Start beautifying C.R. from inside out

There it was on the front page of Tuesday's Gazette: “Council members want prettier C.R. gateways.” I agree that we should have welcoming signs at the gateways to Cedar Rapids, and that they need to be attractive, interesting and well maintained.

However, first, we need to clean and beautify I-380 through the city, along with all of its exit and entrance ramps. I take I-380 to work, and as I exit at First Street, the same weeds, trash and dirt continue to greet me each morning. I feel that I have been welcomed to downtown Cedar Rapids by a city that greets its residents and visitors with the motto “We don't really care.”

So please don't call attention to Cedar Rapids until our care and maintenance reflects that we believe it is a great community - because visitors will know otherwise.

Peggy Stark

Cedar Rapids