(07/10/06) LONG BRANCH ? Residents in Long Branch say things are looking up despite the weekend shooting of two teens.

Longtime residents say overall crime appears to be declining on the streets of Long Branch as the negative influences leave the community. However, not everyone believes things are on the upswing. Some feel the arrival of the summer will lead to an increase in violence because children are out of school and bored on the streets.

Police share the optimism of some residents, citing a 65 percent decrease in crime over the last ten years. The arrival of new businesses and housing developments has further fueled hope among those in the community.