The safety of the street environment is important to the success of an urban neighborhood.  The design of the street must communicate to passing motorists that they are in a residential community and that they must drive appropriately.  Neck-downs at intersections reduce the perceived width of the street and help slow traffic.  Similarly, street trees, on-street parking and other street design features slow traffic and communicate the nature of the street to passing drivers.  On busy boulevards, a median offers a safe resting place when crossing the street. Safety and security can also be designed by focusing on predictability, accountability and clearly controlled space.  Predictability in the street pattern and setbacks promotes visual continuity and a sense of familiarity.  This comfort level encourages residents to feel vested in the community and to take responsibility for supervising their surroundings.  Home owners often exhibit this level of attentiveness.  Similarly, renters who feel respected by their landlords, as reflected in the quality of maintenance and the attitudes of the staff, also feel a sense of ownership of the neighborhood. The design features need to help residents maintain control of their surroundings.  Exterior spaces should be "owned" by each unit to make each resident feel accountable for activity in their private space.  Passers-by also need to feel accountable - to feel that they cannot get away with illicit activity.  New buildings should face streets and open spaces to create "eyes on the street," permitting passive supervision from the windows.  Appropriate lighting and landscaping eliminate dangerous spots and enhance the quality of the space.