LTCF

[JohnXD]

I should also add that the areas that you mentioned have heavily increased police patrols/ presence after events like hockey games at the Sovereign Center. I'm sure that does cut down on your chances of being victimized a great deal. I hope that you continue to stay safe.
-John

[AR_in_READING]

I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but I do spend a lot of time in Reading after dark and have never fealt threatened in any way. The only time I have had any kind of confrontation was in Atlantic City heading back to the parking garage under Boardwalk Hall. AC doesn't get the rap that Reading does but I NEVER feel comfortable in the dark in AC. Once you venture off the star studded boardwalk, it's as dangerous as any part of Reading.

Unfortunately the SC doesn't allow concealled weapons, legal or otherwise. During times of heightened security they will search and they have patted me down for concerts. Even concealed weapon carry is difficult/borderline impossible in the SC. I can't imagine sitting in a plastic seat for 2-3 hours with a sevice size auto stuffed in the small of my back being very comforatable either. A weapon check would be nice but I can't say that I walk around Reading paranoid after a hockey game without a my handy pistolla. I have 2 handguns and neither of them are really "concealled cary" size.

I should also add that the areas that you mentioned have heavily increased police patrols/ presence after events like hockey games at the Sovereign Center. I'm sure that does cut down on your chances of being victimized a great deal. I hope that you continue to stay safe.
-John

You are absolutely correct John. Since the Astor was demolished and the SC was built, that area has gone from one of the most dangerous areas of Reading to one of the least. I wll also add that the Gougle works and the new IMAX has done some good for that section of Reading. That used to be an area that I woudln't go near, day or night. I have been to the new theater twice (Saturday nights) without seeing a soul that wasn't there to go to the movies. Much of Reading is not a problem but there are areas that I do avoid. The southeast side (thinking lower Cotton street, Spring Garden Street) and parts of the north side (thinking Schukylll Ave area) are in my opinion, are areas truely worthy of complete avoidance.. but there are many who will disagree with me on that as well. The housing costs have gotten so low in those areas that the riff raff has taken over. I have seen adds in the paper (not recently) where you can buy a row home on SchulkyllAve or Buttonwood St for $11000. The current soft real estate market isn't going to help those areas either.

[matty70]

Originally Posted by ChamberedRound

There used to be a separate form for references in Berks. That's now gone, but the LTCF application form itself does have boxes to provide references. I don't know if those references are checked when you show up to apply, or if they'll deny someone who doesn't have references listed. My gut says no on both, because Sheriff Weaknecht is a RKBA supporter, but it wouldn't hurt to call the Firearms License Unit at his office to check.

I got mine in May and when I went I walked in without the addresses of the references I asked if the phone #s were good enough and was told "No" I went outside called my refs got their addresses and went back in. They do not check refs but I guess you still have to fill in the blanks and dot your "i"s and cross your t"s. I guess they figure what's the point??? the refs always come back good! Who would put someone down as a reference if the ref would come back bad??? The only ref that counts is when they cal PICS. 15 mins and you're done.