Good things are happening in Wellington Heights

If you are considering moving and are looking for an affordable, friendly environment, Cedar Rapids offers just that in the Wellington Heights neighborhood.

I often get jeers and funny looks while I promote Wellington Heights, but I am constantly encouraging people to consider moving there. I have personally had a wonderful experience since moving here six years ago. It is where I bought my first house, where I currently live in my second house and where I met my wife. I have also made countless friends here and can't walk the dogs without running into more friendly people who live in the area.

Over the past few years there have been several initiatives to make the neighborhood a better place to live. A list of some of the current housing improvements includes:

' Full rehabilitation of the Commonwealth apartment (the largest residence in the neighborhood).

' Full rehabilitation of the Rose Apartment.

' 100 homes fully rehabbed by the Affordable Housing Network, Inc., and sold to owner-occupants.

' Historic home on Third Avenue is being moved and rehabbed.

It's not a matter of if, but rather when the Wellington neighborhood will see the full effect of the improvements that are taking place. However, one of the other big challenges the neighborhood faces is its reputation. The jeers and funny looks I receive are all part of an ingrained perception that people have about the neighborhood, a perception which has developed over decades. There are people working very hard to change not only the physical structures of the neighborhood, but also its reputation.

As a side note, did you know:

' Wellington Heights has among the lowest theft, burglary, and theft from autos when compared per capita to the other core neighborhoods in town?

' Wellington Heights used to be called the Jewel of Cedar Rapids because of its beautiful houses?

' Wellington Heights will have the only elementary school focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math in Cedar Rapids (Johnson Elementary) starting in the 2015-2016 school year?

' encourage you to take some time one day and really look at the beautiful houses and tree-lined streets that compose this neighborhood. Wellington Heights is a place where people live and play, work and learn. Every neighborhood has its struggles and we are working hard to overcome ours.

The spotlight is on Wellington Heights, now is our time to shine. I hope you will be a participant in the improvements of not just the physical structures, but of the reputation of my favorite neighborhood in Cedar Rapids.

' Justin Wasson is a local business owner, president of the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association and a community representative to The Gazette Editorial Board. Comments: jrwasson@live.com