the evening. Many business people are worried, especially restaurant owners, because when people leave at nine or 10 at night, they have had problems, and that affects their businesses," Calderón told those gathered for the meeting.

Calderón said the community wants more police on the streets at night.

"We've had many shooting incidents and they've attacked food delivery people," added Calderón.

City Council Member Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-District 8) announced that she is against the curfew "because the lack of security is a problem we have to solve among all of us, and not target only one segment of the population, like the young people. We can't single out the youth, telling them they are the problem; we have to seek out a more comprehensive solution," said Mark-Viverito.

One of the solutions suggested by the councilwoman is to engage young community members to find answers to the community's problems. To this end, she has formed the District 8 Youth Council which meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from five to six in the afternoon, and which has already held meetings with the youth who live in public housing projects.  To join the Youth Council, contact Elsie Encarnación at (212) 829-9800.

Police Captain Nilda Hofmann, the commanding officer of Precinct 25, said that in the two months since she assumed command she has found the situation in El Barrio difficult because of the shootings and the gang activities.

"This weekend there were two incidents involving gunfire, one at 121st Street and Third Avenue, where three persons were wounded, and the other at 118th Street and Lexington, where they shot one person whom they were trying to rob," said Hofmann.

Captain Hofmann said that due to the fact that people leaving restaurants at night are vulnerable to attacks, she has assigned more police officers to patrol during late hours.

With regard to the idea of a curfew, Hofmann said she was neither for nor against it, and she pointed out that in any case, getting the plan approved for El Barrio would be difficult.

"And then too," said the Commander, "once it was approved, it would be difficult to implement."

Hofmann invited the community to participate in the monthly meetings that the precinct holds.  For information about these meetings, contact Officer Jacqueline Rivera of Community Affairs at (212) 860-6526.